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Bellator 180 ‘Sonnen vs. Silva’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring


Sherdog.com's live coverage of Bellator 180 “Sonnen vs. Silva” kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and predictions below.

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Hugh McKenna vs. John Salgado

Round 1

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

McKenna tapped Salgado with a kimura.
McKenna comes out popping his jab, trying to get inside on Salgado who circles the outside and plays to counter. McKenna keeps working in behind the jab, then ducks under a Salgado hook and runs his man into the fence. McKenna deftly drops levels, grabs a high-crotch slam and plants Salgado in to the mat. McKenna is in full mount in the blink of an eye. McKenna lands short shots to the ears while Salgado ties his waist up, trying to stall him out. Eventually, the Pennsylvania native starts working a kimura on top, then moves to side control to finish it. The positional sacrifice pays off as Salgado taps moments later.

The Official Result

Hugh McKenna def. John Salgado via Submission (Kimura) R1 4:06

Sergio da Silva vs. Matt Rizzo

Round 1

Rizzo slowly walks his opponent down, feinting his jab slowly until da Silva puts his own back to the cage. When he does, Rizzo changes levels and shoots, but da Silva blocks the shot and gets an underhook. Both fighters pummel hard with over-unders, jockeying for position. Rizzo shoots, switches from a double to a single and puts the Brazilian on the mat, but da Silva pops right back up. Da Silva rolls for a kneebar out of the clinch, but bails on it and allows Rizzo to nearly take his back. Da Silva scrambles free but eat a knee on the break. Rizzo shoots again, but da Silva sprawls, works a front headlock and settles on top before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Rizzo
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Rizzo

Round 2

Both fighters meet in the center of the cage quickly but it's da Silva flexing the wrestling this time, shooting a surprise double and putting “Razor Sharp” on his back. Rizzo pushes off the fence and turns his hips perpendicular to da Silva, looking for an armbar. Da Silva slowly punches away, not much concerned in stacking. The Brazilian gets free for a sec, but Rizzo throws his hips back up and gets a better look this time, threatening the armbar or omoplata. Da Silva slams Rizzo to escape and winds up with his leg grapevined across his bottom opponent. Rizzo sweeps forward and uses the awkward leg position jump right into full mount. Da Silva turns and Rizzo locks on a body triangle with a minute left int he round. Rizzo smothers his foe with his choking arm, trying to get it under the chin. Da Silva rolls to his back and eats punches to end the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rizzo
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Rizzo
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Rizzo

Round 3

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Rizzo scored a late finish.
Da Silva, who missed weight for the contest, is visibly slower now and Rizzo puts him on the mat quickly. Silva rolls into a single and tries to push into top, but winds up getting his left arm and leg caught by Rizzo's left leg, in a part cradle, part crucifix. The Brazilian tries to scramble out, but exposes his back again and Rizzo gets both hooks in. Da Silva is out of steam as he tries to fight off Rizzo working an arm-triangle choke on top of him. “Razor Sharp” squeezes with might and despite not basing out perfectly on top, da Silva just turns fetal and taps.

The Official Result

Matt Rizzo def. Sergio da Silva via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) R1 3:48

Anthony Giacchina vs.Jerome Mickle

Round 1

Giacchina immediately changes levels and slams Mickle to the mat with authority, but Mickle pops right back up, works over-unders to escape, then looks to counter from the outside. Giacchina changes from southpaw to orthodox, but eats a hard low kick from Mickle while doing so. More stance switching from Giacchina and while he's doing it, he gets drilled again: Mickle rips him with a one-two that knocks Giacchina down for a moment, but the Giacchina is right back up throwing heat, rocking Mickle with a slapping hook. Giacchina looks to press the advantage, but runs right into a right hook from Mickle that rocks him. That punch leads Giacchina to clinch and go back to the wrestling he showed earlier, but Mickle stuffs him, crossfacing away and landing short punches and elbows. Giacchina keeps pressuring for a takedown. Right before the bell, he eats a big uppercut, but slams Mickle down once more.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mickle
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Mickle
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Mickle

