Bellator 268 ‘Nemkov vs. Anglickas’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Maria Henderson (123.7) vs. Collette Santiago (126)

Round 1

Kicking off the card, we have an amateur female flyweight bout, as Maria Henderson, wife of former UFC champion Benson, who will appear later on the card, faces Collette Santiago. On the one hand, Henderson was 1-0 as an amateur while Santiago was 0-2 with two KO losses. On the flipside, Henderson fought at 115 while Santiago fought at 145, so there will be a large size disparity. Refereeing this contest will be Mike Beltran. Henderson goes for a leg kick and Santiago crashes into her, with Henderson falling down, but Santiago allowing her to get up. Once on her feet, Santiago comes forward and Henderson gets the bodylock and then an easy trip to end on top. She takes the back with ease, with virtually no resistance, and immediately starts looking for the rear-naked choke. Santiago tries to posture up, but isn't defending her neck at all. Henderson locks in the choke and Santiago taps. Maria Henderson celebrates by kissing husband Benson afterwards.

The Official Result

Maria Henderson def. Collette Santiago via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 0:40 at Round 1

Sullivan Cauley (204.2) vs. Deon Clash (205.2)

Round 1

Moving on to professional MMA, local light heavyweights Deon Clash (1-0) and Sullivan Cauley (1-0) battle one another where someone will suffer defeat for the first time. The third man in the cage will be referee Ryan Brueggeman. Cauley starts out aggressively with a few jabs and a follow-up cross, but none land. Cauley comes forward and Clash temporarily comes forward, but Cauley gets up neatly. Cauley is wild, and is touched by a Clash left hook, though it isn't hard. Cauley lands a body kick and then clinches, scoring with a knee. Clash pushes him against the cage and begins grinding for a takedown. He drops levels and gets a double-leg takedown. Cauley again posts up well and gets up and now he is the one pushing Clash against the cage. They separate a litte and Cauley misses a few punches before Clash clinches again. Cauley lands a knee to the body as they separate. Cauley lands a check left hook that gets Clash's attention. A while later, he lands a right cross. Clash throws a few punches to get into a clinch, but Cauley pushes him off easily enough. Cauley lands a body kick now. Clash answers with one of his own, but neither one is particularly hard. Clash clinches again, but Cauley has an easier time separating now, and opens up with punches. He nails Clash with a nice combination, who covers up and retreats. Cauley comes forward again and Clash tries for a takedown but is stuffed. Now it's Cauley working for a takedown against the fence, and he nearly gets the single-leg. He lands several nice short punches, then a knee to the head, and then yet more punches to the head! Clash manages to clinch again to stop the punishment. Cauley separates with less than 10 seconds left and then lands a huge 1-2 that hurts Clash. As he tees off with punches and elbows, the referee stops the contest with a second or two left in the round. An impressive performance by Cauley!

The Official Result

Sullivan Cauley def. Deon Clash via TKO (Punches and Elbows) at 4:59 of Round 1

Jaylon Bates (135) vs. Raphael Montini de Lima (135)

Round 1

Now at bantamweight, undefeated prospect Jaylon Bates (3-0) faces more experienced veteran in Raphael Montini de Lima (5-4). Referee Jason Herzog will call the action. Montini starts the action with a nice leg kick that Bates largely eats. Bates is stalking Montini, but pays for it, getting hit with a nice hook. Bates decides he's had enough and shoots a nice double-leg that gets Montini down. Montini postures up, but Bates is able to partially take the back. They are tangled up next to the cage, with Bates grapevining his leg inside of Montini's, keeping him grappling. Montini gets out, and eats a few light knees to the body. Bates manages to get a rear waistlock and uses it to pull Montini down. However, Montini is on top of him and partially scrambles back up. Bates is undeterred, however, and keeps a hold, until finally, he takes the back with both hooks in! Halfway through the round, and Montini is in a very bad spot. Montini is fighting the hands well to defend the RNC, with a baseball grip on one hand. Bates is working hard, and lands a few short right hands to the head. They're not hard, but may be annoying enough to get an opportunity at the choke. Bates transitions from the back to full mount, and Montini's efforts to get out don't work. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Bates spins into an absolutely GORGEOUS armbar. It's extended fully and the Brazilian has no choice but to tap! While his striking certainly needs work, Jaylon Bates already has outstanding submission grappling, which he showed off in style tonight.

