Not much to write home about tonight after Bellator 180 as once again they miscast the main event. Sure, the rivalry between Chael Sonnen and “Wandy” was a hot one (4 years ago), however, the decision to make it the centerpiece of their second ever pay per view, may prove to be fatal. We shall see when the buy numbers come in, as the main event fell flat with a Sonnen slow and methodical 30-27 decision win.
Despite the lackluster main event, the card did have plenty of other action from MSG, and here are our Three Takeaways from that action.
Don’t Believe The Hype
It took all of 24 measly seconds for the hype of the Ultimate Fight Machine Aaron Pico to disappear. I’ve never seen such hype and anticipation for a competitor with ZERO MMA professional fights on his record then I had seen for Pico.
The hype was strong after having won the U.S. national championship in all 3 styles, Freestyle, Folkstyle and Greco Roman. He went on to become the
- 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg 2nd place
- 2016 Alexander Medved International Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Bronze Medal
- 2015 Bill Farrell Memorial International Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Champion
The hype didn’t stop there however as even NIKE bought in. In April 2014, Aaron signed a multi-year shoe endorsement with Nike. In early November 2014, Pico signed a long term unprecedented contract with Bellator, as their new blue chip prospect. Some in the fight game even starting comparing him to Jon Bones Jones.
Three years would go by until he finally entered the Bellator Cage. And after all of the waiting, the hype and anticipation he gets submitted to unknown journeyman Zach Freeman….. Not a good look for Bellator.
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