Vladimir Tokov became the first fighter to defeat Lance Gibson Jr. – and he needed just over a minute to do it.
On Friday at Bellator 293 in Temecula, Calif., Tokov (8-2 MMA, 4-2 BMMA) slept Gibson (7-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) with a series of punches that ended their fight at 1:02 of Round 1. The lightweight bout took place as part of the prelims at Pechanga Resort Casino.
The finishing sequence started with a left jab, which clattered off Gibson’s face as he rushed toward the Russian. The quick shot floored Gibson, who landed on his back. As Gibson tried to scramble, Tokov dove with a right hand then two lefts.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘁! 👊💥
A beautifully timed shot from Vladimir Tokov earns him the stoppage over Lance Gibson Jr.#Bellator293 | @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by REBEL pic.twitter.com/yQNgDqCMsb
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 31, 2023
Gibson, 28, was put unconscious with the strikes, as was exemplified with his confused denial of what happened once he reached the stool. His father, former UFC fighter Lance Gibson Sr., consoled Gibson and affirmed to him what the commission officials told him: He was out.
Tokov, 26, is the brother of former Bellator middleweight title challenger Anatoly Tokov. Through six Bellator fights, Tokov’s results are inconsistent but with more positives than negatives. His two losses in the promotion are split decisions against Jay Jay Wilson and Chris Gonzalez.
The up-to-the-minute Bellator 293 results include:
- Vladimir Tokov def. Lance Gibson Jr. via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:02
- Randi Field def. Ashley Cummins via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Bryce Meredith def. Brandon Carrillo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:11
- Mackenzie Stiller def. Maria Henderson via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:17
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 293.
