Top 5 Bellator fights of 2021

#2. Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots – Bellator 264

Photo Credit: Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA

Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots was a Bellator bantamweight matchup between two of the top 135-pounders in the division. It was an excellent grappling display.

Stots and Magomedov were battling for positions and gave fans an appreciation for high-level grappling. Stots had Magomedov in trouble as he was close to applying a rear-naked choke in the third-round. After a hard-fought battle between the two, Stots was awarded the unanimous decision win. With the win, Stots extended his winning streak to nine straight wins.

Stots was the more polished striker on the feet. However, what made his win more impressive was that he beat Magomedov in the wrestling and grappling, which is an area he usually thrives in. There’s a chance the two could meet again inside the Bellator cage as they will both be participating in the bantamweight Grand Prix.

---

#1. Paul Daley vs. Sabah Homasi – Bellator 257

Photo credit Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA

Topping this list of top Bellator fights of 2021 is Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley vs. TUF alum Sabah Homasi. The two welterweights competed in a 175lb catchweight bout and didn’t waste any time going for a devastating knockout.

Less than a minute into the fight, Homasi rocked Daley with a right-hook behind the ear and then dropped him with another right-hook moments later. Homasi continued his onslaught, but 'Semtex' did enough to stay in the fight. Daley unloaded on Homasi with knees and punches to end the round, which allowed him to regain some momentum.

‘Semtex’ completed the comeback in the second-round, when he caught Homasi’s kick and fired back with a left-hook to the jaw. Daley then finished Homasi with hammer fists to earn the TKO win at 1:44 of round-two. The bout was an excellent start to the Bellator 257 main card and a reminder that Daley isn’t done yet.