Curran over Huerta, Alvarez over Neer at Bellator 17
Pat Curran, the 22-year-old descendant of MMA royalty pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in recent memory Thursday…
Pat Curran, the 22-year-old descendant of MMA royalty pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in recent memory Thursday night with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over former UFC standout and Bellator Lightweight Tournament favorite Roger Huerta at Bellator 17 in Boston.
Curran’s stunning victory, which quickly set the MMA world abuzz, served to highlight Bellator’s first-of-its-kind tournament-style format, which has also given rise to several other decided underdogs since its inception last year.
“It was a tremendous night for Pat and a tremendous testament to our tournament format,” Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said afterward. “This was proof of our concept and exactly what I hoped this organization could provide to fighters. I wanted great fighters to have the opportunity to fight other great fighters where nothing but their performance would dictate their future … an organization where it made no difference if a fighter was world-famous or simply had world class ability. Pat Curran took huge advantage of this opportunity tonight and deserves everything he’s receiving.
The first nationally-televised MMA event in Boston history also witnessed a spectacular Super Fight victory by reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez while reigning Submission of the Year title holder Toby Imada punched his ticket to this year’s finals.
But the night undoubtedly belonged to Curran who improved his pro record to 11-3 and took a huge step out of the shadow of his cousin and longtime trainer, MMA legend Jeff The Big Frog Curran.
160 lbs.: Eddie Alvarez def. Josh Neer via submission (rear naked choke) 2:08 R2
265 lbs.: Cole Konrad defeats Pat Bennett via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 30-27)
155 lbs.: Pat Curran def. Roger Huerta via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
155 lbs.: Toby Imada def. Carey Vanier via submission (armbar) 3:33 R2
185 lbs.: Greg Rebello def. John Doyle via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
185 lbs.: Justin Torrey def. Lance Everson via TKO (knees) 3:55 R2
145 lbs.: Josh Laberge def. Dan Bonnell via TKO (strikes) 0:48 R1
170 lbs.: Chuck O’Neil def. Damian Vitale via TKO (strikes) 1:02 R3