Issue 108

December 2013

Awash with both relief and happiness, Justin Wilcox celebrates his first win in over two years, at Bellator 99 in September. The 12-5 (1 NC) Strikeforce veteran had been without a ‘W’ in three bouts, after an undefeated six-fight run that had marked him out as a potential future lightweight star. Opponent Akop Stepanyan was on the verge of extending Wilcox’s wait for a victory, however. After attacking ‘The Silverback’s legs for one and a half rounds, the Russian rocked the American Kickboxing Academy product with a spinning heel-kick. But an equilibrium-saving takedown from Wilcox led to him taking a rear naked choke victory that looked so unlikely only minutes earlier. A stunning comeback – and it couldn’t have come soon enough.

Date: September 2013

Location: Temecula, California

Photographer: Eric Coleman/Bellator MMA