Round 2

Giacchina wants to stay in Mickle's face, but Mickle rips him with another right-hand counter over the top and puts him on the mat again. Mickle swarms but Giacchina has his wits about him quickly and Mickle lets him stand again. A wide left hook-right cross lands for Mickle, but he opens his stance so wide while throwing that Giacchina is able to snare him to the mat again. Giacchina postures up in half guard with clean, hard shots and moves to side. Giacchina looks for a top crucifix, then rips a keylock on the far arm. Mickle escapes, but Giacchina is really going to work on top now. Full mount with just under two minutes left in the second stanza. Mickle pushes off the wall and escapes out the back door while Giacchina is punching on top. Giacchina pushes for another takedown and eats a hard knee to the body, but Mickle can't fend him off now. Giacchina dumps him again, lands right in side control and looks to swing into a north-south choke. He's making progress but there's only 10 seconds left. Bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Giacchina
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Giacchina
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Giacchina

Round 3

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Giacchina put away Mickle in the third.
Mickle's counters are wider and slower now as Giacchina mixes kicks into his game, tagging his man to the body while moving into the clinch. Mickle goes for an ill-advised headlock throw and nearly gives up his back, but manages to scramble to stand. He's not there long: Giacchina shoots a double, locks his hands, elevates and slams him into side control once again. Three minutes left in the fight. Short punches and elbows from Giacchina, who controls a desperate Mickle well, moving into north-south, then back into side as Mickle tries to scramble up.

Mickle trying desperately to get back to his feet, but winds up turtled, then Giacchina dives right into back control with two hooks. Mickle is spent now, going belly down with little defense as Giacchina sinks the fight-ending RNC.

The Official Result

Anthony Giacchina def. Jerome Mickle via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 3:40

Bradley Desir vs. Nate Grebb

Round 1

michaelfridley [7:24 PM]
(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Desir mauled Grebb with fast hands.
Grebb is the aggressor early, despite circling and countering. Desir is coming forward, but Grebb lobbing all kinds of kicks and overhand punches. Desir, however, answers with cleaner, harder kicks of his own, forcing Grebb to keep circling. Grebb continues to launch aimless spinning back kicks, so Desir stings him with a jab, then two clean right hooks that rock him. Grebb's nose is bloodied now as he continues eating Desir jabs, followed by low kicks. Both men clash leg kicks and knock each other down briefly.

More clean jabs for Desir, then he lands a jab-right cross-left hook that puts Grebb face down. Desir dives in with one more shot to the ear before referee Todd Anderson can intervene.

The Official Result

Bradley Desir def. Nate Grebb via KO (Punches) R1 2:54

Ryan Couture vs.Haim Gozali

Round 1

Couture assumes the center of the cage, feinting and kicking while looking to set up larger power punches. The southpaw Gozali obliges him in the leg kicking game but is much slower, leading to Couture catching his leg and dumping him. Couture trots forward into a left head kick, but soldiers through into the clinch. Couture knees to the body and thighs, hammerfists to the legs while roughing Gozali up inside. Clean right uppercut for Couture, who drives right back into the phone booth. Couture grinds on his foe and as soon as Gozali gets free, Couture comes in behind a flurry and clinches up once again, banging the Israeli fighter to the ribs. Gozali extricates himself again, only to eat more punches and knees from Couture, who runs him right back into the fence wall, dirty boxing the whole way.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Couture
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Couture
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Couture

Round 2

Jabs and kicks lead Couture to another over-under clinch, where he goes to work again. Gozali, for whatever reason, does a flying guard pull, with Couture obliging him down to the canvas. The American postures up in guard, landing clean punches and elbows. Couture lands some more sharp elbows to the chin, prompting Gozali to roll for a kneebar. He knocks Couture out of top position, but is nowhere near a submission. Couture stands up with Gozali loosely clung to his waist in hope of a takedown. Naturally, Couture turns Gozali around and tackles him to the mat once more. Weak triangle attempt by Gozali as Couture patiently pounds in guard. With 50 seconds left in the frame, Couture stands up and allows Gozali to join him. Couture throws a low kick and two hooks and runs his target right back into the cage, muscling him until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Couture
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Couture
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Couture

Round 3

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Couture took all three rounds from Gozali.
Couture begins lobbying low kicks again, but Gozali actually pops him with a nice jab. Couture keeps it up with the cut kicks, even stumbling his opponent up. Gozali now chasing and launching hard hooks, likely sensing he is behind, but Couture is unafraid to swing back with right hooks. Gozali puts Couture on the cage, but the UFC veteran easily turns Gozali around and lands uppercuts. Gozali dives for another kneebar and Couture easily dodges it. Couture gets a double collar tie and drills a hard knee into Gozali's nose.