The Official Result

Jaylon Bates def. Raphael Montini de Lima via Submission (Armbar) at 3:49 of Round 1

Lance Gibson Jr. (155.5) vs. Raymond Pina (154.6)

Round 1

At lightweight, undefeated Lance Gibson Jr. (4-0), stepson of former long-time Bellator featherweight champion Julia Budd, faces a tough test in Raymond Pina (9-4). Keeping them honest will be referee Mike Beltran. Pina starts energetically, landing a leg kick. Pina then closes the distance to clinch, with Gibson Jr. staying upright. Pina gets the trip eventually and is on top, hammering away with punches to the body. Pina is pressing Gibson's head against the fence, but Gibson isn't using the opportunity to try to wall-walk. Like myself, commentator John McCarthy is not a fan of the body triangle guard that Gibson is using. After a while, he gives it up and goes to a closed full guard. However, Pina lands a couple of solid elbows to the head and is steadily chipping away with punches to the head and body. Gibson tries for an armbar, but Pina cuts the angle and easily defends. Still, Gibson uses it to post up and get back to his feet, with Pina still pushing him. Gibson lands a few nice knees to the body, and then gets off the cage, where he lands even more of them. Still, Pina isn't fazed and pushes forward, getting a single-leg takedown. Now Gibson is on his back in the middle of the cage, and he goes back to the triangle guard as McCarthy criticizes it further. Pina, meanwhile, scores with solid left hands to the body. Gibson is locking himself in with a closed full guard, even when Pina is posturing up considerably. Pina continues firing punches to the body. He then lands a nice right hand to the head before going back to left hands to the body. He sneaks a solid left punch to the body with 20 seconds left. Gibson tries for a possible armbar as the round ends, but to no avail. 10-9 Pina.

Round 2

Gibson begins the round with a kick, but it hits nothing but air. Pina lands a leg kick in retaliation. Gibson lands a punch, then a body kick, and then a solid left cross that causes Pina to temporarily clinch. It doesn't work, and soon after, at range, Gibson partially gets a head kick through. Pina drops levels but in the process, eats a huge kick from Gibson to the body. Pina is stunned, and Gibson takes the opportunity to take his back and locks in a body triangle. He mercilessly pounds away with punches and elbows as Pina is simply eating them. Mike Beltran has no choice but to stop the contest. Nice comeback from Lance Gibson Jr., who never looked fazed.

The Official Result

Lance Gibson Jr. def. Raymond Pina via TKO (Punches and Elbows) at 1:44 of Round 2

Sumiko Inaba (124.9) vs. Randi Field (125.9)

Round 1

In a clash between female flyweight prospects, Canada's Randi "The Rose City Phoenix" Field (2-0) takes on Hawaii's Sumiko "Lady Samurai" Inaba (2-0). Referee Ryan Brueggeman presides over this one. Field starts off with leg kicks, although they're not particularly hard. She goes for another one, and Inaba throws a series of straight punches to counter, although none of them quite land. Inaba throws punches in punches, but Field barely avoids them. She lands a nice jab and then follows it up with a head kick that is barely blocked. A Field leg kick is countered by a jab now, and they decide to briefly grapple. It's not for long, however, as they separate. Inaba throws kicks but partially eats a right hand for her efforts. Inaba leads with a left hook that misses badly, but partially lands with right hands. Inaba throws a kick that Field catches, taking Inaba down. However, she doesn't put a body on her and Inaba immediately gets up. Inaba now pushes Field against the cage, but they soon separate again. Field touches Inaba with a right hand, but little more. They're both throwing a lot, but there have been few solid connects. Inaba clinches and lands a knee to the body. Field scores with a jab. Inaba lands a front kick to the body. Inaba connects with a right cross that is one of her best of the round. Inaba misses a leg kick. Inaba partially lands a right cross when Field comes forward. Field lands a couple of leg kicks but then partially eats a right hand. Inaba partially gets a head kick through and then lands a series of punches that Field does little to avoid. Inaba then punctuates it with another head kick that partly gets through and lands a few more punches for good measure! Field is able to get away, though. With less than 20 seconds left, Inaba lands a big elbow that forces Field to one knee. She lands hard punches to the body against the cage as Round 1 ends. Almost a 10-8 here. 10-9 Inaba.

Round 2

Inaba lands a hard jab to begin the round, and Field temporarily clinches. Inaba lands another head kick that causes Field to back up. Inaba follows it up with a leg kick and then checks Field's own attempt. Inaba lands a solid punch combination. Inaba lands another elbow that hurts Field, as Field goes back to the cage, where she eats yet another elbow. Against the cage, Inaba lands a number of solid punches to the body. Field is opened up, and lands a few knees to the body from a Thai plum. However, this allows Inaba to scoop up her thigh and get the takedown. Inaba looks vastly better on the ground, easily slicing through Field's attempt at a heel hook, and getting to side control. From there, she locks in an arm triangle choke, moves nicely to the side, and Field quickly taps. Very impressive performance by the Hawaiian, showing off both her striking and grappling.

