The sport of mixed martial arts is such that so great and many are the variables, sometimes a particular moment or position will lend itself perfectly to a technique rarely seen inside the ring or cage. When a fighter’s mind is sharp and their training is at a level that allows him or her to identify and seize that moment, they earn a chance to live forever in the glory of the highlight reel.

In March of 2011, Rich Rare Breed Hale took on Nik The Machete Fekete in the quarterfinal round of Bellator’s Season 4 light heavyweight tournament. Hale was the more experienced of the two, bringing a record of fifteen wins, three losses and one draw. Fekete, despite having less professional mixed martial arts experience, came into the fight undefeated and with one of his four wins coming over future UFC light heavyweight Ovince St. Preaux.

The fight begins with a feeling out period of about a minute, as each fighter worked to find his range and not much was thrown or landed. At the one minute mark, Fekete shoots in on Hale and is able to secure a single leg takedown that lands him in side control. From there, Hale is somehow able to kick his own legs up, bringing his right leg over the shoulder of Fekete and his left leg under his arm. Hale has the presence of mind to lock in the triangle and Fekete stands in an effort to shake him off. Hale keeps the triangle locked on tightly and both men fall back to the mat. Moments later, Nik Fekete is rendered unconscious and referee Jason Herzog calls a stop to the fight at 1:55 of the first round, declaring Rich Hale winner by reverse triangle choke.

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Bellator 38
Bellator Fighting Championships
March 26, 2011
Harrah’s Tunica Hotel and Casino
Tunica, Mississippi
Card featured the opening round fights in the Bellator Season Four Light Heavyweight Tournament.