Couture is now on top of Gozali with 70 seconds to go, drilling him with punches and elbows. The Israeli fighter is unbowed, but he's slowed considerably and feebly goes for another leglock while Couture pounds away.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Couture (30-27 Couture)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Couture (30-27 Couture)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Couture (30-27 Couture)

The Official Result

Ryan Couture def. Haim Gozali via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Heather Hardy vs.Alice Yauger

Round 1

Yauger throws an unprotected body kick and almost eats a whipping overhand right. Hardy circles side-to-side, leg kicking and clearly showing she wants to land that right overhand. Yauger clinches, but Hardy punches her way out and gets back to jabbing and leg kicking. The Chuck Liddell-style overhand finally lands for Hardy, but just glances. Jab-right hook to the body for “The Heat,” who is getting comfortable on the feet 90 seconds into her pro MMA debut. Yauger sneaks in a good counter right, but Hardy lands her right over the top again. Low crouching movement from Hardy, then another right overhand, a punch that seems just tethered to Yauger's head. Yauger clinches and lands knees to the body, but again Hardy punches her away free, then goes back on the attack. Yauger clinches and lands a quick knee that stumbles Hardy up for a moment, her best strike of the fight so far, then a knee to the body moments later. Two left kicks to the gut from Hardy, who then ducks a volley of Yauger punches with her hands down. Yauger catches a teep from Hardy, stumbles her to the mat, then tries to dive on top, but the former pro boxing ace is standing again in a flash. Heavy counter left hook for Hardy lands on a charging Yauger. With time ticking down, Yauger grabs another collar tie and drills Hardy to the body with a pair of knees.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hardy
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Hardy
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Hardy

Round 2

“The Soccer Mom” ducks under Hardy's initial jabs, running into a clinch, only to eat hooks to the ribs from her opponent. Yauger is still eating overhand rights and leg kicks from the debutant, but is getting more aggressive, landing punches and knees well in countering moments. Hard jab from Hardy snaps Yauger's head back, then an overhand right just whizzes wide. Yauger is bleeding under the left eye and around the mouth, while Hardy's nose is busted up. Hardy is slowing down in terms of speed, but not tempo, as she continues jabbing and liberally kicking Yauger's left lead leg. Hard right kick to the body lands for Yauger, but then she eats another big right-handed whip from Hardy. Both women land to the head and body in a swinging exchange. Jab-right hook for Hardy rocks Yauger, but the Texan eats it, then grabs the neck and starts kneeing again. Hardy shucks her away, but not before eating clean knees to the gut.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hardy
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Hardy
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Hardy

Round 3

“The Heat” continues to turn up the pressure on Yauger. Though her punches and kicks are coming slower, her volume remains consistent, putting jabs, overhand rights, body shots and leg kicks all over Yauger. Ninety seconds into the round, Yauger pushes for a takedown, but Hardy turns her away and rips her with another overhand right. The mouse under Yauger's left eye continues to swell and bleed as Hardy tags her in the same spot repeatedly with the windmilling rights. Switch-step head kick from Yauger finds Hardy's guard, but is hard enough to still ring the New Yorker's bell a bit. Yauger gets a neck tie and lands more body knees while Hardy digs to the bread basket. Hardy steps into the pocket and lands a short right hand, but as she does, she clashes heads with Yauger. Hardy is instantly gushing blood from a vertical cut through the middle of her left eyebrow. Referee John McCarthy calls for time with under a minute to go.

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Hardy tuned up her foe in the final round.
Fortunately for the boxing standout, she's cleared quickly and will finish the fight. On the restart, she drills Yauger with a three piece, then a jab-right cross that puts her on her seat. Yauger stands back up, stumbling and looks like she wants to touch gloves with Hardy, who just pours punches on her. Out of nowhere after the headbutt, Heather Hardy roars to life, unloading on Yauger with both hands, batting her bloody face all over the cage. Despite time ticking down, McCarthy has no choice to step in as the still-standing Yauger is eating leather on every Hardy swing. A sudden and violent stoppage for Heather Hardy in her pro MMA debut.

