Bellator 270 ‘Queally vs. Pitbull 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Stephen Costello (171.0) vs. Yusuf Nazokatov (170.8)

Round 1

Opening the card in Dublin, we have local Irish fighter Stephen Costello facing Yusuf Nazokatov, with both making their pro debuts. Costello was 4-3 as an amateur while Nazokatov hasn't even had a pro bout, so it's anyone's guess what will happen here. Referee John English will see it all. Costello starts with a leg kick, but Nazokatov pulls back in time. Nazokatov misses a right hand and Costello just barely misses a counter. Costello partially misses a leg kick but gets reckless for a takedown afterwards, eating a short punch. They clinch against the cage now, with Nazokatov pushing his Irish foe against the fence. They enter a stalemate, with Costello using the whizzer to stay upright as Nazokatov pushes him against the fence. Finally, Costello spins off and they return to range. Not for long, as Nazokatov's glove is open and referee John English halts the action to get it taken care of. They do so quickly, and action resumes. Nazokatov fires a 1-2 but he is far out of range, not even coming close. Nazokatov does touch Costello with a jab, though. As Nazokatov moves forward a little, Costello neatly times a double-leg and gets the takedown. Costello is too aggressive in advancing position, getting off Nazokatov too much, allowing Nazokatov to stand back up. Costello soon tries another double-leg, but it's not nearly as well-timed, and Nazokatov defends. However, against the cage, Costello muscles the double through, with Nazokatov on his butt. As Nazokatov stands up against the cage, Costello lands a nice knee to the head, his best connect of the round. Nazokatov tries a few head kicks, both of which miss, but Costello isn't able to take advantage. Costello fires a punch and uses it to come forward for a double-leg, and he gets it easily against Nazokatov. Against the cage, Nazokatov looks for a possible triangle, but he doesn't have an arm traped. Costello seemingly obliges, giving him the arm, and Nazokatov locks it on. However, it's too loose, and after rolling to the side, Costello gets out and is in side control. Costello steps over to mount with 10 seconds left and lands a few hard punches and elbows to finish the stanza. Plenty of action in the first. 10-9 Costello.

Round 2

Both men begin round 2 cautiously, for different reasons. Costello reaches badly with a 1-2, but doesn't get countered, though he misses. Nazokatov lands a short right hand as Costello wades forward. Costello shoots from very far distance and in a very telegraphed fashion, being stuffed and eating a 1-2 on the break. Costello tries again with a double and this is easily defended yet again, though Nazokatov doesn't punish him this time. Costello's punches are noticeably lacking any power now, though he continues to throw. Nazokatov touches Costello with a left hand. Nazokatov throws a spinning back-kick, which allows a tired Costello to take him down successfully. No clue why he went for that attack given that Costello's main attack is the double-leg. Costello is again fairly loose on top, and Nazokatov scrambles, but doesn't get up. Nazokatov goes for a heel hook, and Costello has no idea how to counter the submission. Costello taps very quickly. Nice turn-around for Nazokatov, and the hometown Irish crowd is stunned in silence.

The Official Result

Yusuf Nazokatov def. Stephen Costello via Submission (Heel Hook) at 2:24 of Round 2

Danni Neilan (115.6) vs. Audrey Kerouche (114.8)

Round 1

In the card's only female bout, undefeated Irishwoman Danni Neilan (4-0) faces French journeywoman Audrey Kerouche (6-6). Neilan is the biggest favorite on the card at -900. Referee Kevin MacDonald will keep a close eye. Neilan fires off a left cross, and Kerouche retreats out of range. Neilan decides to clinch, which Kerouche defends poorly, not even battling for underhooks but trying to grab around the back of the head. Eventually, Neilan takes advantage and muscles her to the canvas. Neilan is in half-guard and throws a few small left hands to her downed opponent. Kerouche tries for a sweep, but Neilan stays heavy and in control. Kerouche does get back to full-guard, however. Neilan soon steps over back into half-guard again, but isn't throwing much ground-and-pound as we are almost halfway through the round. Neilan postures up a little and throws and lands a couple of left hands, though nothing big. Neilan postures up too much with her right arm extended when landing another left hand, and Kerouche briefly tries an armbar. It's not a good one, though, and Neilan gets out and back into half-guard. Neilan lands a short left forearm, not a true elbow. Neilan pushes Kerouche off the fence, but is now in a closed full guard. Kerouche angles for a possible armbar, but Neilan is wise to it and doesn't pull out. Kerouche soon bails on the attempt. Neilan pushes Kerouche back into the fence and lands a few forearms. She postures up more fully with 30 seconds left and lands her most significant punches from the top of the round. Kerouche covers up and Neilan gets to side control. With 10 seconds left, she gets full mount and starts teeing off with right hands. The bell rings. 10-9 Neilan.