The Official Result

Sumiko Inaba def. Randi Field via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) at 2:02 of Round 2

Javier Torres (184.3) vs. Gregory Milliard (184.6)

Round 1

In a middleweight battle, long-time welterweight Javier Torres (11-5) fights long-time light heavyweight Gregory Milliard (12-6), whose last outing was a loss to tonight's main eventer Julius Anglickas. Keeping a keen eye on the action will be referee Jason Herzog. Torres begins with a very hard leg kick that nearly knocks Milliard off his feet. The action slows down a little afterwards, as both men test the range. Milliard lets fly a big right cross and it partially connects twice. Torres is tough, though, and shows little effect. Torres scores with another leg kick, although this one is less thunderous. Torres comes forward with punches, misses, and Milliard's attempt to get him down is defended. Milliard partially scores again with that big straight right. Torres partially lands a left cross of his own, as both men try to hand-fight and figure out the range. Milliard lands a very light leg kick. They go for punches but end up in a clinch, with Milliard having one underhook while pushing Torres against the cage. Torres is tough, though, and stifles an attempt to force him down. Torres eventually gains separation. He misses a few leg kicks and then just barely misses a punch. Torres is now the one pushing Milliard against the cage. Torres lands a knee to the head against the cage. Milliard turns him around with about 45 seconds left and works for a takedown of his own. With 20 seconds left, Torres hits a nice uchi mata to temporarily get Milliard down. Milliard soon gets up, though, and pushes Torres against the cage to end the round. Very close stanza. 10-9 Torres.

Round 2

Torres comes forward with punches, but Milliard ducks it well. Milliard lands a light leg kick. Torres goes for a fancy spinning backfist but it's not even close. Milliard, meanwhile, touches Torres with a left hand. Torres responds with a straight left that lands. Milliard goes for a big right hook, but Torres ducks it and they clinch again. Torres is certainly holding his own against the naturally much larger fighter. They separate and resume at range. Milliard goes for a head kick that is blocked and Torres tries one of his own, also blocked. Milliard misses left hook and Torres partially counters with a right hook. Milliard goes for a few straight rights, but Torres avoids them neatly and clinches again, working for a takedown against the cage as half the round has already elapsed. Torres works for an outside trip but Milliard's base is very strong. Torres lands a short knee to the body. Milliard turns him around with 90 seconds left, and they soon disengage. Torres circles on the outside, although Milliard isn't threatening him much. Milliard goes for an off-balance right hook that doesn't come close to landing. A Milliard body kick is blocked. They clinch again with 40 seconds left, with Torres again pushing the Aruban against the fence and landing a few small knees. Milliard gets double underhooks briefly, but does nothing with it and they disengage. Milliard misses a kick and Torres a spinning backfist as the round ends. A very uneventful stanza which is hard to score. 10-9 Torres.

Round 3

Milliard scores with a small leg kick and Torres with a body kick to begin the final round. They then repeat this exchange, after which they clinch with less than 30 seconds elapsed in the stanza. Torres throws a few knees, but they're very minor. Torres has the better head position and continues pushing Milliard into the cage as the crowd begins to boo. They soon separate back to range. Milliard throws a right cross that is easily blocked. Both men throw a few punches but none land. Milliard touches Torres with a leg kick. Torres lands a body kick, but it's fairly light. Milliard misses another big straight right, and Torres uses it to push his opponent back into the cage with half a round left. Torres tries for a takedown, but he doesn't get very far. Milliard turns him around with double underhooks and this time really works for a single-leg. However, Torres has solid balance, hopping on one leg, and Milliard soon bails with the two back at range. Milliard partially lands a right hook that catches Torres. Of course, not long after, they clinch again with a little over a minute left. They disengage again. Milliard misses another straight right. Milliard partially gets a front kick through but the follow-up punch misses. Torres lightly lands a body kick. A 1-2 by Torres misses. A spinning backfist by Torres misses and then his double-leg attempt is stuffed. Appropriately, the fight ends with the two clinching against the cage. 10-9 Milliard (29-28 Torres). After the fight, Torres takes his gloves off and puts them down at the cage, likely signaling retirement.

The Official Result

Javier Torres def. Gregory Milliard via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Nick Browne (155.3) vs. Bobby Lee (156.8)*

Round 1

At lightweight, recent LFA 155 pound champion Nick Browne (11-1), with the odd nickname of "Nyquil", faces well-traveled Bobby Lee (12-6), who missed weight by about a pound and is still looking for his first victory in Bellator, currently being 0-2 in the promotion. The third man in the cage will again be referee Mike Beltran. Browne begins with a nice front kick that partially connects. He then scores with a nice overhand right. Lee ineffectually flails with a jab. Browne looks good maintaining the distance and looking for opportunities to land with punches. He lands a straight right and then another front kick to the body, forcing Lee to shoot in on a double-leg. They get in a scramble and Lee has a rear waistlock as Browne stands up. He then gets a nice mat return. Browne then goes for a Granby roll and attacks a kneebar. Lee isn't aware of the position and is soon grimacing in pain. He has no choice but to tap! Excellent submission grappling by Browne.

The Official Result

Nick Browne def. Bobby Lee via Submission (Kneebar) at 1:38 of Round 1

Mukhamed Berkhamov (170.7) vs. Jaleel Willis (169.9)

Round 1

Next up, we have an important contender's match when undefeated Mukhamed Berkhamov (13-0) faces a very difficult challenge in former LFA welterweight champion Jaleel Willis (15-2). Overseeing the two highly skilled grapplers will be referee Ryan Brueggeman. Willis begins the fight with a leg kick. Berkhamov is stalking him, and Willis comes forward with an overhand right that catches the undefeated Berkhamov and knocks him down! Willis dives into top position. Berkhamov is instantly active off his back, pushing off continuously with his feet. Willis is unable to do much, and soon after, Berkhamov attempts an Ezekiel choke, popularized by the UFC's Alexey Oleynik. Berkhamov soon hip-escapes and gets to the cage, but Willis, a talented grappler himself, gets the backpack position and looks for a possible choke. Berkhamov shakes him off and in an explosive scramble, ends up on top himself! In half-guard, Berkhamov lands a short elbow. He gets his right leg free and is in side control now, with Willis close to the cage. Willis posts up against the cage, giving up his back in the process. He defends well while trying to get up, although Berkhamov continues standing over him. Berkhamov lands a knee to the body. Berkhamov now has farside wrist control on a wrestling ride. He stands over Willis and lands a few punches and soon pushes him back down to the canvas. He opens up a little now, landing a few short punches. With a minute left, Berkhamov locks in a very tight guillotine standing over a seated Willis, who is trapped against the fence. There is absolutely no escape and the squeeze is tremendously tight, and Willis has no choice but to tap! Incredible grappling, considering Willis is an excellent grappler himself, but was completely dominated and submitted in less than a round.

The Official Result

Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Jaleel Willis via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:05 of Round 1

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (205.4) vs. Karl Albrektsson (204.1)

Round 1

Finishing off the prelims, highly regarded light heavyweight Karl Albrektsson (12-3), who owns a split decision win over Bellator 205 pound champion Vadim Nemkov in Rizin all the way back in 2016, is a solid favorite over long-time ACA light heavyweight champion Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-6-1). Keeping the big men honest will be the decidedly smaller, but excellent referee Jason Herzog. Karl begins with a leg kick. They both try jabs, although neither lands. Yagshimuradov goes for a huge right overhand, but Karl ducks under and they clinch along the fence. Karl lands several solid knees to the body of the shorter man. Karl continues with his knee attack, alternating blows to the stomach and legs. Yagshimuradov lands just one knee strike of his own to the bread basket. Yagshimuradov turns Karl around against the cage. They break, and Yagshimuradov lands a nice elbow. He then blocks a Karl left hook and is out of range for a follow-up straight right. Yagshimuradov lands a leg kick and Karl uses it to try to pursue a takedown, but is stuffed. Karl drops levels to try for a takedown, but Yagshimuradov widens his base well. Karl is really working a single, but Yagshimuradov stays upright. They break and both men miss punches. Yagshimuradov scores with a nice leg kick that draws Karl slightly off-balance. Both men throw and miss jabs. Yagshimuradov lands a sharp jab with about 30 seconds left. Yagshimuradov scores with another leg kick, this one causing Karl to be slightly off-balance. With about 10 seconds left, Yagshimuradov fires a spinning back-kick but it misses. 10-9 Yagshimuradov.

Round 2

Karl begins with a pawing jab and a light leg kick, more to test the distance than anything. Karl then scores a more significant leg kick. Yagshimuradov, for his part, is calm, and then lands a quick leg kick of his own. Suddenly, Karl lands a big right hand that drops Yagshimuradov, who is on his knees. Karl swarms with punches as Jason Herzog takes a very close look. Karl decides to take him down and is in full mount, raining down furious punches and the occasional elbow, brutalizing Yagshimuradov. Eventually, Yagshimuradov manages to get a bodylock that temporarily halts the damage. He even regains the half-guard as the pace slows with 3:30 left in the stanza. Karl is more economical with his punches, landing a few short punches to the body. He lands a short elbow to the head. Yagshimuradov begins working to get back up now, but Karl has heavy top pressure and is controlling the wrists well, keeping Yagshimuradov grounded. Karl chips away with short punches and elbows to the head. Karl expertly gets to mount with 90 seconds left, but Yagshimuradov is wily and uses it to try a heel hook attempt. It doesn't work, but he uses it to get up. Yagshimuradov then goes for a flying knee that partially connects, but Karl uses it to take him back down. Once there, he lands an elbow to the head for good measure. He then lands several more punches to the body. With 30 seconds left, Karl returns to the mount, but yet again, Yagshimuradov uses it to attack a heel hook! In the ensuing scramble, he briefly takes the back and then gets a suplex! It's pretty, but doesn't do much damage. A hard round to score, but given the knockdown and how close Karl was to a finish, I have it 10-8 Albrektsson.

Round 3

Karl advances forward with a jab and then a straight right, but all miss. Yagshimuradov lands a leg kick. They clinch temporarily, but then disengage. Yagshimuradov lands a sharp right cross that gets Karl's attention, and soon after, they clinch, with Yagshimuradov nearly getting the takedown. He has a rear waistlock though, with Karl forced to defend against the cage. Yagshimuradov disengages and partly lands a nice head kick as he retreats. Karl is coming forward, but Yagshimuradov, visibly tired, still gets the better of it in an exchange of punches, as Karl's head is high and unmoving. Karl grinds for a takedown against the cage and gets it! He is in mount and starts peppering away with punches and elbows to the head. Yagshimuradov looks too tired to do much, but he summons the energy to try a potential heel hook. This one doesn't get as far, though, and Karl goes right back to mount, punishing his foe with punches and elbows. Yagshimuradov finds the perfect moment to push off, though, and gets back to his feet with a rear waistlock! This fight is just full of twists and turns. Suddenly, Yagshimuradov uncorks some big uppercuts that visibly stun Karl. He then follows it up with a 1-2 with the right cross hurting Karl. Yagshimuradov then lands a spinning back kick and then badly hurts Karl with a series of punches as he seems close to a knockout! Karl, however, clinches, and eventually gets a double-leg to put Yagshimuradov on his posterior. Karl is able to do little with the position. Yagshimuradov pushes off and stands up with 10 seconds left as he desperately chases a knockout, but to no avail. Great fight; a constant back-and-forth with both men very close to finishes. Perhaps fittingly, I have it a draw, though if I had to choose a winner, it would be Yagshimuradov. 10-9 Yagshimuradov (28-28 Draw).

The Official Result

Karl Albrektsson def. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Henry Corrales (145.6) vs. Vladyslav Parubchenko (145.4)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card, we have a fascinating grappler vs. striker match as long-time contender Henry Corrales (18-6) returns to featherweight to face Vladyslav Parubchenko (15-2). Getting this assignment will again be Mike Beltran. Corrales lands a light leg kick and Parubchenko is immediately on it, getting Corrales down. Corrales posts up and gets to his feet, but Parubchenko breaks his base and puts him back on his knees. Not discouraged, Corrales gets up again as Parubchenko holds on to a rear waistlock, while Corrales tries desperately to break the grip. Parubchenko grinds and gets a single-leg, but Corrales his a neat switch. Both men get up and disengage to range. Corrales comes forward with a somewhat sloppy overhand right that misses. Both men miss straight punches. Corrales comes forward again, but Parubchenko ducks down neatly. Corrales scores a nice leg kick and this frustrates a double-leg shot that Parubchenko is going for. Parubchenko clinches, but Corrales hits him with a nice uppercut. Parubchenko lands a nice jab and he uses it to clinch Corrales against the fence. Corrales manages to push off well and they resume striking. Parubchenko misses a head kick and that chopping Corrales overhand right misses. Corrales then lands several hard hooks that appear to get Parubchenko's attention, who backs off. Corrales comes forward aggressively and lands a nice overhand right, this one not sloppy or chopping, that buckles Parubchenko's legs. As the round ends, they come forward and exchange uppercuts in the clinch. A good round for the hometown Corrales. 10-9 Corrales.