The Official Result

Heather Hardy def. Alice Yauger via TKO (Punches) R3 4:47

James Gallagher vs.Chinzo Machida

Round 1

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Gallagher made it look easy.
Gallagher comes out with frenetic side-to-side movement, while Machida patiently switches stances on the outside, predictably wanting to counter. Gallagher shoots and Machida sees it coming a mile away, but after he blocks it, Gallagher pops him with a right hook, then shoots another double and this one is successful. Machida looks to push the Irishman away with butterfly hooks, but Gallagher punches, scrambles and moves right into full mount very impressively. Not even 90 seconds into the fight, Gallagher is landing elbows and sinking his hooks to take the back. Machida is already cut around the left eye.

“The Strabanimal” gets a body triangle, punches away on Machida some more then casually locks up a rear-naked choke. This is a wrap. An impressive blowout performance by James Gallagher in his North American debut.

The Official Result

James Gallagher def. Chinzo Machida via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:22

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Championship:
Phil Davis vs.Ryan Bader

Round 1

Bader quickly assumes the center of the cage while the Davis circles around him. It's feinting and pawing for 45 seconds, then Davis tries to shoot off of a Bader jab and gets sucked into an over-under clinch. They separate quickly and Bader surprisingly turns southpaw as he starts to circle the champion now. Hard low kick by Davis on Bader's planted lead leg, but Bader, now orthodox again, returns fire with a glancing right. Another hard Davis low kick, but his double behind it is once more, easily stuffed. Bader switches southpaw again, touches Davis with a lead right, then switches stance again. Double jab by Bader, the first misses but the second pops Davis in the mouth. Ninety seconds left in the opening frame. A Bader head kick is blocked. The last 60 seconds could determine the round winner here. Bader brushes his target with a running one-two. Davis tries walking Bader down, misses an overhand right and “Darth” circles out. Body kick for Bader, low kick by Davis. It's an economic, tit-for-tat period. And there's the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Davis
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 2

Bader loads up on a left head kick-right hook, but Davis blocks the former and ducks the latter. Another stance switch by Bader, who swings an overhand right, then a left head kick-right cross that hits Davis' guard. More feinting, more circling from both men, neither of whom can seem to generate clean, powerful offense against the other. Davis shoots, gets stuffed and misses a chopping right on the break. Bader lands his double jab, but eats a kick to the body while doing so. Slow-building head kick from Davis is easily ducked by Bader; he shoots another double behind it and gets nowhere. Bader pumping his jab out while “Mr. Wonderful” advances on him. Low kick by Davis, but Bader lands another jab. Davis lunges on a jab and hits a slippery patch on the map, hydroplaning and nearly falling. He keeps his balance, but when he looks to attack his challenger moments later, Bader clips him with an overhand right.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bader
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bader
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 3

Bader jabs and David throws whipping rights, but each are just out of range of one another, swatting air. Davis lands a nice left kick to the ribs off a jab from the former Arizona State wrestler. Davis leaps into a Superman punch, clocking Bader clean, then following with a left behind it; the combo constitutes the two best blows of the fight so far. Davis circling tighter around Bader now, intermittently moving forward to throw overhands and kick to the body. Bader's jab is still touching Davis, but barely and he's not throwing much else now. The Madison Square Garden crowd gets restless with two minutes left in the round, booing as Davis seeks to jab Bader to the body. Clean flicker jab scores for Davis, but Bader gets him with an overhand left a second later, then a lead uppercut. Davis whiffs on a second Superman punch try, then runs into a double-leg takedown from Bader. There's just 20 seconds left, but Bader nearly locks up a guillotine in a scramble that sees Davis land on top with impressive balance. The fight remains an exhibition of defense.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Davis
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Davis
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 4

The championship rounds begin with that familiar sparring tempo, with each man feinting, half-circling and popping jabs. Davis, slightly more lively now, continues to mix in his leg kicks. Less than a minute into the round, referee Dan Miragliotta briefly pauses the bout to warn both men about their timidity, clearly stating “You need to fight!” twice. Davis lobs an overhand right on the restart and Bader digs him with a counter left uppercut. “Mr. Wonderful” trying to walk his challenger down faster now, punching and lobbing head kicks. Bader lands two jabs on Davis, who misses two wild, right-handed windmills. More loud jeering from the MSG crowd, which seemingly prompts Bader to land two hard left kicks to the body. Short, lead left by Bader on an encroaching Davis with 60 seconds to go. Both men split their jabs, eating leather, but “Darth” keeps flicking his to touch the pressing Davis. Overhand right from Bader hits Davis' guard as the champ steps into a body knee. Quick overhand right by Bader, then three more jabs before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bader
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bader
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Bader

