LONDON - Gegard Mousasi steamrolled Rafael Carvalho in the first round to claim the Bellator middleweight title in the main event of today's historic Bellator 200 fight card.
Mousasi (44-6-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) closed out the 200th event in Bellator history when he quickly got on top of Carvalho (15-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) in the first round and beat the Brazilian into a TKO stoppage just over three minutes after the fight began. With the win, Mousasi becomes the fifth Bellator middleweight champion and the first in MMA history to win titles under the Bellator and Strikeforce banners.
The middleweight title bout headlined Bellator 200, which aired on Paramount via tape-delay from The SSE Arena in London.
"It feels good," Mousasi told John McCarthy in his post-fight interview. "I worked hard for this. I want to thank my coaches, my trainers, my friends. All my friends who came, the audience who came. Making time and spending the money to come watch the fights."
Mousasi, 32, had a very obvious game plan from the opening bell. He exchanged a few kicks with Carvalho, but as soon as he saw a chance for the takedown, he took full advantage. Once he got on top, the end was imminent.
"The Dreamcatcher" gave Carvalho no room to work from bottom position. He landed hard and precise ground-and-pound shots and forced Carvalho to give up back mount. From there, he unleashed a flurry of punches. The referee gave Carvalho several chances to improve his position, and when he couldn't, the bout was waved off at the 3:35 mark of Round 1.
"With five rounds I was thinking it could go five rounds, but I fight with heavy guys, and my strength is up there," Mousasi said. "When I'm in top position I'm good, I think."
With his title win, Mousasi improved to 10-1 in his past 11 fights. His seven-fight winning streak is his longest since 2009, and now he's looking for a big fight. He made it clear what he wants, calling for a matchup with Bellator welterweight champ Rory MacDonald (20-4 MMA, 2-0 BMMA).
"I think everyone wants to see Rory MacDonald," Mousasi said. "Hopefully he doesn't chicken out and we have a fight."
For complete coverage of Bellator 200, check out the MMA Events section of the site.