This morning in Tokyo, a joint tournament of one of the biggest promotions in the world, Bellator, and the Rizin Asian wrestling league was held. Of course, a large-scale event could not do without the participation of Russian fighters. The main card opened with former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov taking on UFC veteran and current Japanese League star Lorenz Larkin. For the rivals, this fight was a rematch. In the first head-to-head fight in October 2019, the American won a split decision.
Photo Source: Bellator
The fight started quite briskly, the Russian and the American exchanging a series of blows. In the first round it was difficult to give preference to someone, he was on an equal footing. Larkin took the opponent down over and over again, trying to get him to the ground. Andrei defended competently and confidently responded with powerful kicks and accurate kicks, he acted quickly and variously.
The second round was a real test of strength for Koreshkov. Larkin tried to work close range and Andrei, in turn, tried to land a takedown. The fighters seem to have switched roles. In the third round, a real meat grinder has already begun, in which the American, to be honest, looked better than our compatriot. Following the end of the last five minutes, the judges were faced with a difficult choice.
Four years ago, only one of the three judges gave the Russian victory. The result turned out to be almost the same as in 2019, but this time it was a mirror image. The Russian fighter won via split decision – 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. The fans, however, quite enthusiastically accepted Koreshkov’s victory. Seeing such an exciting fight, and even at the start of the main card, is a real treat for MMA fans.
Photo Source: Bellator
By the way, after losing to Larkin in 2019, Koreshkov never lost again and went on a four-win series, which never stopped with the American. Andrey himself admitted after the fight that the fight was extremely difficult for him, but “there is still gunpowder in the jars.” Apparently, Koreshkov’s next fight will be for the title against Yaroslav Amosov. Well, let’s look forward to this fight.
