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2. Pat Curran vs. Luis Palomino
Bellator 46
June 25, 2011 | Hollywood, Florida
After a successful lightweight run, Curran was spectacular in his return to 145 pounds.

Curran submitted Palomino with a Peruvian necktie 3:49 into the first round of their showdown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, advancing to the 2011 Bellator Summer Series featherweight tournament semifinals. Curran was too smart and too skilled for the man they call the “Baboon.” After a few standup exchanges between the two, Curran turned the tide in his favor. He dropped Palomino with a beautiful counter right hand and swarmed like a madman, ultimately landing in top position. Curran first tried for a brabo choke, but he transitioned seamlessly to the necktie for the finish. Palomino had no choice but to submit.

“I was just glad I got a chance to show [my jiu-jitsu] off,” Curran said. “Once I sunk it in, I just went for it. I practice it all the time in the gym.”

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