When it comes to watching fights, “Big” John McCarthy has seen more than most.
One of mixed martial arts’ original referees, McCarthy now serves as the color commentator for Bellator. In 2020, McCarthy sat on commentary for the majority of the promotion’s fights, and in a video recently released by Bellator, he ranks them.
Atop the list, a preliminary card banger from Bellator 254 reigned supreme. Shamil Nikaev and Kemran Lachinov went to war in one of the final Bellator fights of 2020. Their efforts didn’t go unrecognized as McCarthy touted their matchup as his favorite fight of the year.
Here’s “Big” John’s list:
- 10 – Bellator 238: Sergio Pettis vs. Alfred Khashakyan
- 9 – Bellator 252: Jornel Lugo vs. Schyler Sootho
- 8 – Bellator 246: Juan Archuleta vs. Patchy Mix
- 7 – Bellator 253: Raufeon Stots vs. Keith Lee
- 6 – Bellator 252: Aaron Pico vs. John de Jesus
- 5 – Bellator 244: Vadim Nemkov vs. Ryan Bader
- 4 – Bellator 243: Adam Borics vs. Mike Hamel
- 3 – Bellator 253: A.J. McKee vs. Darrion Caldwell
- 2 – Bellator 244: Sidney Outlaw vs. Adam Piccolotti
- 1 – Bellator 254: Shamil Nikaev vs. Kemran Lachinov
Looking toward 2021, Bellator has not yet announced next year’s schedule. However, Bellator president Scott Coker recently told MMA Junkie the promotion is expecting a February return.
Check out “Big” John’s top 10 Bellator fights of 2020 in the video above.
