Bellator 264 ‘Mousasi vs. Salter’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Orlando Mendoza (194) vs. Jonathan McNeil (195)

Round 1

Opening the Bellator 264 card, we have a mystery match, as both Jonathan McNeil (0-0) and Orlando Mendoza (0-0) are both making their pro debuts in a 195 pound catchweight affair. Sportsbooks and gamblers are equally stumped, as they have this as a dead even pick'em. Referee Todd Anderson will be observing them as closely as anyone. They began cautiously, until McNeil starts with a flurry of punches, and then, clinching against the cage, gets an easy takedown. He immediately works from the top, looking to pass with an arm triangle. Mendoza resists, but McNeil soon attains mount. Mendoza, however, does manage to get out of the arm triangle, a small consolation. McNeil keeps looking for the arm triangle, but isn't throwing many punches from such a dominant position. Mendoza tries to buck him off, but he is only able to buy himself time, little else. Eventually, Mendoza turns his back, and McNeil gets both hooks in. McNeil throws a few punches to the body, but his attempts to go for the RNC are thus far unsuccessful, as Mendoza is fighting the hands. McNeil briefly softens him up with a few punches to the head. Mendoza tries to scramble a little, and faces mcNeil again. Mendoza goes for a heel hook with McNeil standing up, but it's unsuccessful, and McNeil finally blasts his opponent with punches, clearly hurting McNeil. Eventually, he settles into half-guard and soon advances to mount, again eyeing an arm triangle. Finally, he decides to opt for GNP, battering Mendoza with punches and elbows. Mendoza has his head flat against the canvas, which is making them much worse. With 30 seconds left, Mendoza is in pure survival mode. Finally, he turns his back to avoid the punishment. McNeil ends the round with hammerfists to the side of the head. Utter domination by McNeil here. 10-8 McNeil.

Round 2

Mendoza begins the round with a leg kick, more offense than he landed in the entire first stanza. McNeil bursts forward with punches again, but Mendoza mostly evades them. Mendoza goes for another leg kick, but McNeil counters him with punches which almost land. Then, McNeil runs forward and scores on another very easy single-leg. He is in half-guard now, with Mendoza showing more resistance now. Eventually, Mendoza gets to full guard. However, his guard isn't very tight and he isn't controlling McNeil's biceps, allowing McNeil to score with a series of punches to the head. He continues working in bursts, alternating between body and head, as Mendoza is simply stalling with a closed full guard, little else. Halfway through the round, and McNeil is hammering away with the occasional series of punches. Mendoza may be hoping for a stand-up, but he is eating a steady diet of punches and elbows, making that an unlikely proposition, especially for a referee as experienced as Todd Anderson. With a minute left, McNeil begins opening up more, throwing more punches, clearly bothering Mendoza. Mendoza finally opens ups his guard with 20 seconds left, but not for long, and without even trying for a hip escape. Another one-sided round for McNeil, although this one was less dominant and damaging. 10-9 McNeil.

Round 3

Both men come out tired to begin the final stanza. McNeil throws a lousy head kick, but Mendoza easily blocks it. McNeil then goes for a very slow, telegraphed 1-2 that isn't remotely close to landing. Mendoza goes for a leg kick, but thanks to countering, McNeil lands with a 1-2. Mendoza goes for another leg kick and eats a left cross that snaps his head back. Mendoza starts moving around the cage more cautiously now, but as he walks forward, McNeil shoots a double-leg takedown and once again gets him down easily. McNeil immediately goes for ground-and-pound, even fully standing up and continuing to throw. Mendoza doesn't use the opportunity to try to scramble up, accepting his position on the bottom. McNeil eventually returns and takes side control. Then, with exactly half a round left, he steps over easily to mount and begins hammering away. Mendoza again turns his back. With both hooks in, McNeil sits away and batters away at his hapless foe. Mendoza turns around again, with McNeil in deep full mount. Mendoza's defense is relegated to covering up and switching between being mounted and giving up his back. Eventually, he is too tired to even do that, and he lays on his side, covering up, absorbing punches and elbows. Todd Anderson warns him to move, and after he is ignored, the fight is called off. Absolutely one-sided domination by McNeil.