Round 2

Parubchenko paws with a few jabs, but none land. Corrales comes forward brawling, partially landing another overhand right in a clinch before they disengage. They clinch again and this time Corrales scores with a nice knee to the body. Both men are cautious in general to begin Round 2, with neither forcing matters or overexending. Parubchenko is off-balance with a head kick and Corrales lands a jab and attempts to get him down. Parubchenko scrambles well, however, and manages to eventually get away. Parubchenko throws a combination, but they all miss by a considerable amount. Corrales scores with a leg kick. Corrales lands a body punch. Parubchenko tries for a takedown, but Corrales is in good position, getting low and framing well. He soon gains separation. He throws a two-punch combination that is mostly blocked. Parubchenko lands a straight right, but there is little on it. Parubchenko fires a combination that partially lands, but again, lacks power. Corrales partially lands a jab. Corrales lands a nice leg kick and then clips Parubchenko with another overhand right, perhaps his best connect of the round. Parubchenko misses a few punches, including a right uppercut. He clinches with about 20 seconds left, but is unable to do anything with it. The round ends. Very close stanza. 10-9 Corrales.

Round 3

Parubchenko lands a light jab, but Corrales comes back with a few short hooks that do more damage. Parubchenko comes forward and lands a left hook, perhaps his best punch of the night. Suddenly, Corrales lands a nice left hook that scores a flash knockdown against Parubchenko. He swarms, but Parubchenko is as tough as ever, and manages to recover and get up to his feet. Corrales doesn't push matters, and after some circling, lands a leg kick. Parubchenko goes for a leg kick, but is countered by a Corrales right hand. Parubchenko presses forward, and Corrales hits him with a couple of powerful hooks that stun him. He lands another leg kick for good measure. He then pours it on, landing two more hard hooks as Parubchenko looks vulnerable to a finish! He manages to move around and shake it off and tries for a takedown, but is easily stuffed. Corrales is looking for the big right hand now, and a few attempts are very close to finding the mark. Parubchenko lumbers forward and eats another right hook that could have had serious consequences. Corrales fires a 1-2 and lands a hard right cross that pushes Parubchenko straight back into the cage. He presses forward with punches, missing the straight ones, but landing a left hook into an overhand right that draws appreciation from the crowd. Impressive, dominant stanza by Corrales! 10-9 Corrales (30-27 Corrales)

The Official Result

Henry Corrales def. Vladyslav Parubchenko via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Benson Henderson (155.5) vs. Brent Primus (155.4)

Round 1

In a battle of former champions, ex-UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson (28-10) faces ex-Bellator champion Brent Primus (10-2) in a battle of two outstanding grapplers with terrific kicks. Primus is the slimmest of favorites. Refereeing this one will be Ryan Brueggeman. Primus starts out energetically, throwing a punch combination that has Henderson retreating, though nothing hard lands. Primus fires a head kick but Henderson blocks in time. Henderson tries a head kick of his own, but Primus blocks it. Henderson scores with a leg kick, but Primus clamps onto a leg to try to take him down. Henderson keeps his balance, and Primus bails on the attempt. Primus fires a few jabs, misses, and gets countered by Henderson's own jab. Primus goes forward with a right cross, then uses it to clinch. Against the cage, though, Primus lands a series of hard straight connects, several of them badly hurting Henderson. Henderson finally manages to get out of there, eating a lot of damage. Primus comes forward and lands another hard right cross. Henderson grapples in desperation and gets the double-leg takedown. Not deterred, Primus works his way up along the cage. As Henderson keeps pressing, Primus works a possible guillotine attempt, but he gives it up when it appears he doesn't have it. Primus gets a kimura grip, but Henderson forces through a takedown. He gets Primus down, but he is partially on Benson's backs, torquing his shoulder. Primus eventually manages to stand up and has Henderson in danger, either taking the back or a possible armbar. Primus rolls through with an armbar, but eventually loses the grip. Henderson gets up and lands a hard knee to the head of Primus as they clinch again. Henderson is on his knees looking for another possible takedown, but Primus widens his base well, which looks rock-solid. As the round ends, Primus almost gets Henderson down by torquing a brutal kimura lock. 10-9 Primus.

Round 2

Henderson fires a few head kicks to begin the round, but they miss. A Primus spinning backfist, however, partially lands. Henderson throws another head kick and this one misses by a considerable margin. A Primus body kick is solidly blocked. Henderson throws a 1-2 that partially gets through. Both men clinch in the middle of the cage and Henderson lands an elbow on his way out. Primus comes forward and lands a decent right cross and then a follow-up left hook. Henderson lands a solid left hook of his own that backs Primus up. Primus lands a nice leg kick. Henderson tries another left hook, but Primus ducks under this one neatly. Primus clinches, but eats a knee to the body for his troubles. Henderson lands a knee to the body, but Primus lands several solid punches to the body. Primus forces a takedown attempt, but is easily stuffed by Henderson. Primus pushes Henderson against the cage with 2 minues remaining in the round. Primus fights for underhooks and gets both. He manages to get Henderson off-balance and instantly takes Henderson's back with a body triangle, threatening a RNC! Primus lands several short punches to the head. Henderson decides to stand up, with Primus in a very solid backpack position, going for the RNC. Henderson desperately holds Primus' hands, and it appears to be working, as the seconds tick away. Very difficult round to score; Henderson was winning early, but Primus stole it near the end for me. 10-9 Primus.

