Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Bellator Fights

9. Douglas Lima vs. Michael Page 1 | Bellator 221 (May 11, 2019)

Michael “Venom” Page is a polarizing fighter. I love him, but many dislike his showboating and bravado. There wasn’t much for the latter group to celebrate before his fight at Bellator 221 though, as he was a perfect 14-0 and had just won the biggest fight of his life, a grudge match over fellow world-class British striker Paul Daley. There were many hopes pinned to Lima, already a two-time Bellator welterweight champion who was in his prime at the age of 31 and had looked sensational in winning a rubber match over another former Bellator champion, Andrey Koreshkov, by submission. This was also a highly important showdown, as it was the semifinals of the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix, with the winner advancing to the finals against then-champion Rory MacDonald, with the welterweight crown, grand prix title, and $1 million all on the line.

Page started out aggressively, throwing a flurry of punches and then attacking with side kicks. Lima defended well and then Page started his trademark antics, pretending to bounce a basketball between his legs. Lima started working his own offense with his dreaded leg kicks, among the best in the sport. Page looked to counter with explosive right crosses, but Lima continued his sturdy defense. At one point Page sprang too far forward and Lima took him down. For the rest of the round, “MVP” locked in a closed full guard and controlled Lima’s wrist, preventing him from landing much. The Brazilian grew frustrated and the crowd booed as the round ended. Page began the second round with a series of fancy kicks, including a spinning roundhouse attempt. Perhaps lulled by these attempts, Lima's defense finally faltered and Page smacked him with a one-two that left him dazed. Page put both hands down and crouched. However, he was too predictable with his trademark leap forward and right cross, as Lima timed a monster leg kick, causing Page to fall onto his knees. With his opponent directly in front of him, Lima blasted him with one of the best uppercuts in MMA history, causing Page’s head to snap back, his lifeless body collapsing onto the floor. Just like that, it was over. People who love to hate Page got everything they ever wanted and then some, as he not only lost for the first time, but was destroyed by one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history.

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