Round 2

Starting the round, Kerouche has a bizarre stance with both arms extended fully outwards, and Neilan takes advantage, firing a left cross that drops the Frenchwoman. Neilan follows her to the canvas, but instantly gets tied up in a full guard. Neilan lands some solid left hands, as Kerouche is likely still dazed. Neilan takes her time, but eventually starts landing more solid left hands and she soon adds a few rights. Still, her offense comes and goes in spurts, nothing sustained enough to even come close to a stoppage. With 3 minutes left, Neilan steps over into the half-guard, where she continues with left hands. Kerouche soon regains full guard, though. Halfway through the round, Neilan postures all the way up to her feet, looking for strikes, but soon returns to the half-guard, as Kerouche didn't use the opportunity to get up. Neilan has a possible arm-triangle choke locked on, but she is blocked by the fence from stepping over. However, Neilan is undeterred and gets Kerouche away from the cage. Neilan works to get her legs loose, but is unsuccessful, and Kerouche is safe from the submission. In half-guard, Neilan lands a few forearms, though they're not hard. Neilan tries to pass with 30 seconds left, but is unsuccessful. Kerouche gets back to full guard with 20 seconds left. Neilan stands up with 10 seconds left and tries to land a big left and, but it misses. She lands a few follow-up lefts inside the guard, though. 10-9 Neilan.

Round 3

Neilan lands a left cross to the body to begin the round. Kerouche awkwardly backs up against the fence and Neilan throws more straight punches, though none land. With Kerouche awkwardly balancing on one leg, Neilan easily gets a takedown, though. Now in the half-guard, she is more active, landing a steady diet of short left hands. Neilan works hard to rotate and try to get side-control, but Kerouche rotates with her and keeps her in half-guard. Neilan lands a number of respectable left hands to the body. Neilan postures up with 3 minutes left and lands her best ground-and-pound of the round with punches and the occasional forearm. She soon gets back to full guard. However, with Kerouche having her head against the fence and not knowing how to wall-walk, Neilan lands some solid forearms to Kerouche's trapped head. Kerouche gets her head off the cage and the pace slows. With 2 minutes left, Neilan postures up again and lands a nice series of punches and hte occasional forearm. She postures up fully, but again, is not able to do much with it. However, she now returns to side-control, a new position. She quickly steps over to mount with 90 seconds left. Kerouche gives up the back and Neilan has her fully flattened out. Kerouche goes back to mount but is now eating a constant barrage of left hands, doing nothing but desperately covering up. Kevin MacDonald warns her to move but she just lies there. He has no choice to stop the contest. A nice win for Neilan.

The Official Result

Danni Neilan def. Audrey Kerouche via TKO (Punches) at 3:58 of Round 3

Nicolo Solli (170.8) vs. Bobby Pallett (170.6)

Round 1

Back at welterweight, Welshman Bobby Pallett (5-0) gets a stern test from Italian Nicolo Solli (3-1). Referee Johnn English works this bout. Pallett begins with a leg kick. He repeatedly feints, but Solli isn't biting. Solli lands a leg kick of his own, and Pallett answers with another one. Solli goes upstairs with a head kick, but it's blocked. Solli tries a leg kick but Pallett dodges it and lands one of his own. Solli lands a leg kick afterwards, not discouraged. Solli explodes forward with a series of 1-2s, non-stop, but none land and they end up clinching, with Pallett pushing the Italian against the cage. They stay here for a while, and keep changing positions, with Solli turning Pallett into the cage, and the Welshman then returning the favor. Pallett drops levels for a possible takedown but nothing is there. Solli tries an uchi-mata, but neither man ends up on top and they get up off their knees and back into a clinch against the fence. Solli lands a knee low and we have a brief break in the action. They resume, but now at distance. Solli goes for a spinning back-fist, misses by a mile, and eats a very hard leg kick for his efforts. They both throw left hooks, but each man manages to duck. Solli telegraphed another left hook, and Pallett ducks down again, but this time he gets a double-leg in the process. Solli works to get to his knees and wall-walk, but Pallett is staying on him, blocking the attempt. Solli tries to spin on a hip for a possible armbar, but there's no space, especially against the cage. Solli gets warned for putting his toes into the cage. Solli seems to have wall-walked, but Pallett neatly pulls him back down. Pallett does little from the top, though. The round ends. Close, competitive round. 10-9 Pallett.

Round 2

Pallett begins with a left cross, but he is reaching and Solli is well out of range. Solli lands a nice leg kick of his own. Pallett lands a straight left to the body. Pallett tries a leg kick but Solli checks it well. Once again, Solli fires punches just to clinch, but Pallett stuffs him easily. Pallett turns Solli into the cage and lands some knees to the thighs. Pallett changes levels, but Solli is wise to it and pulls him back up. Now Solli turns Pallett around and is grinding very hard for a takedown. He is close, but Pallett gets an underhook and stays upright, now changing positions again against the fence. They both throw knees, though Pallett is more active. Solli again goes for a judo throw, but again, both men crash to their knees and get up at the same time. Pallett gets double underhooks in the clinch and he uses it to get an inside trip, ending up on top with 2 minutes left. Solli lands a nice elbow from the bottom. This opens up Pallett, who is bleeding. Solli tries for an armbar, but Pallett turns the angle. Solli continues landing the occasional hard elbow from his back as Pallett is doing precious little from top position. Pallett lands a few small right hands to the body as Solli is far more active landing punches and elbows to Pallett, though referee John English warns him about hitting the back of the head. Solli goes for an armbar with 20 seconds left, Pallett defends, but Solli uses it to sweep and get on top. 10-9 Solli.

