Leandro Higo and James Gallagher had a near-even match at the Bellator Champions Series in Belfast until one of them pulled away in the final stages.
Higo (23-6 MMA, 6-4 BMMA) had a strong performance in the third round at SSE Arena on Friday, earning him a unanimous decision against Gallagher (12-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA). Won a unanimous decision victory. After 15 minutes, all three judges ruled 29-28 in Higo's favor, with no disagreement.
After both fighters battled cautiously for several minutes in the first round, Higo rocked Gallagher with a spinning elbow and landed the first big shot with 1:45 remaining. Higo pointed at Gallagher and lunged at him, dragging him to the mat. Gallagher tried his best to get an ankle lock from the bottom, but Higo punished him with ground and pound to seal the round.
The second round was a close one without much action, but although Gallagher was starting to find a rhythm in the striking department, Higo carelessly landed a kick to the groin. After a timeout, Gallagher stood up and delivered a powerful shutout.
It was probably a draw for each round, but Higo won the entire third round, lifting Gallagher off his feet and scoring a big takedown with about 2:20 remaining. From there he controlled Gallagher on the mat, damaging him with many strikes in the final moments. Gallagher didn't have much of an answer at that point, but it proved to be enough for Higo to emerge victorious.
Higo is currently on a two-fight winning streak, but Gallagher has been unable to maintain his momentum following a split decision win over James Gonzalez last August.
The latest BCS: Belfast results include:
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Leandro Higo def. James Gallagher (unanimous decision) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Manoel Souza def. Tim Wilde wins by knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:48
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Ciaran Clarke def. Darius Maffi submission (arm triangle choke)
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Alfie Davies def. Oscar Ownsworth by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Luke trainer definition. Grant Neal unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Nathan Kelly def. Vikas Singh Ruhil Knockout (Elbow)
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Abraham Bably def. Isaiah Pinson unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie's Bellator Champions Series: Belfast event page.
The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie
