Bellator 171 Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Bruna Ellen vs. Carmela James

Round 1

Ellen attacks with heavy punches, throwing with serious intent.The Brazilian is favoring an overhand right with nothing to set it up thus far. James so far is staying composed in her pro debut against an aggressive opponent. Ellen has an overhand right blocked, then follows up with a kick to the body. Ellen lands a hard leg kick to the outside, then catches a push kick from James. Ellen misses an overhand right and James counters with a clean counter right of her own. James throws a body kick, but it’s blocked. Ellen punches her way into the clinch and pushes James into the fence. James breaks free and they return to the center of the cage. Ellen ducks under a punch and takes James down just before the round expires. 10-9 Ellen.

Round 2

Ellen throws another overhand right in an early exchange but it glances off James’ shoulder. Ellen lands a pair of hooks upstairs as the flyweights circle each other in the center of the cage. The Brazilian lands a low kick and James counters with a spinning back fist but can’t connect. Ellen is staying busy with volume, throwing heavy punches and low kicks. Meanwhile, James’ output remains relatively low. Ellen seems to be getting loose, but eats a jab from James. Ellen lands a wide left hook and James shakes it off. The fighters briefly trade in the center of the cage, and Ellen lands a knee to the body as they separate. Ellen lands a hook to the body. Ellen connects with a two punch combination and then secures a body lock. The Brazilian drags her foe down and winds up in side control. James pushes Ellen off of her and ends the round on her back with her opponent throwing kicks to the legs. 10-9 Ellen.

Round 3

James lands a jab in an initial exchange and then dodges Ellen’s follow-up overhand right. Ellen catches a lazy kick and trips James to the canvas, where she sets up in half guard with about 4:00 remaining. Ellen frees her right arm and lands a couple punches before James creates separation and returns to her feet. Ellen misses a lead left but lands a right to the side of the head. The Brazilian flyweight is doing a decent job of mixing hooks to the head and body when throwing combinations. A pair of wide hooks from Ellen briefly cause James to back up. Ellen chops at James’ lead leg with a kick and then follows up with a kick to the body. Ellen catches a kick, lands a right hand over the top and a body kick before releasing her foe’s leg. Ellen gets another late takedown, this time with 45 seconds remaining. James is utilizing the rubber guard, but she is unable to make anything happen from her back before the bell sounds. 10-9 Ellen (30-27 Ellen).

The Result

Bruna Ellen def. Carmela James via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Jarod Trice vs. Kevin Woltkamp

Round 1

Trice eats a leg kick and immediately winces. Trice begins pumping his jab through Woltkamp’s guard, while his foe continues to attack the legs. Trice catches a low kick and dumps his man down but Woltkamp hustles back to his feet. Trice lands a jab to the body. Trice remains content to rely on his hands early, throwing his left jab and occasional right hands. Trice throws a low kick and then opens up with punches near the fence. Woltkamp sneaks an uppercut in from the clinch and the heavyweights separate. Trice fires off a two punch combination. Woltkamp continues to work the low kicks but this time he lands one below the belt, and Trice takes some time to recover. The action resumes and the fighters trade kicks before the round ends. 10-9 Trice.

Round 2

Trice doubles up on his jab and connects. Trice goes to the body with a two punch combo. The wrestler is starting to find his range, landing combinations upstairs on the stationary Woltkamp, whose face is starting to wear the damage. A straight left from Trice briefly has Woltkamp wobbling backward. They clinch and Trice lands a knee to the body. Trice lands a combination that he punctuates with a body kick. Woltkamp is backing up consistently now, offering little in the way of offense. Trice lands a left hook on the chin and Woltkamp stumbles backward slowly, eventually falling to the canvas. Trice pounces for the finish, but it isn’t necessary, as referee Rob Hinds waves off the fight before any further damage can be done.

The Result

Jarod Trice def. Kevin Woltkamp via KO (Punches) R2 3:17

Tyrell Fortune vs. Will Johnson

Round 1

Johnson just misses on a kick to the body. Fortune closes the distance with a leaping punch and then throws Johnson to the mat. Fortune quickly steps to side control, but Johnson tries to secure a leg lock in a scramble. Fortune is relentless as he hammers away with purposeful ground-and-pound. Johnson gets Fortune’s back and suplexes him backward onto the canvas. Johnson lands an uppercut in the clench while pushing Fortune into the cage. Johnson lands a knee to the groin and Fortune doubles over in pain as time is called. Fortune takes a few minutes to recover and the action resumes. Fortune goes right back to work with his jab and Johnson answers with a combination. They tie up and Fortune pushes his man into the fence. An uppercut from Johnson lands below the belt, and this time he has a point deducted while Fortune recovers. They touch gloves and get back to work with a little less than 2:00 to go. Johnson lands a right uppercut followed by a straight left before exploding for a takedown near the fence. Fortune gets up and secures a body lock, driving his foe into the cage. The round ends with the heavyweights in the clinch. 9-9.

Round 2

Fortune goes low with a leg kick then moves out of danger as Johnson counters. They tie up and Fortune begins throwing knees to the midsection. Fortune fends off a trip from Johnson and pushes him into the cage. Fortune stays busy with knees to the body and briefly drops for a takedown, but he can’t get it. Fortune stays in control in the clinch, continuing land a series of knees. Johnson is able to escape and he charges at Fortune with a massive overhand right. It doesn’t land cleanly, but it does give the decorated wrestler pause. They tie up in the center of the cage, and Fortune goes back to work with knees. Johnson powers his foe to the canvas but can’t step over and Fortune takes control from the wrestling ride position in a scramble. Fortune goes to work with short right hands to the head. Johnson, who is bleeding from the nose, briefly stands only to be tripped back down to the canvas. Fortune keeps the pressure on, riding Johnson while landing punches and hammerfists to the head. Fortune continues to methodically pound away, and the fight is suddenly halted. Johnson isn’t happy with the stoppage, but referee Nick Berens contends that Johnson yelled “Stop” during the salvo. Replays show that Johnson simply appeared to yell as he attempted to move out of danger. Nonetheless, the bout is over.

The Result

Tyrell Fortune def. Will Johnson via TKO (Punches) R2 4:27

Chris Harris vs. Jordan Young

Round 1

Harris takes the role of aggressor early, landing kicks to the legs and body of his opponent. A right hand over the top lands cleanly for Harris. The taller Young is using his jab to control distance. Harris applies pressure, but Young catches a kick and drives his foe down. Harris attempts to explode up but Young has a brabo choke. Harris controls the wrists and breaks they grip. They clinch in the center of the cage and Young shoves Harris down, landing in full guard. Harris uses his guard to create some space and Young seems content to allow his opponent to return to his feet. Harris lands a low kick to the lead leg. Young lands a four-punch combination just before the end of the frame. 10-9 Young.

Round 2

Young stays long with his punches, landing his jab at range. Young finds a home for a clean straight right behind his jab. Harris is struggling to close the distance on his taller foe. Young jabs and follows up with a kick to the body. Young goes upstairs with a jab and then lands a right hook to the ribs of Harris. Young is landing cleanly with combination punching, countering when Harris moves in. Young loads up and lands a right hook and then connects with a straight right hand. Young is having all kinds of success with his right hand. Harris keeps moving forward, but he can’t land any offense of his own. Young lands a hard leg kick, then catches a kick from Harris and shoves him away. 10-9 Young.

Round 3

Young goes right back to the well, doubling and tripling up on his jab. Harris moves in and Young tags him with a straight right. A two-punch combination snaps Harris’ head back. Harris is stalking Young, but is eating plenty of straight punches for his efforts. The Kansas native is undeterred as he attempts to force a brawl against the fence. Young is able to circle away quickly. Harris is bleeding from a cut near his right eye now. Young circles on the outside of the cage, landing two-punch combinations at will. Harris closes the distance and Young lands a knee in the clinch. Harris forces at the clinch and works to take Young’s back. Young reverses the position and briefly takes Harris down before they scramble back up. On the feet, Young goes back to the same successful formula, landing long punches from the outside. Harris moves forward, winging heavy punches, but he can’t connect as the bell sounds. 10-9 Young (30-27 Young).

The Result

Jordan Young def. Chris Harris via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Gaston Reyno vs. Justin Overton

Round 1

Overton changes levels quick and takes Reyno down. Reyno scrambles up and is slammed down by his opponent. Overton is now on Reyno’s back with both hooks in, hunting for the rear-naked choke. Overton is looking to sneak his right arm under the neck, but so far it’s still on the chin. Overton lands a couple heel strikes to the stomach while looking to cinch the choke. Reyno gets out, but Overton is still on his back at the halfway point of the round. Reyno is doing a good job controlling the wrists of his opponent. Overton briefly transitions to mount before returning to Reyno’s back. Overton will end a dominant frame attached to Reyno’s back. 10-8 Overton.

Round 2

Reyno opens by landing a crisp jab but is staggered by an overhand right from Overton that lands direcetly on the jaw. Overton lands another right hand before changing levels for a takedown on his wobbly foe. He gets it with ease and quickly transitions to Reyno’s back with both hooks in. This time the choke is extremely tight and Reyno goes out in a matter of moments.

The Result

Justin Overton def. Gaston Reyno via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 0:34

A.J. McKee vs. Brandon Phillips

Round 1

McKee sends Phillips backward with a sharp standing side kick to the gut. McKee is using a variety of kicks to keep his foe at range in the early going. Phillips catches a McKee low kick and just misses a counter right hand. McKee lands a series of right hooks before shooting a straight left through Phillips’ guard. An uppercut-straight left combination finds its mark for McKee. The Team Bodyshop export sets the range with a pair of push kicks, and Phillips is struggling to get inside. Phillips lands a low blow during an exchange but McKee says he doesn’t need a break. McKee throws a standing side kick and then waits and absorbs a couple leg kicks. Phillips lands a right hand and urges McKee to fight. 10-9 McKee.

Round 2

McKee continues to use his kicks to control distance. McKee goes back to the lead hook, then sneaks a jab down the middle. Phillips attacks the lead leg of McKee with a low kick. McKee goes up top with a head kick, but it’s partially blocked. McKee lands another standing sidekick, waits on Phillips with his back partially turned before going with a rear kick to the body. Phillips stalks McKee near the fence but can’t find the range on his punches. Phillips continues to come up short on his right hands, while McKee stays busier with periodic jabs and kicks. Philips raises his arms in hopes of persuading McKee to engage. Phillips moves closer and lands a right hand. The round ends with Phillips as the aggressor, and he appears to have landed a punch near his opponent’s eye shortly before time expired. 10-9 McKee.

Round 3

McKee steps in with a crisp jab, then lands a kick to the legs. McKee dances on the outside and smiles at his foe. Phillips lands a straight right to the body. McKee connects with a kick to the body. A hook kick from McKee lands to the side of Phillips’ head but it isn’t particularly damaging. Phillips pushes forward with a punching combination against the fence but then backs off. McKee lands a beautifully timed takedown with about 3:00 to go. Phillips sweeps and gets to his feet, firing off a combination almost immediately. McKee lands a head kick and is punched in the groin by a Phillips counter right hand. Phillips is warned that the next low blow will result in a point deduction. They resume with McKee firing off push kicks. Phillips blocks a head kick and continues to stalk his foe. McKee lands a right hook and changes levels but Phillips sidesteps the attempt. McKee counters Phillips with a right hook. Phillips counters a McKee knee with a two-punch combination. McKee gets a body lock takedown with less than 20 seconds remaining, and he ends the stanza with a couple solid shots from above. 10-9 McKee (30-27 McKee).