Round 3

Primus lands a short right hand to begin the final stanza. Henderson throws another dynamic head kick and this one partially gets through. Henderson lands a neat left cross that briefly drops Primus, drawing an explosion of applause from the crowd. A Henderson head kick is caught by Primus, and he uses it to get Henderson to the canvas. He lands some ground-and-pound, but Henderson continues trying to scramble. He does so and gets up to his feet. Howver, Primus attacks with a guillotine, going to his back. Henderson is in deep trouble and while he manages to scramble up, he ends up on his own back doing so. Primus is now in the half-guard, landing the occasional punch. With Henderson being slower in scrambling, Primus takes the opportunity to take Henderson's back, landing a few short punches for good measure. Primus is now again attacking a possible RNC. Henderson gets to his knees, but he has less energy now than he did in round 2 when he stood up. Primus gets wrist control and returns Henderson to the canvas. With a tight body triangle locked on, Primus lands some small, annoying punhces. Primus looks for the RNC, but Henderson is very smart, not attacking the main choking arm, but the helping one. Primus isn't discouraged and continues peppering him with small punches. Eventually, with 30 seconds left, Henderson musters all his remaining energy and stands up again, with Primus again in the backpack position. He awkwardly tries to slam Primus, but simply leaves Primus in the better position, continuing to go for the choke. The fight ends. I have Primus clearly winning this one, but Henderson fights are known for some very poor decisions in his favor, so it's still an open question who will win. 10-9 Primus (30-27 Primus)

The Official Result

Brent Primus def. Benson Henderson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Light Heavyweight GP Semifinal:
Ryan Bader (204.1) vs. Corey Anderson (203.6)

Round 1

In a sensational co-main event, perhaps the best in Bellator's long history, Bellator's former champ-champ Ryan Bader (28-6), recent king at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, faces elite contender Corey Anderson (15-5). Both men are world-class wrestlers and have excellent, dangerous striking, but have the same flaw; a relatively weak chin. Should be an outstanding showdown. Referee Jason Herzog will get the best view in the house. After an early feeling-out period, Bader starts off with a left hook, but Anderson ducks under and connects with a short right hook behind the ear. Bader crumbles to his knees and Anderson immediately jumps on him, pounding away with punches. After a series of lightning blows from the left and right hands, one after another, Bader is helpless on his stomach, simply absorbing damage. Jason Herzog has no choice but to stop it. What a tremendous, sensational knockout for Anderson, who appears to be fully realizing his tremendous talent. A fantastic performance.

The Official Result

Corey Anderson def. Ryan Bader via TKO (Punches) at 0:51 of Round 1

Light Heavyweight GP Semifinal & Title Fight:
Vadim Nemkov (204.7) vs. Julius Anglickas (204)

Round 1

Finally arriving at the main event, Bellator's 205-pound world champion Vadim Nemkov (13-2), who has looked superlative in Bellator and is undefeated since early in his career in 2016, and faces replacement Julius Anglickas (10-1), a former LFA 205-pound champion who has been undefeated since his second professional outing, also back in 2016. Appropriately, the two big men have a big ref assigned to them in the venerable Mike Beltran. Both men trade jabs to begin the contest. Nemkov lands a body kick soon after. Nemkov pumps out a nice jab, and then tests with a head kick that is blocked. Nemkov is moving beautifully and goes to work with the jab, with one partially getting through. After he lands, however, Anglickas eye pokes him, and they temporarily halt. They resume soon after and touch gloves. Nemkov pumps the jab and uses it to land a nice right cross. Nemkov uses his head movement to avoid Anglickas' punches who is looking slow and stiff by comparison. However, Nemkov gets over-eager and after a mmissed right uppercut, drops and hurts Nemkov with a right cross. Nemkov immediately springs up and starts circling, clearing the cobwebs. Anglickas comes forward but is unable to get to Nemkov. Nemkov decides to shoot a double-leg and gets Anglickas to the canvas with ease. Nemkov then takes the opportunity to partially recover, taking his time from on top. He eventually throws some textbook short elbows that partially land, as Anglickas tries to tie him up. Nemkov postures up for a big punch, and Anglickas neatly uses the opportunity to get up. At range again, Nemkov lands a hard jab. Nemkov soon lands another solid jab, although he misses the follow-up right cross. Nemkov misses a 1-2 and it's Anglickas who decides to clinch, but soon gets thrown off. Nemkov lands a few jabs and then lands the follow-up straight right for good measure. Nemkov then lands another nice 1-2, as Anglickas is now wary. Nemkov partially lands a left hook. With 10 seconds left, Nemkov lands a couple of punches that stun Anglickas. Difficult round to score. Obviously, Anglickas landed the biggest connect, but aside from that, it was all Nemkov. 10-9 Nemkov.

