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Peter Queally, title shot pending?

Bad blood was spilt last night as Peter Queally established himself as a top contender in the Bellator lightweight division beating rival Patricky Freire.

The long standing rivalry between SBG Ireland and Team Pitbull was finally settled, albeit for now, as Peter ‘The Showstopper’ Queally defeated Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire via doctors stoppage in between rounds two and three. Originally scheduled to fight last October, an injury to Queally forced the bout to be rescheduled to Bellator 258. Fans were forced to patiently wait, a wait however that was definitely worth it after last nights events.

Peter Queally exchanges with Patricky Freire. Credit: USA Today

The opening round was edged by Patricky Freire who had the better exchanges in the stand up. After a brief pause in the opening moments due to a low blow, Freire fired away at the lead leg of Queally and both exchanged hands and verbally sparred throughout the round. In the final moments, ‘Pitbull’ attempts a takedown and eats a repetition of strikes from ‘The Showstopper’.

As the second round began ‘Pitbull’ continued to chop away at the legs of Queally trying to take his base away. Queally replies with an exchange that opens Patricky up by his right eye and the two continue to exchange back and forth. In the last 40 seconds of the round however, Patricky lands a takedown on Queally thus starting his own demise. As the two athletes battle it out, Queally slices Freire open with elbows from bottom guard, painting the canvas and himself with the blood of his long time rival.

In between rounds two and three the doctor stepped in and stopped the fight due to the cut, declaring Queally the winner and moving him into the title picture. Freire was not happy with the stoppage as he argued with officials, even prompting his brother and lightweight champion Patricio to have words with Queally himself.

Having his hand raised would be bittersweet enough for Queally, but with a victory over the number two ranked fighter in the 155lb division, you can’t help but argue Queally could be next in line for a title shot. With champion Patricio cornering Patricky during his defeat, the 155lb champion will be eager to exact revenge on the Irishman and settle the score in the war between the two teams.

Do you think Peter Queally deserves a title shot after his performance? Or would you like to see him rematch Patricky? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!