The Official Result

Jonathan McNeil def. Orlando Mendoza via TKO (Punches and Elbows) at 3:57 of Round 3

Jeffrey Glossner (142) vs. Sebastian Ruiz (141.75)

Round 1

Moving on, Jeffrey Glossner (2-2) faces Sebastian Ruiz (2-3). Both men are 0-1 in Bellator, but one will get their first victory tonight. Venerable referee Mike Beltran will dwarf both fighters and keep them honest. Glossner starts out jabbing. Ruiz responds with a leg kick, and very nearly gets countered hard with a left cross, just barely covering up in time. Ruiz begins circling a lot on the outside, occasionally firing off kicks, sometimes to the legs and once to the head. Glossner looks to counter and at one point explodes with a nice combination of punches, partially getting through. Glossner is stalking Ruiz and fires a head kick of his own, blocked just in time. In a wild exchange, both men fire punches and Glossner falls down, although it appears to be more of a slip. Glossner then comes forward, firing off some powerful hooks that Ruiz doesn't like. Ruiz goes for a takedown, but Glossner uses the opportunity to go for a guillotine. It looks deep, but Ruiz is tough and guts it out. Glossner is not done attacking though, going for an armbar. This one isn't tight, but he keeps with it, until Ruiz eventually changes the angle and gets out. There is little time to rest, however, as Glossner soon throws up a triangle choke and starts throwing hammerfists and elbows for good measure. Ruiz changes the angle on the choke and starts pulling back, as Glossner doesn't have his leg secured, but he can't fully get out. Against the cage, Ruiz lands some nice hammerfists to a downed Glossner, his best strikes of the round. However, he soon has to switch to defending the triangle, which Glossner keeps on. Eventually, Ruiz has to roll over, as Glossner adds more strikes. Ruiz, through an effort of will, gets back up, and with 15 seconds left, he gets out. Ruiz then unleashes a hellacious barrage of punches to Glossner, who has his back turned, as Glossner simply eats all of them. I had Glossner winning the round until the very end, but Ruiz stole it there. 10-9 Ruiz.

Round 2

Ruiz begins the round aggressively, landing a right cross and then a head kick that partially gets through. However, he is too reckless in coming forward, allowing Glossner to clinch and then hit a hip throw to get a takedown. Glossner works well from the top, landing some hard elbows. Ruiz tries to scramble out, but Glossner is looking for the brabo. However, he isn't able to roll, and Ruiz makes his way back up to his feet, as the two men clinch along the fence. Glossner eventually gets a tight body lock and then hits a nice outside trip to get back on top. Glossner is in half-guard, and tries to move his way up, neglecting GNP. Halfway through the round, and the pace has finally slowed down, after an electric pace. Glossner postures up to throw some punches, but Ruiz scrambles. Glossner is ready now, and he takes Ruiz's back, going for a RNC. He then gets both hooks in, and suddenly, matters look grim for Ruiz. Glossner has the choking arm on tight, as Ruiz fights the supporting one. Ruiz keeps scrambles, and as Glossner gets lazy, Ruiz turns into him. With Glossner appearing tired, Ruiz lands a nice knee to the body of his opponent, after which they return to grappling along the fence. Glossner drops levels to go for a double-leg pick-up and slam, but he is unsuccessful. Ruiz goes for a guillotine, but it's not too tight, and time runs out. Ruiz gets up at the end and stands over Glossner, not letting him up, very much a bush league move. Poor sportsmanship aside, this was a very close round. 10-9 Glossner.

Round 3

Glossner looks visibly tired to begin the final round. Ruiz measures him with kicks, but they're noticeably slower too, and miss. Glossner throws a left hand that is only partially blocked. Ruiz goes for another head kick, but Glossner is out of range. Ruiz makes a strange decision to shoot for a takedown. Glossner goes for a brabo choke that has Ruiz's head at a horrible angle for a while, but Ruiz again scrambles away. Neverthelesss, in doing so, Glossner has top position and side control. Both men stall for a while in this position, the furious energy of this fight finally getting to them. Ruiz tries to push against the fence with his feet and scramble, but he doesn't have the strength for it anymore. With half a round left, Glossner still has him in side control, but doing very little. Ruiz then begins turning, looking for a hip. It's a slow movement, though, and Glossner stays on top, controlling the head. Ruiz tries to sneak his legs out, and eventually, with a minute and a half left, he finally gets back up, with Glossner draped around his waist. Glossner is grinding for a double-leg pick-up, but is unsuccessful. With a minute left, referee Mike Beltran urges them to action. Glossner goes for another takedown, but is again unsuccessful. However, then Ruiz makes a poor decision to go for a guillotine, and that gives Glossner the leverage necessary to pick him up and slam him to the canvas. He is again in half-guard, but this time in the middle of the cage. He lands a little GNP, but Ruiz scrambles up with 7 seconds left. Glossner lands a knee as the fight end. This round was clear, but how the judges will see the whole fight certainly isn't. 10-9 Glossner (29-28 Glossner).

