Pat Curran stood with one of the most feared knockout artists in the world at 145 pounds and beat Marlon Sandro in the race to land the first fight changing shot. Once he did, Sandro couldn't recover, and Curran took home another $100,000 check and another Bellator tournament title. Curran stopped Sandro with a brilliantly timed head kick to post the victory at the 4:00 mark of the second round at Bellator 48 in Uncasville, Ct.
The 23-year-old Curran has won 7-of-8. His resume of includes wins over Ronnie Mann, Roger Huerta, Toby Imada and Sandro. His only recent loss came via decision at lightweight against Eddie Alvarez, the No. 5 ranked 155-pounder in the world. Along with the big payday, Curran earns himself a future shot at the Bellator featherweight champ Joe Warren.
When it started back in June, Sandro (19-3) was a sizable favorite to win the tournament. The Brazilian entered last night's fight ranked No. 5 at featherweight while Curran (16-4) was way down at No. 19.
It was far from an easy night for Curran. Sandro, 34, was outpacing him and landing the more effective shots on the feet. The first round was close, but Cagewriter gave a slight edge to Sandro. In the second, Curran's output dipped and a Sandro overhand right with 3;30 left ripped open a nasty gash over the American's eye. Curran simply wasn't throwing enough shots to score. When he got a little more active, it quickly changed the direction of the fight.
Curran flicked out a double jab, Sandro ducked to his left to avoid the punches and that's when the American unleashed the head kick. It was perfect. Sandro's momentum took him right into Curran's right shin. Sandro went down in a heap and his arms fell to the side. Curran jumped on top and unloaded three more punches on the defenseless Brazilian. Referee Keith Peterson launched himself through the air to push Curran away and save Sandro.
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