5 takeaways from Bellator 280

#2. Yoel Romero snaps losing skid and earns first Bellator win

Yoel Romero showed that age is just a number as he defeated Alex Polizzi in the co-main event of Bellator 280. The win was significant as it snapped a four-fight losing streak that dated back to 2019. It was also his first win in the promotion after losing his debut to former Bellator light heavyweight champion Phil Davis last year.

The 45-year-old was patient and dropped Polizzi throughout the bout with a powerful overhand left. It was a dominant performance against the No.7-ranked light heavyweight and should get him back into the title picture. It was a reminder of how good ‘Soldier of God’ still is.

The promotion didn’t waste any time in announcing his next bout. Romero will fight Melvin Manhoef in Dublin on September 23. The two MMA veterans were originally scheduled to compete on this Paris card, but Manhoef was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

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#1. Ryan Bader wins rematch and retains Bellator heavyweight championship

Ryan Bader successfully retained his Bellator heavyweight championship after a dominant unanimous decision over Cheick Kongo. The win put their rivalry to rest after a controversial ending to their 2019 bout.

‘Darth’ stuck to his wrestling and didn’t allow Kongo any opportunity to get too comfortable with his standup. Whenever the challenger landed a combination, the champion immediately shot for takedowns and forced him to fight off his back. It was an ongoing battle for Kongo, who was forced to exert plenty of energy to get out of wrestling transitions.

The champion did what he needed to do in order to retain the title. It will be interesting to see what Kongo does next as this was his second title shot against Bader. He turns 47 years old on May 17, so perhaps a main event in France could be a fitting end to his career.