The Official Result

Jeffrey Glossner def. Sebastian Ruiz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Pam Sorenson (145.75) vs. Roberta Samad (146)

Round 1

Our next fight is very interesting, as Pam Sorenson (8-3), who left Invicta as their featherweight champion, opened as a massive -400 favorite against Roberta Samad (5-1). However, heavy betting action on Samad now have this match dead even, with Sorenson and Samad each at -110. Were the gamblers correct to believe in the Brazilian, who has fought just once since losing to Julia Budd in 2015, a decision win in 2019 over 3-8 journeywoman Moriel Charneski? We as well as referee Kevin MacDonald will have to wait and see. Sorenson starts aggressively, firing a jab that misses but then connecting with an overhand right that lands flush, but not very hard. Samad fires a right cross, but Sorenson jumps back out of range, bouncing on her feet. Samad goes for a leg kick that is dodged, and Sorenson throws a 1-2 that is only partially blocked. Sorenson throws a cross that misses, but connects on a nice leg kick, and a while later, lands another one. Samad gets her first connection with a solid cross that bothers Sorenson. A while later, she gets another right cross through, and this one hurts Sorenson a little. Strangely, Samad decides to clinch against the cage now. The two women trade knees to the body, and despite being significantly shorter, Sorenson is doing better here. Samad has double underhooks, but isn't going for any takedowns, instead going for little shoulder strikes that seem to have little effect. Sorenson eventually frames and gets off the cage. Samad lands another cross that hurts Sorenson as they get off the cage. Sorenson gets back to work with a leg kick, as both miss punches. Sorenson lands another leg kick. Samad is purely looking for the cross or 1-2 here, but Sorenson is looking for it. Samad wisely changes tactics and lands a leg kick. She then lands a second leg kick that briefly forces Sorenson to her knees. Sorenson throws a lazy jab and gets partially countered by a left hook. Samad misses a leg kick and Sorenson comes forward, but is only able to land a jab. They then clinch again, and Samad again presses Sorenson to the cage, with double underhooks. Sorenson partially throws her off and then lands a few knees to the head as the round expires. Close round, and Sorenson landed more, but Samad's blows did far more damage. 10-9 Samad.

Round 2

Sorenson comes forward with clumsy, reaching punches, and Samad evades. Samad throws a spinning backfist, and while it's slow and telegraphed, Sorenson simply stands there, eating the blow. Sorenson tries to come forward, but she is predictable and reaching here. Sorenson lands a leg kick, arguably her most successful strike. Samad responds with one of her own. Sorenson comes forward and eats a jab that snaps her head back badly. Soresnon comes forward and lands a 1-2, but it does little damage. Sorenson lands another jab, but again, it doesn't have the impact of Samad's blows. A lazy jab by Samad is countered by a Sorenson right hand. Sorenson lands another leg kick. A Samad leg kick is countered by a Sorenson right cross as well. Sorenson adds a few leg kicks, although they lack the starch they had in the first round. Samad is badly slowing down herself though, and Sorenson lands a leg kick and then comes forward with a jab. Sorenson hits Samad with a right cross. Samad finally lands a leg kick of her own, but she is looking too slow here. Sorenson adds a leg kick and then a clean jab gets through. Finally, Samad decides she has had enough and clinches with Sorenson. Sorenson does a good job getting away and pushes her off. Samad fires a jab, but Sorenson easily backs away. Sorenson goes forward and lands another solid jab. With 30 seconds left, Samad again clinches. She is digging for a hip now, clearly wanting a takedown, but Sorenson defends well and stays upright. She lands a knee to the body, and then defends a single-leg well to end the round. Nice comeback stanza for Sorenson. 10-9 Sorenson.

