Phil Davis dethrones Brit Liam McGeary to take Bellator light-heavyweight crown

BRITISH Bellator light-heavyweight champion Liam McGeary’s title reign lasted just one fight as he was dethroned by former UFC star Phil ‘Mr Wonderful’ Davis at Bellator 163.

The British grappler’s black belt jiu jitsu skills were effectively nullified by Davis’ elite-level wrestling as ‘Mr Wonderful’ dominated proceedings across the five 5-minute rounds.

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And new: Phil Davis is the new Bellator MMA 205lb champion[/caption]

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Clash of styles: The bout pitted jiu jitsu ace McGeary against wrestling standout Davis[/caption]

Indeed, the powerful American won every round on every scorecard, earning two 10-8 rounds on one scorecard and one on another as he ran out the landslide winner with scores of 50-43, 50-45 and 50-44.

Davis’ win takes his run of form to four fights, four wins under the Bellator banner following his high-profile switch from the UFC.

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Scoring strike: Davis connects with a big head kick[/caption]

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Power double: Davis went to his bread and butter – his wrestling – to take McGeary to the mat[/caption]

Davis’ record now stands at 17 wins, 3 losses, with those three defeats coming against elite-level opposition (Ryan Bader, Anthony Johnson and Rashad Evans).

But now he’s hit arguably the best form of his career as he captured the first major world title of his pro MMA career.

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Top control: Once on the mat, Davis nullified the Brit’s jiu jitsu skills as he ran out a clear decision winner[/caption]

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New champion: Davis with Bellator president Scott Coker[/caption]