Rivalries: Yves Landu

Bellator MMA featherweight Yves Landu will be back on French soil when he squares off with Jonas Bilharinho in a featured Bellator Champions Series Paris attraction this Friday at Accor Arena in Paris. The last time Landu was at the venue, he collected an emphatic unanimous decision over Piotr Niedzielski at Bellator 296. Now, he must contender with Bilharinho, a highly touted Brazlian who enters their encounter on the strength of back-to-back victories.

Ahead of his forthcoming clash with Bilharinho, a look at some of the rivalries that have helped shape Landu’s career thus far:

Terry Brazier

Having compiled a 15-8 professional record, Landu went on to make his Bellator debut in October 2020. “You Know” squared off against Brazier at Bellator 248. As soon as the bout commenced, Brazier pressured his foe against the cage to work for a takedown but could not establish top control for long. Landu reversed the position and invited the fight back into the striking department. He chipped away with leg kicks on the boldly advancing Brazier. “The Dominator” was relentless in the pursuit of a takedown. Midway into the opening frame, Landu opened up confidently and trapped his opponent against the cage. Capitalizing on the opportune moment, he landed a crippling flying knee that folded Brazier.

Gavin Hughes

Hughes pigeonholed Landu as a fighter who makes “too many mistakes” and “fades” in his fights over time. Speaking to reporter James Lynch, he claimed that while he expected an explosive clash, “Big Tasty” would ultimately best the Frenchman. However, that was not the case, as it took Landu little over three minutes to dismantle Hughes via technical knockout courtesy of a body kick and knees.

Isao Kobayashi

The opening bout at Bellator 301 saw Landu and Kobayashi square off in an epic back-and-forth clash. The fight started with Landu unleashing a powerful lead right hook from the southpaw stance while also chopping at Kobayashi’s lead leg. The Japanese stalwart replied with a solid leg kick of his own. Kobayashi’s efforts included turning to his elite judo skills and executing body locks for takedowns. However, Landu’s explosive striking and break dance-inspired footwork allowed him to dictate the terms of the fight. Subsequently, in the second round, Kobayashi briefly managed to score a single-leg takedown. Landu’s defense held up, as he nullified much of the ground control. Most of that round played out with Kobayashi in top control failing to generate significant offense. The third round progressed similarly, with Landu scoring briefly during striking exchanges while fending off takedown attempts from his foe. Midway through the round, he also threatened with a tight kimura submission and maintained that position till the end of the fight. When the 10s and nines were tallied, it was Landu who walked away victorious via split decision.