Round 3

Samad starts the final round firing her jab, but Sorenson gets out of range. Samad comes forward and lands that same right cross. Sorenson is able to get away, though. Sorenson counters a leg kick with an overhand right. Samad goes for another spinning backfist, and again, Sorenson just eats it, not getting out of range. Samad then lands a light leg kick and a jab, before Sorenson lands a leg kick of her own. Sorenson throws a leg kick, but Samad throws a 1-2, and the right cross snaps Sorenson's head back again. Sorenson lands a leg kick and this time evades the receipt that Samad goes for. Sorenson then comes forward and lands a very clean jab that bothers Samad. Sorenson comes forwad again with a barrage of punches and they bother Samad, who gets out. Samad lands a jab but eats a leg kick. Sorenson throws a lazy kick and Samad decides to grab it, using it to take her down. Sorenson has an opportunity to scramble back up, but doesn't use it, as Samad simply kneels to get on top. Samad postures up, and Sorenson keeps a closed guard on, for whatever reason, locking herself on the bottom. Sorenson is throwing the occasional elbow from the bottom, while Samad is landing a few hammerfists. Sorenson is content to be on her back, though, going for elbow strikes. Samad lands a punch. After posturing fully back, Sorenson still doesn't get up, and Samad simply kneels down, this time in side-control. Samad then works for a guillotine from deep half-guard, but the round ends. Close stanza, but I have the Brazilian taking it. The gamblers were correct on this one! 10-9 Samad (29-28 Samad)

The Official Result

Pam Sorenson def. Roberta Samad via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Ty Gwerder (185) vs. Khadzhimurat Bestaev (185)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card, Ty Gwerder (5-2), all of whose victories have come by knockout, is heavily favored against 6' 6" Khadzhimurat Bestaev (10-4), perhaps best known for an unsuccessful appearance on Dana White's Contender Series last year against Phil Hawes. Referee Kevin MacDonald gets this assignment. Gwerder springs forward with a head kick, but he loses his balance, and Bestaev punishes him with a few punches. Bestaev goes for a head kick of his own, but it's blocked. Gwerder lands a left hand and leg kick and nicely bobs and weaves to avoid Bestaev's counters. They get a little more cautious now. Gwerder lands a body punch, and as Bestaev throws a punch, Gwerder counters him with a huge left hand that floors Bestaev. Gwerder swarms over him, blasting him with ground-and-pound. Bestaev desperately tries to survive and tie up his opponent. Gwerder decides to get up and stand. Gwerder scores with a hard knee to the body that hurts Bestaev, and while Gwerder almost falls from another head kick, it forces Bestaev to the canvas again. Bestaev goes for a possible armbar from his back, and Gwerder again stands up and waves him on. Gwerder swarms forward, hurting Bestaev with another knee to the body. Then, in the clinch, he picks up Bestaev and slams him to the canvas, drawing appreciative oohs and aahs from the crowd. Yet again, Gwerder lands some ground-and-pound, but when the pace slows, waves Bestaev back up. Gwerder scroes with a few kicks, including to the legs. Gwerder comes forward, landing some nice punches. However, he is too aggressive, and Bestaev unleashes a flurry of punches from close range that now hurt Gwerder, who appears tired! Gwerder gets out and catches his breath. As he comes forward again with strikes, Bestaev clinches, practically crumpling to the canvas, and eats more strikes as the round ends. A very energetic, action-packed round! 10-8 Gwerder.

Round 2

Both men are breathing hard to begin the second round. Bestaev goes for a fast head kick, but it's solidly blocked. Gwerder is too reckles coming forward and Bestaev scores with an uppercut that wobbles his opponent. Gwerder scores with a body punch, and Bestaev's combination to respond is evaded. Gwerder lands several hard leg kicks. Gwerder partially lands a left hook. Bestaev lurches forward with a punch, but Gwerder ducks, although his own punch misses. Gwerder lands a few more hard leg kicks. Bestaev comes forward with straight punches and they land, as Gwerder looks too exhausted to get off the center line. Gwerder is still bobbing and weaving, though, and revades a few Bestaev punches, although he eats a big knee to the head in the process while ducking. Bestaev goes for the same technique, but this time, Gwerder blocks the knee with his forearms. Gwerder lands a few more leg kicks. Halfway throught he round, the pace has slowed. Gwerder lands a punch to the body, and then Bestaev lands a few punches to the head. Bestaev throws a few front-kicks to the body, and slow as they are, they're touching Gwerder. Gwerder throws a lazy leg kick, but it's slow enough that Bestaev is able to lift his leg to evade. Bestaev partially lands a head kick. As Gwerder is utterly gassed, Bestaev scores with another nice short uppercut. With 45 seconds left, an exhausted Gwerder lumbers forward and gets a takedown. Bestaev, goes for a triangle guard, which commentator Big John McCarthy dislikes as much as I do. Gwerder is too tired to do anything on top for the final 45 seconds, and the round ends. 10-9 Bestaev.

Round 3

Bestaev's corner is furiously yelling that Gwerder is badly tired and it's his match to win. Gwerder's corner, meanwhile, tells him to go for a takedown. Bestaev begins the round with front kicks to the body. Bestaev lands a jab, a hook, and then a head kick that drops Gwerder and has him badly, badly hurt. He goes for a finish but Gwerder just barely manages to evade and clinches. Gwerder gets the desperation takedown. Gwerder is bleeding profusely now as Bestaev locks on a triangle. It's loose, but Gwerder is doing little to avoid it. They turn over one full rotation, and Gwerder gets out. Gwerder is blatantly stalling now, too tired to do much on top. Unfortunately, Bestaev is doing little to hinder him, going back to a triangle guard, which John McCarthy criticizes as well. Finally, he opens up the guard and attacks with another triangle choke with about 2 minutes left. Gwerder cuts the angle and gets out. Finally, with 90 seconds left, Gwerder throws his first strike from the top, and it's a hard elbow that lands flush on Bestaev. He adds a few more, and as Bestaev covers up, Gwerder moves to side control. He goes for a knee on belly, but Bestaev defends. Gwerder postures up and lands a few hammerfists and then punches. Bestaev then works back to full guard, but again goes for a triangle guard. Gwerder throws a few half-hearted punches from the top, and Bestaev answer with a few elbows from his back to end the bout. Due to getting a knockdown and almost finishing Gwerder, I still have to give the round to Bestaev. 10-9 Bestaev (28-28 Draw)

The Official Result

Khadzhimurat Bestaev def. Ty Gwerder via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Davion Franklin (264) vs. Everett Cummings (257)

Round 1

Next up we have unbeaten heavwyeights, as Everett Cummings (15-0) takes on Davion Franklin (3-0). Despite Cummings' glossy record, most of his opponents were very weak opposition from Gladiator Challenge, which I didn't even realize was still around. Davion Franklin is a legitimate prospect with a decorated amateur wrestling career, and reflecting this, Franklin is currently a large -400 favorite. Logically, to keep order among heavyweights, heavyweight ref Dan Miragliotta presides. Cummings tries to touch gloves, but Franklin wants none of it. Cummings lands a leg kick to start. Davion Franklin lands a nice side-kick to the legs, and as Cummings stumbles, clearly hurt, Franklin fires off a big head kick that is barely blocked. He then snakes through a straight right that drops Cummings. As Franklin rips follow-up punches, Cummings is inert, and the referee has no choice but to stop it. A nice performance by Franklin, but this fight answers any questions about Cumming' previously glossy 15-0 record.

The Official Result

Davion Franklin def. Everett Cummings via KO (Punch) at 0:21 of Round 1

Magomed Magomedov (135.75) vs. Raufeon Stots (136)

Round 1

In an excellent bantamweight affair, we have the supremely talented Magomed Magomedov (18-1), who holds a victory over Petr Yan and whose only loss was in a rematch to the former UFC bantamweight kingpin, seeks to go 3-0 in Bellator against Raufeon Stots (16-1), who is 4-0 in Bellator and whose only loss was to Merab Dvalishvili over 4 years ago. In terms of skill, this should be a beauty. Referee Todd Anderson will have the closest view for this contest. They begin cautiously, testing out the range. Magomedov throws a leg kick that Stots evades, and then Magomedov goes for a spinning backfist that misses, too. Stots, however, fires a lightning-quick head kick that partially gets through, getting Magomedov's attention. Stots fires another kick, this one unsuccessful, and Magomedov grabs the foot, but is unable to get a takedown. Magomedov goes for a head kick of his own, but it's unsuccessful. Magomedov drops levels for a takedown, but Stots is ready, and Magomedov doesn't even go through with it. A left cross from Stots forces Magomedov to back up. Magomedov soon answers with a gorgeous spinning back-kick that lands. Another spinning back-fist doesn't work, however. Magomedov evades a Stots 1-2. Stots does, however, land a jab. Stots then touches Magomedov with a cross. Magomedov partially gets a leg kick through. Magomedov comes forward with punches for the first time, but they're a little telegraphed, and Stots easily gets out of range. A body kick by Stots gives Magomedov the opportunity he wants, though, and he goes for a single-leg, pushing Stots against the cage. He tries to lift the leg, but Stots has terrific balance, staying upright. Stots lands a few elbows to the side of the head against the cage as Magomedov continues grinding. Stots defends well, and manages to get off the cage. In response to a Magomedov kick, it's Stots who beautifully times a takedown and gets him down. Very impressive round for the underdog. 10-9 Stots.

Round 2

Stots opens the stanza with a beautiful jab that gets through. Magomedov goes for a fast head kick, but Stots blocks well. He evades a few Magomedov punches, and then blocks a left hook. Magomedov bursts forward with strikes and then goes for a takedown, but Stots defends against all of it. With Stots close the cage, Magomedov goes for another single-leg, grinding for it against the clinch. Stots then hits a beautiful right hand that stumbles Magomedov. However, Magemedov is tough, and eventually clinches his hands together and takes Stots down. Stots is tough, however, and finds a hip and scrambles back up in gorgeous fashion. Stots gains separation and with half the round remaining, we are back at range. Stots fires a jab and head kick, which Magomedov retreats from in time. Magomedov goes for another head kick, but this is also blocked. Another attempt meets the same fate. Magomedov goes for a 1-2 which misses, but Stots scores with another jab. Stots scores with a front-kick to the body and then a straight punch. Magomedov shoots for a takedown, but Stots defends and then punishes him with a punch on the break. Magomedov then immediately goes for a takedown again and is stuffed again. Magomedov eventually rises and separates. Magomedov lands a short overhand right that is his best punch of the round. A spinning backfist attempt is blocked. Stots lands another jab with 10 seconds remaining. Magomedov scores with a light body kick. Much closer round, but I again have it for the underdog. 10-9 Stots.

Round 3

Magomedov begins the final stanza with a leg kick. He goes for a nice 1-2, but Stots is steady, and blocks the cross. Stots pops Magomedov with a jab. Magomedov shows off his athleticism with a switch kick, but it's blocked. Magomedov shoots again, but is neatly stuffed. Stots then hits a gorgeous switch to take top position himself. Magomedov scrambles, but Stots takes his back, and Stots is attacking with the RNC, with the choking arm very tight! Magomedov, being such a superlative grappler, refuses to give up, and handfights the supporting arm, as he guts out the choking arm. He also starts moving his hips away, seeking to break Stots' hooks. Stots moves with him, although he is much looser now. Finally, Magomedov gets out of both hooks. He keeps working, and then Magomedov turns into him, taking top position himself! Magomedov is in half-guard now, and time is of the essence for him. He continues working, but has to stop periodically to block off attempts by Stots to scramble and hip-escape. Stots tries to get up, and Magomedov keeps him down with headlock with a little less than a minute remaining. They stay in this position for a while, as Magomedov keeps Stots' arm trapped. Stots looks like he might get out, but Magomedov ends up taking his back! He has little time to work for, and with 10 seconds left, he goes for an armbar! Stots is far too good, though, and survives until the end. Great comeback round by Magomedov, especially since he was nearly submitted, but I don't think it was enough. Fantastic, high-level performance by Stots. 10-9 Magomedov (29-28 Stots)

The Official Result

Raufeon Stots def. Magomed Magomedov via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Andrey Koreshkov (170.75) vs. Sabah Homasi (171)

Round 1

In the co-main event, former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) returns to the organization to face exciting striker Sabah "The Sleek Sheik" Homasi (15-9). Koreshkov may be the biggest favorite on the card, but Homasi has at least a puncher's chance. Referee Mike Beltran will see if it happens. Both men touch gloves to begin. Homasi fires a leg kick 20 seconds in to start, but Koreshkov dodges it. Koreshkov then lands one of his own, and Homasi returns it. Koreshkov then lands a solid leg kick. As Koreshkov comes forward, Homasi lands a very hard leg kick that that has the Russian out of position. Homasi then lands another hard one for good measure. Koreshkov throws a 1-2 that get him into a clinch, as they wrestle against the cage. Homasi is surprisingly holding his own, and throwing a few short punches to the body and landing knees to the thighs. Homasi eventually spins out, and they return at range. Koreshkov throws his patented spinning back-kick, but Homasi reads it perfectly, and gets a rear waistlock, as they resume wrestling. Koreshkov eventually turns around and gets to a more neutral position. Koreshkov breaks away, and Homasi stalks him with punches that Koreshkov just barely blocks. Koreshkov throws a big head kick that Homasi blocks, and he is now moving forward. Out of nowhere, as Homasi dips down, Koreshkov hits him with a huge flying knee. Homasi is hurt, and Koreshkov throws a barrage of punches that are getting through. Homasi manages to clinch, however, and recovers. On the break, with 30 seconds left, Homasi lands a nice elbow. They clinch again, and Koreshkov lands an uppercut and a cross to end the round. It was much closer than the lines would suggest, but I have it for the former welterweight champion. 10-9 Koreshkov.

Round 2

Homasi comes out aggressively, missing with a cross and then going for a big hook that misses, too. Koreshkov lands a few nice leg kicks, and then follows it up with a couple of stinging jabs. Homasi is looking for jabs of his own, but he is reaching, and Koreshkov evades well. Koreshkov scores with a nice body kick, but Homasi partially counters with an overhand right. Koreshkov is undeterred, and nails Homasi with an awesome left hook to the liver, doubling over Homasi, and then blasting him with punches and knees to the body. He makes a curious decision to go for a reap of the legs to get a takedown, slowing the action. Homasi soon wall-walks back up, and they are back in a clinch. Homasi lands a knee to the body. Koreshkov opens up with a nice short uppercut and series of punches, but Homasi partially responds. Koreshkov comes forward and again Homasi dips down, and again Koreshkov blasts him with a flying knee. Homasi holds on to the leg, but Koreshkov gets out and hits him with hammerfists, as Homasi is looking to stall. Homasi gets to the cage and again Koreshkov makes the curious decision to wrestle. He does, however, pick Homasi up, marches him closer to the center of the cage, and slams him to the canvas, shades of Matt Hughes. Koreshkov moves to mount and is looking for an arm triangle choke, ass Homasi turns on his hip. Homasi turns his back, as Koreshkov is draped around him, now looking for the RNC and hammering away with his free hand. With a minute left, this fight has suddenly become very one-sided for the Russian. Koreshkov stands up and blasts Homasi with knees to the body. Homasi tries to get out, but it's to no avail. Koreshkov utilizes excellent wrist-control as he pummels him with punches. Homasi finally stands to end the round, and eats another big knee for his efforts. 10-8 Koreshkov.

Round 3

Koreshkov is energetic to begin the round, while Homasi is tired. Homasi goes for a wild, overhand right haymaker, but when he misses, he loses his balance, and Koreshkov immediately gets on top. He starts landing punches to the body, and an attempt to scramble by Homasi is unsuccessful. As Homasi tries to shrimp to the cage, Koreshkov lands several monster knees to the body. Homasi is hurt, and switches to his back, with Koreshkov now in full guard. Koreshkov continues punishing Homasi with big punches to the body, and occasionally gets a few to the head. Homasi's head is pressed against the cage, as he eats punches and elbows, albeit in spurts. Koreshkov's GNP is very technical and hard, utilizing his body very well into the strikes. Finally Homasi tries to scramble out, but Koreshkov shows off his jits, taking the back and re-asserting the wrist control that worked so well in Round 2. He gets both hooks in. However, Homasi shows his toughness, turning into the loose hooks, ending up on top of Koreshkov. Koreshkov is holding on to a closed full guard, but soon opens it up, looking to wall-walk. Homasi is simply holding on, taking the occasional short punch from the Russian. Homasi musters the energy to drag Koreshkov's body back down, and with 50 seconds left, even lands a solid forearm, perhaps the first connect of the round. With 30 seconds left, Koreshkov shows off his flexibility with a rubber guard. Homasi lands a few arm punches as the fight ends. With the exception of a slight hiccup at the end, that was an excellent performance by Koreshkov against a tough, game fighter. 10-9 Koreshkov (30-26 Koreshkov).

