Neiman Gracie has a huge opportunity to get his MMA career back on track at Bellator 290 on February 4th, 2023, when he faces Michael Lombardo. Neiman comes from a long line of Jiu-Jitsu competitors and MMA fighters as part of the world’s most famous combat sports family, and at one point he was one of the most impressive prospects in the family tree. Neiman managed to reach the podium of several major tournaments at different points during his journey through the coloured belt ranks before earning a bronze medal at the IBJJF world championships at black belt in 2013.
What's your favourite @NeimanGracie finish? 👇
Gracie is looking for the W when he returns to the cage at #Bellator284 🔥
🖥 Experience the action LIVE on @BBCiPlayer, Friday, August 12th.#MMA #Bellator pic.twitter.com/3yYPN30JOK
— Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) July 16, 2022
That was the same year that Neiman opted for a change of pace and decided to embark on a professional MMA career instead. After two impressive submission wins at World Series of Fighting, Neiman was quickly picked up by Bellator and has been plying his trade there ever since. Neiman started his Bellator career off very well, racking up seven straight wins for the promotion and finishing all but one of his opponents in truly stunning fashion. Although he stumbled in his first title fight against Rory MacDonald, he quickly rebounded with another submission finish of the veteran Jon Fitch.
From that point onwards Neiman has struggled to find the same consistent form he had earlier in his career, as he dropped a unanimous decision to Jason Jackson before knocking out Mark Lemminger in the main event of Bellator 266. Since then Neiman has fallen on even harder times again. He lost another unanimous decision to Logan Storley in the main event of Bellator 274, before returning at Bellator 284 and getting knocked out by Goiti Yamauchi. Riding a two-fight losing streak, Neiman Gracie now needs to take the opportunity to right the ship at Bellator 290 with both hands and dominate his opponent Michael Lombardo if he ever hopes to see another chance at the Bellator title.
The full Bellator 290 fight card, including Neiman Gracie taking on Michael Lombardo, will be available to watch as a PPV on Showtime, click here to watch.