Round 2

Nemkov continues working his beautiful jab, and he lands a sharp one 15 seconds in that snaps Anglickas' head back. Nemkov partially lands another jab and then follows it up with a head kick that partly gets through. Nemkov goes for another risky right uppercut, but isn't countered this time. Nemkov is looking for his right cross, but is barely missing, as Anglickas ducks just in time. They clinch, and Nemkov throws a few knees to the legs. Soon, Nemkov gets a beautiful hip toss, with Anglickas crashing to the canvas. Nemkov lands a body punch and then a few punches to the head. He hammers away with a few more punches to the body and then lands an elbow to the head. Nemkov continues hammering away to the body. The commentators mention that Nemkov is cut from an unintentional clash of heads. Nemkov postures up a little and lands several punches to the head. Anglickas ties him up, but Nemkov goes back to work with punches to the body. After a brief pause, he chips away with more punches and elbows to the head. Nemkov finds some separation with a minute left and starts really laying into Anglickas with punches and elbows to the head, which Anglickas is defending less and less. With 30 seconds left, Nemkov starts battering Anglickas with one punch after another. Anglickas gets away but then eats a bunch of elbows that have Mike Beltran very, very close to stopping it. He decides not to, and Anglickas continues to absorb a ton of damage from elbows and punches. As they get up, it's Anglickas who is far more cut and bloody, looking like the victim in a slasher film. 10-8 Nemkov.

Round 3

Anglickas tries a jab of his own, but Nemkov easily and neatly moves away. Not 30 seconds in, and Nemkov shoots a double-leg, easily getting Anglickas down to the canvas. He decides to posture all the way up for a big punch and nearly eats an Anglickas upkick. Nemkov then returns to half-guard, and decides to slow down his pace. He lands a few short elbows to the head. Anglickas tries to roll to the side, but lacks the energy to do much. Nemkov lands several hard punches to Anglickas' head. Nemkov then adds a few solid punches to the body. Suddenly, Nemkov is looking for a possible arm triangle, squeezing hard. Anglickas hangs tough and defends. Nemkov moves over to full mount and looks for a possible armbar, but Anglickas is again tough and determined to survive. Nemkov decides to roll for it, but Anglickas pursues him and is on top, looking to cut the angle. Anglickas manages to get out and is now on top! It's not for long, though, as Nemkov immediately hip-escapes back up. And it's not long after that before he drags Anglickas back down. Nemkov now finds himself in near-mount, landing several hard punches to the head. Anglickas retains half-guard, and Nemkov patiently continues landing body punches and the occasional hard elbow. With 25 seconds left, Nemkov again gets very deep position and again tries for an armbar. Yet again, Anglickas hangs tough, though. 10-9 Nemkov.

Round 4

They touch gloves to begin the first championship round. Anglickas goes for a wild head kick that misses by a country mile. Nemkov partially touches his foe with a left hook. However, not more than 30 seconds in, he shoots in for a double-leg and gets Anglickas down yet again. Nemkov lands a few short elbows and then a couple of hammerfists. Nemkov turns his hips into his punches and mostly gets through a couple of hard punches. Nemkov then lands a few punches to the head. Anglickas is incredibly tough to continue resisting. Nemkov gets separation and Anglickas throws an illegal upkick, as Nemkov is still on his knees, drawing a warning from Mike Beltran. Nemkov goes back to work with body punches and is working towards a crucifix. He eventually gets to side-control and tees away with right hands, as Anglickas has his arms trapped. Anglickas tries to push Nemkov, but Nemkov's top control is too powerful and suffocating. Nemkov tries for an Americana, but Anglickas, tough as ever, gets out. Nemkov goes back to the hold, cranking it hard. Anglickas, however, simply grits it out, although it looks very bad at times. Nemkov continues to torque, and this time, transitions to a kimura. As he steps over Anglickas, the pressure is just too much, and the Lithuanian is forced to tap. A dominant display of grappling by Nemkov, and a valiant effort by Anglickas, who not only showed extraordinary toughness, but had Nemkov hurt in round 1.

The Official Result

Vadim Nemkov def. Julius Anglickas via Submission (Kimura) at 4:25 of Round 4