The Official Result

Andrey Koreshkov def. Sabah Homasi via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight:
Gegard Mousasi (185) vs. John Salter (185)

Round 1

In the main event, Bellator middleweight champion, the legendary Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2), incredibly now 36 years old, takes on a stern test in master grappler John Salter (18-4). Amusingly, both Salter and Mousasi are 10-1 in their last 11 bouts. Their only loss? To undefeated, now retired Rafael Lovato Jr., who submitted Salter in round 3 and won a debatable majority decision over Mousasi. Referee Dan Miragliotta gets the final assignment of the night. Mousasi begins stalking Salter. Salter fires a leg kick, but Mousasi dodges it. Mousasi backs Salter into the cage. Salter throws a left cross, but Mousasi easily avoids it. Mousasi then evades another leg kick. Mousasi comes forward with strikes himself, and scores with a 1-2. Salter partially gets him back with a leg kick. Salter fakes a few punches, and then shoots for the legs. He drives Mousasi into the cage, and then finishes with a nice outside trip. However, Mousasi is merely on his butt, not on his back, threatening to wall-walk at any time. Salter has to focus on blocking off Mousasi's attempts to get up, and tries to suck his hips away from the fence. They trade short punches, more annoying than anything. Halfway through the round, Mousasi is getting up, but Salter is going for an ankle pick to keep him down. Salter is attacking Mousasi's base, firing knees to the back of the legs. Salter fires a knee to the head, which is illegal, as Mousasi's hands are touching the ground. He gets a warning from the referee. Mousasi stands back up, but Salter has the rear waistlock. Mousasi turns into him, and just barely blocks an attempt at a pick-up and slam. Mousasi now fires short knees to the body, and they're starting to have an effect on Salter, who is changing position. Mousasi lands a good elbows to the side of the head as the round ends. While Salter had "control", he didn't even cleanly take Mousasi down, and Mousasi had the edge in terms of damage, which, as Big John McCarthy, who wrote the Unified Rules reminds us, is the main criteria for judging. 10-9 Mousasi.

Round 2

Mousasi throws a jab, but Salter avoids it. Salter lands an overhand left that Mousasi is surprised by. Mousasi retaliates with a solid right cross that backs Salter up. Mousasi comes forward with punches, and Salter gets away, although his own punches are mostly blocked. Mousasi throws a 1-2 that partially gets through, and Salter barely blocks a head kick, although a jab by Mousasi gets through. Mousasi is using feints well, and he partially gets another jab through. Mousasi continues to stalk Salter against the cage. Mousasi lands another jab, and then a more solid left hand. He lands another straight left, and then throws a head kick that is blocked. Salter shoots for a takedown. Mousasi intially defends very well, but Salter continues chain wrestling and eventually gets Mousasi down. Yet again, Mousasi is on his butt but not on his back. Mousasi throws a few short punches to the body, as Salter tries to keep him down. With 90 seconds left, Mousasi stands back up against the cage, as Salter continues grinding. Mousasi lands an elbow to the side of the head. Salter reaches for the legs, but Mousasi angles off and now Salter is on his back. Mousasi fires off his patented ground-and-pound now, punishing Salter with beautiful straight punches. Salter is covering up well, but many are getting through, and Salter is hurt. With 20 seconds left, Mousasi is in half-guard, blasting away with punches and elbows, one after the other, as Salter is in pure defense mode, absorbing many hard blows. Salter is badly bloodied to end the round. Almost a 10-8, but not quite. 10-9 Mousasi.

Round 3

Salter looks a little unsteady to begin the round. He throws a leg kick, which Mousasi easily moves out of range of. Mousasi pops him with a jab and then adds a nice cross. Salter comes with another overhand left, but he is unsuccessful. Salter shoots earlier now, less than a minute in, but he is now easily stuffed, and doesn't have the energy to chain-wrestle. Mousasi is coming forward, being cautious with his strikes. Salter shoots, but Mousasi sniffs it out, and Mousasi pushes him down, ending up on top again. Mousasi blasts Salter with punches in half-guard, as Salter is just eating punch after punch, one after another. Referee Dan Miragliotta warns John Salter, but he is unable to move, continuing to eat blow after blow. Dan has no choice but to stop it. An impressive stoppage win for Gegard Mousasi, as John Salter was exactly the type of elite grappler, with high-level wrestling and BJJ that traditionally gives him trouble.

The Official Result

Gegard Mousasi def. John Salter via TKO (Punches) at 2:07 of Round 3