Bellator 281 news: Logan Storley executes wrestling gameplan to beat Michael ‘Venom’ Page
- Seb Sternik
- 14 May 2022
American Logan Storley became the new Bellator welterweight champion after silencing the London crowd with a points victory over home-favourite Michael Page.
Storley refused to be drawn into a brawl as he utilised his wrestling abilities to dominate Page for the majority of the five-round bout.
The American claimed the vacant welterweight belt via split decision, with just one judge giving Page a 48-47 advantage.
The fans made their feelings clear at the end of the bout, with many booing the new champion for his approach to the fight.
However, Storley hit back in the post-fight interview, saying: "The fans are mad at me, I appreciate it.
"Boo me all you want, that guy is talented. Don't boo me for winning.
"I've trained with a lot of people but I have never felt that speed and distance. It is so awkward. He is playing basketball in the middle of the ring and hitting you at the same time. That guy is unbelievable and I had to do what I had to do.
"Boo me all you want, I am a world champion."
While Storley did little damage, his wrestling allowed him to neutralise MVP and keep the 35-year-old off his feet for long periods of the bout.
The American will now return to the United States with the interim belt and target a fight with Yaroslav Amosov - who is currently in Ukraine - for the undisputed crown.
Bellator 281 - Full results
Logan Storley def. Michael Page - split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46) for the interim welterweight title
Fabian Edwards def. Lyoto Machida - knockout in round one
Kana Watanabe def. Denise Kielholtz - submission in round two
Paul Daley def. Wendell Giacomo - knockout in round two
Simon Biyong def. Luke Trainer - unanimous decision (29-27, 28-27, 29-28)
Daniel Weichel def. Robert Whiteford - knockout in round one
Elina Kallionidou def. Kate Jackson - TKO in round two
Oliver Enkamp def. Mark Lemminger - submission in round three
Alfie Davis vs Tim Wilde - majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Andrew Fisher def. Attila Korkma - unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Charlie Ward def. Alan Carlos - unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)
Maciej Rozanski def. Lee Chadwick - unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Chiara Penco def. Lanchana Green - unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