Round 5

The final round begins and given the nature of this fight, the Bellator championship may be in the balance. Davis is the advancing party, but Bader remains diligent with his jab and shucks Davis away on an early shot attempt. Davis lands a jab, but when he looks to the body, Bader hits him with a kick to the ribs. Clean right cross for Davis, then he punches forward until he clocks Bader in the crown with an overhand left. Clean Bader jab, then he ducks one of the champ's and counters with a right cross. Halfway through the round, Bader suddenly explodes off his back foot into a double, but he can't get the former NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion on his back.

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Bader took Davis' 205-pound title.
Instead, Davis hits his knees with a whizzer and springs back to stand. Hard inside low kick from the champ as he stalks Bader. Sixty seconds to go and this last minute could determine the bout. Bader lands a right hook, then lands a counter jab, then another. He glances with a whipping right on Davis' swelling left eye. With 30 seconds left, Bader shoots a double but gets rebuffed by the champ. Davis touches him with an overhand left just before the bell, ending a razor-thin fight that could go any way on the scorecards.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10 (49-48 Bader)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Davis (48-47 Davis)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Bader (48-47 Davis)

The Official Result

Ryan Bader def. Phil Davis via Split Decision (49-46, 49-46, 47-48) R5 5:00

Bellator MMA Welterweight Championship:
Douglas Lima vs.Lorenz Larkin

Round 1

High guards and upper body movement for both welterweights to begin this championship contest, as both try to force the other to make the first move. The pair exchange jabs, but Larkin begins putting very low leg kicks behind his lead hand. Larkin seems more content to fight from the pivot position in the cage's center, while Lima blocks his head kicks but continues to eat Larkin's low offense. Larkin with an incredibly fast lead leg kick, but Lima checks it beautifully. “The Phenom” then responds with a nice leg kick of his own, similarly low like Larkin's so far. “Da Monsoon” goes southpaw with just over a minute to go in the opening round, seeking a new look on the champ, but it lasts just a moment. While neither man has landed clean so far, there is tension as both fighters are clearly looking for, and wary of, the home run shot. Larkin kicks, Lima counters and runs his challenger into the fence at the round's end.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lima
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lima

Round 2

The champion is more outright aggressive to start the second, walking Larkin back to the cage and looking to unload, but the Millenia MMA product wisely circles off the cage and takes the lead himself. We're seven minutes deep in the fight, but no matter who is coming forward, neither man is strongly, cleanly outlanding the other. Finally, Lima steps into the pocket and eats a left from “Da Monsoon” that trips him up, but when the challenger looks to respond, Lima decks him with an even harder left hook that drops him. Larkin is wide-eyed and stunned, but somehow recovers when the Brazilian starts winging on him to finish. “The Phenom” ends up on top, but can't do much with it as Larkin recovers his senses and slides up the cage to his feet. More body kicks from Larkin land. Lima is pressing in return, looking for that left hook to land again, but Larkin's defense remains crafty. The UFC veteran dives into the pocket with two winging punches, just narrowly missing a massive right-hand counter from the champ.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lima
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Lima
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lima

Round 3

Lima pressures Larkin behind the jab and more lead leg kicks, while the challenger changes stances along the cage's perimeter, still seemingly looking for a counter killshot. The Californian circles off the fence, but the champ continues walking him down, forcing him to use his movement. Inside low kick from Lima lands clean, then a dashing right cross. Left body kick registers for Larkin, but Lima tags him with a right just after, then follows with a right roundhouse boot to the ribcage. A right hand by Lima cuts off an encroaching Larkin and inspires Lima to start trudging forward on his challenger. “Da Monsoon” goes southpaw, but Lima continues kicking the lead leg and ducking his jab beautifully. Lima presses his challenger back to the cage in the round's dying moments but can't let off any significant ammo.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lima
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lima
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lima

Round 4

Larkin is circling and feinting with his jab, but it's the champion being assertive by countering with more clean, inside low kicks. More disciplined jabbing from Lima dictates the fourth round; even when he's not smacking Larkin in the mouth, he's moving his challenger back and stopping him from attacking. A lunging left hook lands for the UFC and Strikeforce veteran, but he still can't seem to make meaningful contact on Lima, who rips him with an overhand right and a jab just 30 seconds later. With 30 seconds to go, Lima tackles a rushing Larkin to the mat and tries to get busy, but “Da Monsoon” is quickly back to his feet, holding over-unders.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lima
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lima
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Larkin

