6 Takeaways From Bellator NYC
5. Lima Vs. Larkin Didn't Quite Live Up To The Hype
This fight opened up the pay-per-view and was labelled as the people's main event. Technically, it was an excellent fight, but Douglas Lima and Lorenz Larkin seemed to fight in spurts, and long periods of inactivity and tentativeness wasn't to everyone's taste.
After a cagey first round, Larkin looked to have figured out Lima's movement in the second. Larkin threw lots of feints and step-ins in the opening five minutes to try and telegraph Lima's reactions. In the second Larkin came forward and started to land, but Lima responded with a big combo which dropped Larkin momentarily.
Larkin adopted a southpaw stance almost exclusively for the final three frames. Whether that was a strategic thing or a result of kicks to his lead leg, it was tough to tell. But by the end of the third, it was clear Larkin was three rounds down, and needed something to happen if he was going to take the welterweight title.
Larkin had his best success in Rounds 4 and 5 as Lima started to slow down a little, but Lima was able to keep mostly out of trouble with his heavy jab, keeping Larkin at a manageable distance and being able to score when he came forward.
Lima's unanimous decision win means he will defend the title next against Rory MacDonald, and MacDonald said that if Lima performs like that it'll be "another body in the grave." A little harsh undoubtedly, but a sneak peak to the build to an intriguing fight.