Brandon Girtz
USA
Falls to Michael Chandler in the main event of Bellator 197
Girtz lost to Michael Chandler via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:00 of Round 1 at Bellator 197 on Friday in St. Charles, Mo.
ANALYSIS
Girtz took this fight against the former champion on short notice. In his previous fight, he had scored a first-round victory over Lyka Jelcic at Bellator 190. Despite being a big underdog in this fight, Girtz landed some hard strikes early in the round. However, towards the end of the frame, Chandler closed the distance and scored a takedown. From there, the former champion locked in an arm-triangle choke that finished the fight. Girtz is often involved in exciting fights and will keep his job in Bellator, but he might not get another shot at entering the title picture.
Girtz took this fight against the former champion on short notice. In his previous fight, he had scored a first-round victory over Lyka Jelcic at Bellator 190. Despite being a big underdog in this fight, Girtz landed some hard strikes early in the round. However, towards the end of the frame, Chandler closed the distance and scored a takedown. From there, the former champion locked in an arm-triangle choke that finished the fight. Girtz is often involved in exciting fights and will keep his job in Bellator, but he might not get another shot at entering the title picture.
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Steps in for Primus at Bellator 197
Girtz will now face Michael Chandler in the main event of Bellator 197 on April 13, Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a big opportunity for the 33-year-old Girtz, who will step up on short notice to replace Brent Primus, who had to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury. Look for Girtz to enter as a heavy underdog against a fighter who is likely the best 155-pounder on the Bellator roster. Girtz had been on a three-fight losing streak, but recently got back on the right track with a first-round TKO victory over Luka Jelcic. With the promotion limited by short-notice options, this was enough to get him a main event spot.
It's a big opportunity for the 33-year-old Girtz, who will step up on short notice to replace Brent Primus, who had to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury. Look for Girtz to enter as a heavy underdog against a fighter who is likely the best 155-pounder on the Bellator roster. Girtz had been on a three-fight losing streak, but recently got back on the right track with a first-round TKO victory over Luka Jelcic. With the promotion limited by short-notice options, this was enough to get him a main event spot.
Stops losing streak with first-round knockout
Girtz defeated Luka Jelcic via TKO (punches) at 1:57 of Round 1 at Bellator 190 on Saturday in Florence, Italy.
ANALYSIS
Girtz really needed this win after dropping three straight fights. He needed less than a round to turn around his career. He closed the distance early in the first round and landed with multiple uppercuts. The power strikes caused a lot of damage on Jelcic, and he could not continue. This was a good recovery fight for Girtz. His previous fight was a devastating loss both physically and for his status in the promotion. This victory gets him back on track in the Bellator lightweight division.
Girtz really needed this win after dropping three straight fights. He needed less than a round to turn around his career. He closed the distance early in the first round and landed with multiple uppercuts. The power strikes caused a lot of damage on Jelcic, and he could not continue. This was a good recovery fight for Girtz. His previous fight was a devastating loss both physically and for his status in the promotion. This victory gets him back on track in the Bellator lightweight division.
Suffers massive cut that stops Bellator 181 main event
Girtz lost to Derek Campos via TKO (cut) at 5:00 of Round 2 at Bellator 181 on Friday in Thackerville, Okla.
ANALYSIS
Both fighters came into this fight looking to throw power shots. In the first round, both fighters had their moments. Girtz appeared to hurt Campos, but "The Stallion" came charging back with a knee. The knee landed hard and opened a large cut on Girtz's forehead. From there the two continued to land huge shots against each other. The referee and doctor allowed Girtz to come out for the second round. However, after catching a more blows, the bout was stopped prior to the final round. Since defeating Campos in 2015, Girtz has now lost three-straight fights. However, this was a great fight, and he will almost certainly get another shot in Bellator.
Both fighters came into this fight looking to throw power shots. In the first round, both fighters had their moments. Girtz appeared to hurt Campos, but "The Stallion" came charging back with a knee. The knee landed hard and opened a large cut on Girtz's forehead. From there the two continued to land huge shots against each other. The referee and doctor allowed Girtz to come out for the second round. However, after catching a more blows, the bout was stopped prior to the final round. Since defeating Campos in 2015, Girtz has now lost three-straight fights. However, this was a great fight, and he will almost certainly get another shot in Bellator.
To replace Patricky Freire for Bellator 181
Girtz will face Derek Campos in a lightweight matchup at Bellator 181 on July 14 in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
ANALYSIS
Girtz will be filling the shoes of Patricky Freire, who was scheduled to face Derek Campos but switched events to take on Ben Henderson at Bellator 183. Campos and Girtz fought back in 2015 with Girtz coming out ahead via TKO (punches) over "The Stallion". He maintains a 14-6 record with eight submission wins. Girtz is entering the fight after two straight losses.
Girtz will be filling the shoes of Patricky Freire, who was scheduled to face Derek Campos but switched events to take on Ben Henderson at Bellator 183. Campos and Girtz fought back in 2015 with Girtz coming out ahead via TKO (punches) over "The Stallion". He maintains a 14-6 record with eight submission wins. Girtz is entering the fight after two straight losses.
Bumps up to 170 and drops decision
Girtz lost to Fernando Gonzalez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-26) at Bellator 174 in Thackerville, Okla. on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Girtz moved up from lightweight for this welterweight fight. His lack of size definitely hurt him in this fight. While he was able to score takedowns, he could not hold Gonzalez down. He kept getting stuck in guillotine chokes or losing his opponent in scrambles. On the feet, Gonzalez was the better striker, and it showed. In the third round Gonzalez busted up Girtz. He has now lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his career.
Girtz moved up from lightweight for this welterweight fight. His lack of size definitely hurt him in this fight. While he was able to score takedowns, he could not hold Gonzalez down. He kept getting stuck in guillotine chokes or losing his opponent in scrambles. On the feet, Gonzalez was the better striker, and it showed. In the third round Gonzalez busted up Girtz. He has now lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his career.