Round 5

Larkin is the forward mover in the final frame, perhaps sensing he is behind. While he pumps a southpaw jab, Lima counter jabs and keeps leg kicking to ward off his challenger. With three minutes to spare, Larkin is getting desperate, frantically jabbing, throwing target-less flying axe kicks. “Da Monsoon” goes leftie once more at the halfway point of the final round and tags Lima with two good right hooks while the champion is stepping into the pocket.

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Lima took the bout on all three cards.
“The Phenom” puts a right kick to the ribs on Larkin, then a left hook. Left head kick from Larkin slips through Lima's guard and catches him in the head partially. It certainly looks like Larkin is pushing for a late impression on the judges in what may be a close fight. Larkin stays southpaw, ripping Lima to the ribs with kicks. Two quick, piston-like jabs register for Lima. Larkin circles him, looking for a major strike as the bout expires. Lima fires his right hard to ward him off, just missing a massive right hook as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Larkin (49-47 Lima)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Larkin (49-45 Lima)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lima (49-46 Lima)

The Official Result

Douglas Lima def. Lorenz Larkin via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 48-47, 48-47) R5 5:00

Zach Freeman vs.Aaron Pico

Round 1

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It was over before it even started.
Pico presses Freeman from the outset. The American Kickboxing Academy prospect looks to throw, but Freeman smashes him with a right uppercut that hurts the anointed youngster. Quickly, Freeman locks up a short guillotine and goes to work on tightening his grip. He works the high elbow guillotine, Urijah Faber style, from half guard. He presses his squeeze and Pico shows no ability to pass his guard. He is simply trapped in the choke and is forced to tap. Incredible. Perhaps 2017's biggest upset has just been authored by one Zach Freeman.

The Official Result

Zach Freeman def. Aaron Pico via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 0:24

Bellator MMA Lightweight Championship:
Michael Chandler vs.Brent Primus

Round 1

Primus is kicking from the outside while Chandler stalks with his boxing. The challenger unloads a low cut kick that stumbles Chandler, then two more leg kicks that knock the champion off balance. We're less than 90 seconds into the bout, but is the champion injured already? Primus continues to chop at the lead leg of the champ while Chandler swings in retaliation, but it's clear the champ doesn't have full use of his left leg. Primus kicks again and “Iron Mike” dings him with a left hook that drops him to his knees.

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Chandler could not continue.
The challenger Primus is swarming now. Chandler stumbles and referee Todd Anderson calls for an intervention. The ringside physicians enter the cage and sit Chandler on his stool, evaulating his left ankle. This is highly irregular as the doctors observe the champ's left ankle while he sits, taking a breather. Ultimately, it doesn't matter: the physicians wave off the bout and Chandler attempts to leap off his stool in protest, falling onto his injured left leg and backside. We've got a new Bellator MMA lightweight champion on account of injury in another major upset.

The Official Result

Brent Primus def. Michael Chandler via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R1 2:22

Fedor Emelianenko vs.Matt Mitrione

Round 1

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Mitrione was the last man standing.
Mitrione begins the bout southpaw, circling the stationary Emelianenko, who stands flat-footed in the center of the cage. Just over a minute in, both men launch right crosses. Wow! Incredibly, we have a double knockdown, not in some regional MMA show, but in a high-level MMA contest. Both heavyweights spill to the canvas on their seats, struggling to recover from the other's impact. “Meathead” gets his wherewithal faster, sprawling on an attempted Emelianenko takedown and flurrying with punches to rock “The Last Emperor” to his back.

MMA's all-time greatest heavyweight is supine and out cold as Mitrione rifles him with right hands, forcing referee Dan Miragliotta to act. Matt Mitrione has the biggest win of his career over Fedor Emelianenko.

