Daniel Straus stepped into the cage for the first time in over a year on Saturday night at Bellator 106 and defeated Pat Curran by decision to win the Bellator featherweight title.
As the fight started, Curran was able to land the first strike but Straus was able to get the fight to the ground. He would not be on his back for long as he got back to his feet and to the center of the cage.
After two minutes of striking, Straus took the fight to the ground and as Curran was getting to his feet, Straus grabbed his back. He would not be able to get a submission and the fight moved into the second round.
Curran opened the second round more aggressive and landed body shots with his punches and kicks. Straus attempted to get the fight to the ground in the third minute of the round, but Curran was able to keep the fight on the feet. In the final 30 seconds of the round, each fighter would land significant strikes and the fight moved into the third round.
They would continue their striking battle in the opening minute of the third round before Straus went for a takedown against the cage. He attempted to use a throw to get the fight to the ground, but Curran stopped the attempt. As they scrambled, Curran landed an illegal knee and the fight was paused.
Straus would be able to continue and Curran would be deducted a point for the illegal strike. As the fight restarted, Straus took the fight to the ground and had side control. He would move into the guard of Curran and he kept the fight in this position until the end of the round.
As the championships rounds started, Straus immediately worked for a takedown against the cage. He would get the takedown with a belly to back slam. Curran worked his way back to his feet, but Straus held onto him and took the fight back to the ground.
While on his back, Curran attempted a guillotine choke but Straus was able to escape. He would land multiple short strikes and those strikes opened up a cut on the forehead of Curran. The round would come to an end with Straus in control as the fight moved into the final round.
In the final round, Straus landed a flurry of punches in the second minute of the round that appeared to hurt Curran. With being unable to get the finish, he clinched with Curran against the fence.
They would battle on the fence before Straus took the fight to the ground and kept the fight there until the end of the fight. All three judges scored the fight for Straus (22-4) and he becomes the fourth featherweight champion in Bellator history.
Bellator 106 Results:
Daniel Straus def. Pat Curran via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)
Joe Riggs def. Mike Bronzoulis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mike Richman def. Akop Stepanyan via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:05
Cristiano Souza def. Alejandro Garcia via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:06
Brandon Halsey def. Hector Ramirez via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, :52
Mike Guymon def. Aaron Miller via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 4:20
Cleber Luciano def. Joe Camacho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Josh Smith def. Darren Smith via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)