Usually, when a big-name MMA rematch is signed, it comes with a long backstory, often involving a titanic battle in the first meeting. But for Bellator heavyweight contender Matt Mitrione , his return bout with Sergei Kharitonov is an opportunity to return to the starting line and get things rolling from the beginning again. That’s because the first meeting between the pair lasted just 15 seconds, and ended abruptly when a Mitrione inside leg kick caught Kharitonov (29-7 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) squarely in the cup, rendering the Russian veteran unable to continue. The bout was ruled a no-contest, and Mitrione (13-6 MMA, 4-1 BMMA) himself asked the next day for the fight to be re-booked so they could have the fight the fans so eagerly wanted to see the first time around. Now the pair are set to meet again in the main event of Bellator 225 in Bridgeport, Conn., and Mitrione said there’s little change in the situation from then to now “There’s really nothing different, man,” he told MMA Junkie ahead of the Aug. 24 rematch.
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