#3 Cheick Kongo vs. Vitaly Minakov (Heavyweight)
Bellator veteran Kongo came into the fight on a seven-fight win streak against undefeated Russian Juggernaut Vitaly Minakov, which would be their second meeting. Minakov came out on top during their first fight that went the distance.
The winner of the rematch would become the #1 contender for Ryan Bader's Heavyweight title.
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Round 1: Minakov was the aggressor from the onset as he tagged Kongo with a few strikes. Kongo was flat footed and seemed wary of Minakov's punches. However, Kongo managed to duck under one and get in the body lock.
He took the fight to the cage and controlled position in the clinch. Kongo then landed a knee to Minakov's groin and the referee was forced to momentarily stop the fight. Minakov recuperated as Kongo was warned about the accidental knee to the groin.
The fight continued as Kongo had to work his way back to a dominant position he just lost. Kongo countered a charging Minakov with kicks. Minakov ended the round with an overhand right that missed before clinching with Kongo onto the cage.
Round 2: Kongo circled away to begin the round and landed a solid leg kick. He landed another leg kick as he looked to set up the counter right. Not much happened as Kongo kept retreating and refused to engage.
The crowd booed as the commentators themselves declared that there was no play-by-play required for the lack of activity. One minute to go and Minakov kept rushing forward only to see Kongo go back.
The boos reverberated around the arena as Minakov got hold of Kongo. Kongo avoided it and attempted a body lock. Minakov broke free but Kongo was the one who followed him this time and connected with a right hand, a knee and a left-hand strike.
Kongo landed another overhand right and ended the round strong with uppercuts and knees.
10-9 Minakov
Round 3: Kongo with four hard leg kicks as he to chopped away on Minakov's left leg.
Minakov finally landed a successful takedown and assumed top position. This is where Kongo didn't want to be. Minakov landed strikes from half guard as he looked to set up the choke.
Minakov almost cut the air supply to Kongo but the 43-year-old slithered his way out. Minakov didn't let go as he landed shots to the body and face of Kongo on the ground.
They got back on their feet at the end of the round and Kongo realized he had to do something to finish the fight. Bombs from Kongo as he stunned Minakov with a well-placed uppercut. Kongo caught Minakov in a Thai clinch and unloaded some vicious knees. Minakov looked spent as Kongo shot for a takedown.
Minakov stuffed it and the fight came to close. A strong finish for Kongo but was it enough to convince the judges?
Tough fight to score!
Result: Cheick Kongo def. Vitaly Minakov via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Kongo surprisingly notched up his eighth straight win in the title eliminator as he handed 34-year-old Minakov his first professional loss. Kongo not only gets retribution but also a shot at Bader's Heavyweight title.
Was Minakov robbed though?