The Result

A.J. McKee def. Brandon Phillips via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00

Jessica Middleton vs. Alice Smith Yauger

Round 1

Middleton lands a jab and misses on a spinning back fist. A front kick form Middleton knocks Yauger off balance. Yauger catches a body kick but lets it go. Middleton lands a spinning back kick to the midsection and follows up with a leg kick. Yauger answers with a two-punch combo. Middleton lands a pair of leg kicks followed by a straight right hand. Yauger counters a Middleton low kick with a right hand. A spinning back fist by Middleton is blocked. Middleton stays busy with low kicks than dodges Yauger’s return combination. Middleton tags Yauger with a pair of hard punches and the fighters briefly clinch before separating. A straight left from MIddleton finds its mark and she follows it with a one-two that also lands. So far, Middleton is controlling the fight by landing superior volume and attacks at distance. Yauger lands a couple decent punches before the round ends, but it’s Middleton who closes the frame with a left hook to the chin. 10-9 Middleton.

Round 2

Middleton lands a right hand while stepping to avoid any return offense from Yauger. Middleton presses forward and lands a kick to the body. Middleton lands a glancing right hand over the top and then appears to hurt Yauger with another right hand. Yauger forces the clinch to recover. Middleton lands an elbow on the break as they return to the center of the cage. Yauger’s face is starting to wear the damage of the fight. A right hand from Middleton lands and Yauger appears to want a break for an eye poke, but John McCarthy didn’t see it. Middleton remains on the attack, and she has Yauger moving backward with her combinations. Another clean right hand snaps Yauger’s head backward. Yauger’s right eye is causing her problems as she puts her hands to cover her face, but there is no break in the action, and Middleton is just having her way. A two-punch combination appears to really take the steam out of Yauger. Middleton lands two leg kicks, then catches a spinning kick from Yauger. Middleton catches Yauger coming foward with a stiff jab. Middleton lands another combination as time expires. 10-8 Middleton.

Round 3

Yauger grabs a single leg and pushes Middleton into the fence. She turns her opponent around and dumps her on the canvas. Yauger lands some ground-and-pound with Middleton on all fours near the fence. Middleton reverses the position and takes Yauger’s back. They’re too close to the fence for Middleton to really work, but she has both hooks in. MIddleton works to slide her right arm under Yauger’s chin, but Yauger is still defending well. Middleton is staying busy from back control, landing short punches and still threatening for the rear-naked choke. Middleton attempts to transition to an armbar near the end of the frame, allowing Yauger to turn and land some ground-and-pound before the bell sounds. 10-9 Middleton (30-26 Middleton).

The Result

Jessica Middleton def. Alice Yauger via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-26) R3 5:00

David Rickels vs. Aaron Derrow

Round 1

Rickels stuns Derrow with a pair of left hands. Derrow changes levels out of desparation and Rickels keeps the pressure on with ground-and-pound on the canvas. Derrow recovers guard to regain his bearings. Rickels stands and lands some standing-to-ground punches to the body. Rickels stands, then moves in with punches to the head as Derrow stays on his back near the fence. Rickels continues to work with ground-and-pound in guard. He then stands and plays to the crowd before dropping down double-hammerfists. Rickels kicks the legs of his grounded foe, then clears Derrow’s legs and lands a hard right to the midsection. Rickels is back in guard, landing elbows and hammerfists from above. Rickels is in complete control with 1:00 to go, and finally Rickels orders a standup. They exchange wildly before Derrow changes levels and takes Rickels down in the center of the cage. The round ends with Derrow on top, although he absorbed some elbows from Rickels there as well. 10-8 Rickels.

