In the co-main event of Bellator 258, we saw the final quarter-final matchup in the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson (22-6) was making his promotional debut against Jose Augusto (7-2, 1 NC).
Originally, Rumble was set to take on Yoel Romero in the co-main event tonight. However, Romero didn’t pass the pre-fight medicals and as a result, he was pulled off of Bellator 258.
The promotion decided to move forward with the Grand Prix and Jose Augusto got the call. Augusto just fought and won a month ago and he trains under the Pitbull brothers.
Augusto just made his Bellator debut back and April and he seemed more than ready to take on the challenge of Rumble Johnson. This is the first fight for Rumble Johnson in four years. The last time we saw him was at UFC 210 when he lost for the second time to Daniel Cormier.
Daniel Cormier is the only man to defeat Rumble in his last fourteen fights. Rumble was released from his UFC contract and signed an exclusive deal with Bellator. His debut was one of the more hyped Bellator debuts in recent memory. He was looking to make quick work of Jose Augusto tonight.
Bellator 258 Recap
Round 1
The Bellator 258 co-main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Rumble immediately takes the center of the cage and starts working his feints. A big leg kick from Rumble is countered by a 1-2 from Augusto.
Another good leg kick lands for Rumble. Rumble putting some pressure on Augusto and he throws a good push kick that backs Augusto up to the fence. Augusto tries to establish his jab, but he’s a bit out of range.
A really nice combination lands for Augusto. Augusto lands a right hand and you can tell he injured his hand. He tries to shake it out, but it’s clearly compromised. Rumble turns up the pressure afterwards.
Another right hand lands for Augusto, and he turns in pain. Rumble turns up the pressure and starts landing bombs, but Augusto isn’t backing down. A huge left hook lands for Augusto and down goes Rumble.
Incredible turn of events and Augusto is going for the finish. Rumble gets up and shoots for a takedown. Rumble lands the takedown as he tries to recover. The first round comes to a close and Rumble survives. 1-0 Augusto after one here at Bellator 258.
Round 2
Rumble definitely looked a little weary entering the second round at Bellator 258. He tries to start the striking with a leg kick, but he was a bit out of range. Augusto lands a good body kick to start his striking.
Solid lead left hook lands for Jose Augusto. Big left hook to the body lands for Augusto. Augusto is a one-handed fighter, but he’s winning the striking here. Nice jab lands for Augusto.
Rumble looking extremely tentative here in the second round. Then out of no where, a huge 1-2 lands from Rumble and Augusto is out. Rumble wins his Bellator debut by knockout.
Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson def. Jose Augusto by KO – Round 2