CHICAGO – Archie Colgan knew what he was getting himself into Friday at Bellator 297, but somehow, he was still surprised.
For the first time as a professional MMA fighter, Colgan (8-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) needed all 15 minutes to pick up a victory, when he defeated former featherweight title challenger Emmanuel Sanchez (20-9 MMA, 12-8 BMMA) via unanimous decision in a lightweight bout.
The decision win marked the end of his career-long finishing streak. While Colgan believed in his opponent’s reputation as a tough out, Sanchez’s stalwartness and durability was even above expectations.
“I did truly believe that I was going to get the finish in that fight,” Colgan told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Leading into the fight, I believed that. Even during the fight, I was hitting him with some big shots. I was doing the damage and I believed until we heard 30 seconds left. Up until that point, I still believed that I was going to find a finish. I didn’t, but I see now why he is 20 fights in Bellator and has yet to be finished.”
Colgan, 27, isn’t rushing to get back into the cage. His life is in the midst of a major personal event. Two weeks ago, Colgan and his wife welcomed their second child into the world.
“I would like to take a little bit of time off and enjoy Dad life and really get a bond with my second son, as I haven’t been able to really do that in the midst of this camp,” Colgan said. “Maybe late this year, October, November, or if a certain Irish lad in September needs a dance partner, they can get me out for that one.”
While Colgan didn’t specifically namedrop which Irishman, Peter Queally (13-8-1 MMA, 2-4 BMMA) is the lone 155-pounder from Ireland on the promotion’s roster. Queally, 34, most recently competed in February when he was finished with strikes by Bryce Logan.
The promotion’s September event, Bellator 299, takes place Sept. 23 in Dublin, the city which Queally fights out of.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 297.
