Former Bellator heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov is looking to become a two-time world champion, and he took a solid step in that direction over the weekend. On an evening in which every fight on the card went to a finish, Minakov’s first-round finish of Timothy Johnson at Bellator 225 stood out. Minakov knocked out Johnson at the 1:45 mark in Bridgeport, Conn., and in doing so, shook off the first loss in his professional career. It also helped him make his case for the winner of the upcoming fight between Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader and challenger Cheick Kongo. Related No celebration for Bellator 225’s focused Vitaly Minakov: 'I will celebrate when I get the title' Bellator 225 results: Vitaly Minakov takes out Tim Johnson with vicious KO Bellator 225 video: Vitaly Minakov media day interview With the impressive victory, Minakov crack the top 10 at heavyweight in the latest USA Today Sports/MMA Junkie rankings. Minakov moves up to No
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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Aug. 27: Vitaly Minakov makes his move – MMA Junkie