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No contest for Bradley and Honeycutt

Paul “The Gentlemen Bradley” and Chris Honeycutt battle on Friday, July 17. The fight was ruled a no contest following an accidental clash of heads. Photo Provided by Bellator MMA

Anticipation mounted to see how the experience of Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley would stack up against the younger, less battle-tested Chris Honeycutt.

Bradley (22-6) and Honeycutt (6-0) faced off on Friday, July 17 for Bellator 140 in Connecticut.

Both come from a wrestling background. Bradley graduated from South Tama County in 2001 after capturing an Iowa high school state championship during his senior season. He then went on to wrestle for the University of Iowa where he was a two-time NCAA Division 1 All American.

Honeycutt meanwhile graduated high school in 2007 from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, OH where he too captured a state wrestling championship during his senior season. Wrestling for Edinboro University, Honeycutt also finished his college career as a two-time NCAA Division 1 All American.

In the opening round of the Bellator 140 bout, Honeycutt came out strong and appeared to be the aggressor early on. After Honeycutt expended some energy trying to get past Bradley’s defense in round one, Bradley took advantage and was able to respond with some offense in round two.

Midway through the second round both fighters had scored a takedown and the action was beginning to open up when the two collided head-to-head in what would later be termed an accidental clash of heads. The collision opened up a sizable gash on Bradley’s forehead and a ringside physician called the match due to the severity of the injury. The match was ruled a no contest at the 2:47 minute mark of the second round. Bradley’s head wound would require stitches and shortly after the incident he commented, “It’s wrestlers, it’s what we do.”

Always a class act, Bradley posted a picture of his cut after the match, stating, “Started to get in the groove till this. Sorry everyone we will do it again.”