Manoel Sousa needs just one punch to turn fight around, score violent KO late in first round

Originally starting his combat sports journey through karate at the age of 8, going on to become a 14-time world champion in that discipline, Tim Wilde made his professional MMA debut in March 2013. Wilde, who trains at Team Renegade alongside the likes of Leon and Fabian Edwards, enters tonight with a 17-4-1 record and a 5-0-1 record in his last six fights. Wilde, who competes in Bellator for the eighth time tonight, most recently was in action at Bellator 301 in November, putting Mike Hamel away with a spectacular knockout.

Manoel Sousa enters tonight with a perfect 10-0 record, with nine finishes to his name, since turning pro in 2019. A striking specialist, who has won lightweight gold on the regional level, most recently competed during the PFL Challenger Series in 2023, scoring a split decision over Paulo Henrique – the first fight Sousa had that went the distance.

Who will impress in this outing?

Round 1

The two circling around toward the center, moving in and out as they feel each other out. Sousa fires off a combination of overhands. Right hand fired off by Sousa, but Wilde catches him coming in. Sousa misses a right hand. Wilde misses a quick jab. Kick and a right hand from Wilde. Wilde goes for a one-two, but Sousa switches stances and drives Wilde into the fence. Wilde reverses the position, with the two trading low knees in chest-to-chest action. The two separate, with Sousa landing a couple of clinch knees on the exit. One-two by Sousa. Sousa comes forward with pressure.

Jab by Wilde to counter another Sousa blitz. Sousa lands a hook while coming forward. Left hand by Wilde. Low kick by Wilde. Left hand by Sousa. Wilde dodges a Sousa charge. Left hand to the body by Wilde. Spinning back kick to the body by Wilde. Another jab from Wilde. Sousa misses a left hand coming forward. Powerful right hand by Sousa. The action slows down a bit in the final minute of the opening round. Suddenly, a left hand by Sousa lands and drops Wilde OUT COLD! What a comeback in the span of a flash!

LIGHTS OUT! 😳

Manoel Sousa shows off his power and KO's Tim Wilde at the end of the first round!

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Manoel Sousa stays unbeaten and shows the power that he displays in his hands every fight!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Manoel Sousa defeats Tim Wilde by 1st Round Knockout [4:48] in a lightweight bout