Round 2

Rickels throws a leg kick and Derrow instantly shoots for a takedown. Rickels sprawls and is pushed into the fence. “Caveman” turns and separates before tagging Derrow with a combinations. A left hand wobbles Derrow and Rickels shoves his man to the canvas. Rickels is landing a barrage of elbows to Derrow’s temple from side control. Rickels continues to batter Derrow with a variety of punches, elbows and hammerfists from above. Rickels stands, kicks the legs, then dives back into guard, flurrying with more punches. Referee Rob Hinds is watching closely, but Derrow is doing just enough to avoid a stoppage thus far. Rickels uses a body shot to set up a pair of elbows to the head. Rickels seems almost exasperated as he continues the beatdown of a nearly defenseless Derrow. Rickels stands again, and the frame ends just as he attempts another double-hammerfist. 10-8 Rickels.

Round 3

Rickels lands a kick to the body before Derrow forces a clinch. Rickels turns his foe against the fence and lands a hard knee. Derrow collapses to the floor and “The Caveman” stays on im. Rickels flurries with standing-to-ground punches near the fence, and after a series of unanswered blows, the bout is mercifully halted.

The Result

David Rickels def. Aaron Derrow via TKO (Punches) R3 0:44

Melvin Guillard vs. Chidi Njokuani

Round 1

Njokuani takes the center of the cage, measuring his smaller foe as Guillard circles on the outside. Njokuani opens with a push kick to the chest. After about a minute of inactivity, some boos are beginning to come from those in attendance. John McCarthy pauses the action and calls for more aggression about a minute and a half into the bout. Guilard catches a kick but can’t take Njokuani down. Njokuani pushes Guillard into the fence and lands a knee. Guillard answers with a knee of his own but it’s low and McCarthy calls time. The action resumes after a brief pause and Njokuani lands a hard body kick. Guillard responds by changing levels for a takedown. Njokuani is able to push him off and return to his feet with relative ease. Njokuani goes upstairs with a pair of head kicks, but the momentum carries him into the clinch. Guillard awkwardly pulls guard and Njokuani goes to work with punches and a couple brutal knees to the body with Guillard seated against the fence. Njokuani gets overzealous, however, and one of the knees lands to the head as Guillard attempts to rise. Time is called once again and a doctor comes to examine Guillard. The action is restarted and Njokuani continues to find a home for body kicks. Guillard is working to close the distance late in the round. They clinch following a two punch combination by Njokuani, and the round ends in that position. 10-9 Njokuani.

Round 2

The combatants are again tentative early before Guillard shoots for a takedown. Njokuani sprawls and winds up in top position, where he lands some short punches and an elbow to the face. Njokuani eventually works to Guillard’s back, but the UFC veteran executes a forward roll to take his foe’s back. Njokuani looks for a standing kimura. Guillard counters with a spinning elbow but stumbles to the floor. Njokuani capitalizes by taking top position, where he lands punches to the body and elbows near the fence. Njokuani is beginning to increase the intensity of his assault with less than two minutes remaining in the period. Guillard sits against the fence and after a period of inactivity a standup is ordered. Guillard blocks a head kick but the blow still moves him a couple steps back. Njokuani lands a hard body kick to the liver that has Guillard wincing with less than 10 seconds remaining. “The Young Assassin” ties up his opponent and hangs on for dear life until the horn sounds. 10-8 Njokuani.

Round 3

Njokuani pressures and looks for the liver kick again. Guillard ties his foe up and pushes him into the fence. Njokuani reverses a takedown attempt and tosses Guillard to the canvas, where he sets up in half guard. Njokuani lands punches to the body and head, and Guillard appears to be bleeding near his eye. Guillard is doing his best to create space with his guard but the larger Njokuani is just too powerful. Njokuani stands and uses an axe kick to clear the legs of his foe. Guillard once again is stuck absorbing ground-and-pound from Njokuani near the fence. McCarthy calls for a standup with 30 seconds remaining, and Njokuani throws another body kick. This time Guillard blocks it. Guillard briefly transitions to Njokuani’s back and looks for a rear-naked choke, but it’s not going to happen at this point. The round ends and it should be a clear-cut verdict for Njokuani. 10-9 Njokuani (30-26 Njokuani).

The Result

Chidi Njokuani def. Melvin Guillard via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-26) R3 5:00