Knockout of the Day: Chad Leonhardt vs. Dan Keenan @ Bellator IX
(Courtesy of YouTube.com/BellatorMMA)
Though Hector Lombard drew most of the attention at Friday’s Bellator show, the night’s best stoppage belonged to Chad Leonhardt — great name for a fighter, by the way — who scored a YouTube-worthy first-round KO over Daniel Keenan. Watch as Leonhardt crushes Keenan with an overhand right, then puts him to sleep with a mouthpiece-ejecting knee to the face. Thanks, Chad. Bellator’s upcoming schedule is after the jump…
Bellator X, June 5th in Ontario, California: Joe Soto vs. Yahir Reyes for featherweight title; plus Wilson Reis vs. Roberto Vargas, and Matt Horwich vs. Bryan Baker
Bellator XI, June 12th in Uncasville, Connecticut: Omar De La Cruz vs. Lyman Good for welterweight title
Bellator XII, June 19th in Hollywood, Florida: Eddie Alvarez vs. Toby Imada for lightweight title, Hector Lombard vs. Jared Hess for middleweight title; plus Jorge Masvidal vs. Eric Reynolds
About Bellator’s Early Years
Bellator launched in 2009 with a tournament format that gave fighters a clear path to title shots, and early events like this one helped build its reputation as the UFC’s main domestic rival. Hector Lombard, the attraction at this show, went on to become Bellator middleweight champion and one of the most feared knockout artists outside the UFC before signing with the UFC in 2012.
Highlight-reel finishes from undercard fighters like Chad Leonhardt were a big part of how Bellator built an audience in its first seasons.