Bellator 293 Results, Highlights: Daniel James scores a stunning TKO of Marcelo Golm and claims title shot

Heavyweight is a notoriously shallow division in mixed martial arts, meaning the main event of Bellator 293 between Marcelo Golm and Daniel James was a fight that could give the winner a shot at the Bellator Heavyweight Championship. In the clash of big men with four-fight streaks, James was able to land a series of heavy punches in the third round to TKO the biggest fight of his career.

James wasted little time catching a kick, knocking Golm to the ground. Unfortunately for James, his wrestling was unable to keep Golm on his back, allowing Golm to quickly get to his feet. The fight turned into a clinch match with both men trying to wear each other down by finding grapple attacks along the cage until the opening round came to an end.

After landing a series of heavy leg kicks early in the second round, Golm was able to secure a takedown and positionally dominate the round. Despite securing the top position for the round, Golm never came close to finishing, which became his undoing.

In the third round, James emerged with a burst of aggression, pushing forward with heavy punches and forcing Golm onto the back foot. Eventually, James was able to land a big uppercut and a hard right hand that put Golm on the canvas to secure the TKO win at the 0:26 mark of the round.

After scoring the win, James credited his coach for encouraging him to let his punches go into the third round.

“He was telling me that all night last night,” James said after the fight. “I just had to sit down and really think about it. I just had to think about our purpose… the fight was going in one direction, I felt, and I had to let go of my hands. I had to believe in myself and I just won.”

James’ win is his second in the Bellator cage and puts him inches from a shot at Ryan Bader and the Bellator heavyweight title, and he wasted little time calling out the champion.

“You know, Bader’s in the crowd,” James said. “Bader knows I want him. He’s a good guy. … I know he said he hasn’t fought anyone worthy of fighting and I want to give him that chance. I’m worth it… I want the opportunity to fight Bader.”