On the same day that Bellator announced Fedor Emelianenko will headline the promotion's first-ever event in Moscow on Oct. 23, one of Team Fedor's members scored his biggest victory to date.
Valentin Moldavsky defeated Tim Johnson by unanimous decision on Friday night to be crowned the first Bellator interim heavyweight champion and the promotion's first interim champ, period. Judges at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut scored it 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 all in favor of the Russian.
Moldavsky was the younger, sharper fighter, who landed the cleaner shots in this tilt, landing 72 total strikes to Johnson's 33.
"I'm very tired, I'm really happy I won," an exhausted Moldavsky said through a translator. "I thought it was going to be an easier fight, but it is what it is."
After an even first two rounds, Moldavsky's calculated pressure and tenacity paid off in the form of a pivotal takedown, as he took Johnson's back.
The fourth round would worsen for Johnson when Moldavsky inadvertently clashed heads with him, opening a sizeable gash over the American's left eye.
Although Johnson hung tough and had his moments in the fifth and final round, judges sided with Moldavsky.
Just like that, in becoming the first interim champion in Bellator's history, Moldavsky has crowded the throne occupied by heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. Although Moldavsky refrained from commenting about the champ, Bader wouldn't do the same the other way.
Women's flyweight co-main event: Liz Carmouche destroys Kana Watanabe with first-round KO
One right hand to the head stunned Watanabe. Another clubbing right to the temple brushed her back against the cage. From there, Carmouche teed off with heavy-handed rights and lefts until Watanabe was knocked out on her feet. And it only took 35 seconds. Big statement made by Carmouche, reducing a previously-undefeated fighter to rubble.