Top 5 Bellator fights of 2021

#4. Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson vs. Jose Augusto – Bellator 258

Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson and Jose Augusto competed in the first round of Bellator's light heavyweight Grand Prix. Johnson was originally scheduled to fight Yoel Romero, but he was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a medical issue.

Augusto then stepped up and took advantage of this massive opportunity by welcoming ‘Rumble’ to Bellator. Augusto almost pulled off a massive upset when he dropped ‘Rumble’ with a powerful left-hook. Johnson managed to recover and stopped Augusto from applying a rear-naked choke.

Both fighters came out swinging in the second-round and ‘Rumble’ finished Augusto with a vicious right-hand at 1:30. Johnson capped off his Bellator debut with the type of knockout fans were accustomed to seeing during his UFC career.

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#3. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov vs. Karl Albrektsson – Bellator 268

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov and Karl Albrektsson competed in a thrilling bout that would see the winner improve their status in the light heavyweight top 10.

It was a great back-and-forth slugfest between the two. Albrektsson’s toughness was on full display as Yagshimuradov connected with spin-kicks and a flying knee. Albrektsson found success with his counter-strikes and his grappling. Although Albretksson was having success with his grappling, it didn’t stop Yagshimuradov from going for the knockout blow.

Albrektsson managed to get Yagshimuradov to the ground, but he had to absorb significant strikes before getting him there. The fight could’ve gone either way as Yagshimuradov had more success in the standup, but Albrektsson was more effective on the ground. Albrektsson was awarded the unanimous decision after all three judges scored the bout 29-28.