Bellator is back in the PPV business as The Big Apple played host to Bellator NYC. The main card saw Bellator’s lightweight title change hands, as Michael Chandler was upset by Brent Primus with a 1st round TKO by way of doctor’s stoppage. Another upset took place at Bellator NYC as Zach Freeman spoiled the hyped up professional debut for the international wrestling standout Aaron Pico, with a swift :24 Guillotine. The Bellator NYC PPV was kicked off with Douglas Lima and Lorenz Larkin throwing down for Bellator’s welterweight title, but it was Lima who picked up the unanimous decision to retain his crown.

Main Card:

Michael Chandler Brent Primus def. Michael Chandler by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 2:22 of round 1: Lightweight Title

Brent Primus came out hard against Michael Chandler, injuring the veterans ankle in the process. Chandler gutted it out, and continued to fight as the ankle continued to buckle, before the referee stopped the action to have the doctor take a look. The referee called a halt to the bout on the recommendation of the doctor at 2:22 of the 1st round, and Brent Primus is Bellator’s new lightweight champion. Rematch anyone?

Zach Freeman def. Aaron Pico by submission (Guillotine) :24 of round 1: Lightweight

Aaron Pico’s professional MMA debut ended quicker than a tick in a New York minute, thanks to a :24 club and sub at the hands of Zach Freeman. Freeman dropped his opponent with a well timed uppercut, and immediately dove on the neck with a Guillotine. Pico tapped out from the submission hold, but still went unconscious anyways. Freeman picked up a major win, with Pico moving to 0-1.

Douglas Lima def. Lorenz Larkin by unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47 x2): Welterweight Title

There was a ton of mutual respect shown by both top welterweights to kick off the Bellator NYC PPV. Few strikes landed in the opening round, but Lima was able to land a few leg kicks to the lead leg of Larkin.

The action picked up in the second stanza, as Larkin began to open up with his punching combinations. Following a solid Larkin left hook, Lima landed a heavier one of his own, sending Larkin to the mat. Lima followed his foe to the ground, but Larkin was able to recover, and finished up the round on his feet. The third round saw Lima land the cleaner strikes of the two fighters, without much of any significant damage being dealt out. Larkin came alive a bit in the fourth round, staying busy and moving forward, with Lima landed some flush shots of his own, and scored a brief takedown, making the round a challenge to score.

The final round saw Lorenz Larkin get extra busy, looking to land his punches, but Lima was right there every step of the way to answer with blows of his own. The last round was another tough one to call, but it seemed as though Larkin scored a bit more. When it was all said and done, it was Douglas Lima who walked away with the unanimous decision victory to retain his Bellator welterweight title. Is Rory MacDonald next?

Watch Douglas Lima help Lorenz Larkin have a seat at Bellator NYC:

Neiman Gracie def. Dave Marfone by submission (RNC) at 2:27 of round 2: Welterweight

It was no surprise to see Gracie close the distance right away, as he put Marfone on his back in about 2 minutes into the fight. Marfone managed to scramble back to his feet, and fended off the rest of Gracie’s takedown attempts, and even jumped a Guillotine of his own to close out the opening round. The second stanza saw Gracie find the back position, to which Marfone attempted to roll out of. It was only a matter of time before Gracie found the Rear-Naked Choke, forcing the tap at 2:27 of round 2.