November 16, 2018
Pop lost to Itzik Rubinov via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at Bellator 209 on Thursday in Tel Aviv, Israel.
ANALYSIS
Pop took this fight on late notice against a hometown fighter. Things got off to a good start for Pop. He landed some shots on the outside and then landed a takedown. However, he was not able to impose his will from the top and was nearly submitted. For the next two rounds, Rubinov was the one working from the top and winning the fight. Pop took this fight on late notice, but he likely will not earn another shot in the promotion.