The Official Result

Matt Mitrione def. Fedor Emelianenko via TKO (Punches) R1 1:14

Neiman Gracie vs.Dave Marfone

Round 1

Gracie ducks the first meaningful punch from Marfone, instantly tackling him to the mat. Marfone is able to wall walk and get up, but Gracie sinks one hook while standing. Marfone grabs the cage to defend, receiving a warning from referee Todd Anderson, but eventually shakes free Incredibly, it's Gracie who lands the hard overhand off the break, though Marfone knocks him to his back with a counter in the exchange. Gracie seems to have little interest in striking beyond this, doubling Marfone to the mat and going to work from half guard. Gracie pushes down on Marfone's far knee and easily passes straight up the middle to full mount, but Marfone replaces half guard and slides up the fence again. It's a minute of inactivity as both men circle each other, until Gracie lands an outside leg kick. This instigates an over-under clinch with 30 seconds to go, with Gracie idly kneeing Marfone throughout. With seconds to go, Marfone jumps on a guillotine, but Gracie shakes his finger to Todd Anderson, letting him know he's not in danger.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Gracie
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Gracie
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Gracie

Round 2

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Gracie hit an RNC on Marfone.
Gracie lands a kick to the body, then a glancing right head kick as he advances on his opponent. At about the one-minute mark, Gracie rushes Marfone into the fence, hits a go-behind and tries take the back standing. Finally, Gracie dives onto his back and Marfone tries the Alan Belcher-style front somersault to defend. He thumps Gracie into the canvas, but the man with the legendary surname holds onto the body triangle. Marfone looks like he may be out of defenses as Gracie keeps the pressure up, casually sinks his choking arm for the rear-naked choke. That's it for Marfone.

The Official Result

Neiman Gracie def. Dave Marfone via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:27

Chael Sonnen vs.Wanderlei Silva

Round 1

Sonnen shoots a power double nearly immediately, planting Silva along the perimeter of the cage and pounding from full guard. Hard right hands and elbows registering quickly for “The American Gangster,” as Silva tries to close guard but can't stop the shots from raining down. Sonnen stands in Silva's guard, smacking his rival with harder and harder rights from above. Silva manages to scramble back to his feet with just over two minutes left in the round, ironically eating clinch knees from Sonnen on the way up. The former UFC title challenger keeps trying to attack Silva, but runs face-first into a short right hook that puts him on his seat. Sonnen absorbs the punches and rolls into another takedown with 70 seconds left in the round, moving into half guard and landing more ground-and-pound. Silva clamps down on his guard to prevent Sonnen from passes while the top man lands backwards elbows on his opponent.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Sonnen
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Sonnen
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Sonnen

Round 2

Sonnen runs in on Silva immediately, throwing hands in pursuit of a takedown. When the American dives for it, Silva is ready and jumps guard into a guillotine, but Sonnen bides his time, slowly liberating himself while Silva begins to breathe harder and harder. Referee John McCarthy is telling both men to work whileSssss Sonnen takes an obvious breather inside Silva's now-loose choke. “The Axe Murderer” continues aimlessly hanging onto Sonnen's head despite no choke in progress, to the point where McCarthy actually stands them up with Silva still applying a headlock. On the restart, Sonnen just bullrushes Silva once again, dumping him along the fence and landing left hands from full guard. The former Pride FC star is just hanging on from the bottom while Sonnen digs into him with short lefts and much bigger right elbows. Silva attempts to play wrist control for a moment, but he's already too spent for that. Sonnen continues dusting his face with both hands until the Brazilian kicks him away right at the second-round bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Sonnen
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Sonnen
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Sonnen

Round 3

The southpaw Sonnen tests the range with leg kicks, but eats a hard right hand and thinks better of striking. “The American Gangster” dives into another successful double, landing in side control with ease. However, when Sonnen tries to step over into full mount, he allows his opponent to replace guard. Sonnen gets to half guard and feigns interest in a farside keylock.

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Sonnen mopped the floor with Silva.
Sonnen goes for it again, attempting to lock up a straight armbar, but Silva gets his arm free. Sonnen continues working for an armlock, but the MSG crowd now seems more preoccupied with chanting obscenities at Tito Ortiz, who is heckling the crowd while shouting abuse at Sonnen cageside. Sonnen moves from side control to full mount with 30 seconds left in the fight. Silva is completely defensive now, simply hanging onto his foe until the end. Shoulder strikes from Sonnen on top now as he digs to the body. The fight ends here.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Sonnen (30-27 Sonnen)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Sonnen (30-27 Sonnen)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Sonnen (30-27 Sonnen)

The Official Result

Chael Sonnen def. Wanderlei Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
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