Bellator 218 Results: Incredible comeback victory, veteran returns to heavyweight after 10 years

#3 Valentine Moldavsky (7-1) vs. Linton Vassell (18-7) (Heavyweight)

Moldavsky's spoiled Vassell's plans of successfully returning to his 'natural weight'.

Linton Vassell's jump back to Heavyweight after nearly ten years was a much-anticipated event in itself. A lot was expected from the former Light Heavyweight title contender, but he needed to be game as he was up against the talented Valentine Moldavsky. These Russians are dangerous!

'The Swarm' won the first round as took Moldavsky down twice throughout the round and even controlled positions while on the mat. He ended the round in half-guard and looked decent as a 205+ fighter.

Moldavsky, though, clawed his way back into the fight as he got in a takedown in the second round and found himself in some solid positions in top guard in the second round. Moldavsky imposed himself on Vassell at the end of the second round and even attempted an Arm Triangle Choke. Vassell, though, defended well and forced the fight into the decider. It was one-a-piece up on the scorecard up until this point.

Both men were exhausted as the third round began, in which, Moldavsky wasted no time and took Vassell down within 22 seconds. The fight continued on the ground until the end of the round as Moldavsky pinned Vassell down and took the round.

Result: Valentine Moldavsky def. Linton Vassell via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Vassell's return to Heavyweight didn't pan out the way he expected as Moldavsky endured a rocky first round to notch up his third straight win in Bellator.

🔥 @LDV_TheSwarm with the takedown early in round one!Our #Bellator218 Main Card continues LIVE on 📺 The Paramount Network & simulcast on 📲 @DAZN_USA!Tune in with @SkySports in the 🇬🇧. pic.twitter.com/trm0NRVaqo

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 23, 2019