Round 3

Pallett tries a left cross and just barely misses. Solli lunges forward with more straight punches, now not as fast, but he gets the clinch again and they're back against the fence. Solli is now a little more active kneeing to the thighs. Pallett lands a knee to the body and breaks off, where he lands a straight left to the stomach again. Solli lands a left hook, perhaps the best connect of the fight, and adds a few more short punches with bad intentions before inexplicably clinching again. Pallett turns him into the fence soon after. Pallett lands a left hook to the body on the break. Solli lands a nice jumping kick to the body, and Pallett retaliates with a leg kick a short while later. Pallett dodges a couple of 1-2s from the Italian. Pallett scores with a jab, his first landed jab of the fight. Solli goes for a wild spinning backfist that misses, but as Pallett continues covering up, Solli lands a few nice hooks to the body. Pallett goes for a blast double-leg shot, but Solli stuffs him and theare back to clinching against the fence. Pallett gets a Thai plum and lands a knee to the body. Solli turns Pallett around and lands a nice knee to the body with a minute left. Solli lands some short, nuisance punches. Pallett goes for a takedown but ends up on the bottom himself with 40 seconds left. Solli lands some nice short elbows in the half-guard, and lands some nice right hands to go with it. Suddenly, Solli opens up with some hard left elbows, forcing Pallett to desperately move. Solli continues punishing Pallett with lefts. He then goes back to the hard right elbows. He lands a right hand as the fight ends. Close bout, but the Italian clearly won the final stanza. 10-9 Solli (29-28 Solli)

The Official Result

Nicolo Solli def. Bobby Pallett via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Gokhan Saricam (236.4) vs. Charlie Milner (263.2)

Round 1

In a heavyweight clash, Englishman Charlie "Kung Fu Panda" Milner (7-1) fights Turkish Gokhan Saricam (5-1). Keeping the big men honest will be referee John English. Saricam immediately fires a leg kick that knocks Milner off his feet. Milner gets up, but Saricam charges forward with a blast double-leg and gets on top, where he throws a furious assortment of lefts and rights. Milner goes completely out from the blows and the referee steps in just 15 seconds after the bell rang. Wow! Incredible performance by Saricam, who is certainly a prospect to watch.

The Official Result

Gokhan Saricam def. Charlie Milner via KO (Punches) at 0:15 of Round 1

Lee Chadwick (205.6) vs. Arunas Andriuskevicus (205.4)

Round 1

Moving down just slightly, highly experienced light heavyweight Lee Chadwick (26-15-1) meets Arunas Andriuskevicus (15-4), who hasn't lost since 2009. Referee Bryan Miner will be the third man in the cage. They begin cautiously, sizing each other up and getting a sense of the distance. Andriuskevicus comes forward and Chadwick throws a clumsy, straight-armed right overhand that misses. Chadwick comes forward with a left overhand that misses and he eats a solid knee to the body before clinching against his foe against the cage. Chadwick lands a few nuisance punches to the head, but they're very light. Andriuskevicus is simply staying in place with a whizzer, but he spins off with about 3:30 left in the round. Chadwick goes for another wild overhand left which Andriuskevicus retreats against. Andriuskevicus comes forward with his own punches, which are more technical, but Chadwick ducks underneath a left hook and clinchs again. Back to the fence they go. Andriuskevicus is slightly more active now with short nuisance punches and angling a knee to the body. Chadwick tries some shoulder strikes. Chadwick eventually slips an underhook through with just under 2 minutes left, and the crowd begins booing with around 90 seconds left. Andriuskevicus lands another knee to the body, but it's not a big connect. He spins off the cage with 75 seconds left, but Chadwick stays with him this time and keeps pushing him against the cage. Andriuskevicus lands a knee to the body and then disengages. Andriuskevicus throws a jumping knee ot the body that lands very flush against Chadwick, the best connect of the round so far. Chadwick backs off now. His hands are down late in the round. Andriuskevicus misses a right cross, but Chadwick doesn't counter. Chadwick tries another sloppy overhand right and then an overhand left, but doesn't land. 10-9 Andriuskevicus.

Round 2

Chadwick feints a double-leg and tries a wild left hook, but Andriuskevicus is wise to it and ducks under. Chadwick lands another jumping knee, though this isn't as hard, and Chadwick touches him with a left hook counter. Andriuskevicus goes for yet another jumping knee which again lands, but barely this time. He tries a spinning backfist which misses. Andriuskevicus paws a slow jab, but it's easily blocked. Chadwick comes forward, but Andriuskevicus circles away. Andriuskevicus throws another jab, this one touching Chadwick, but no more. Andriuskevicus is keeping his head too far up and staying too close, and he gets touched by a Chadwick overhand left. Chadwick misses a right cross, his first such attempt of the bout. Chadwick throws a straight-armed overhand left that is blocked. Andriuskevicus lands a nice front-kick to the body. He comes forward with punches and partially connects with a straight right. Chadwick looks tired again, with his hands almost permanently down and struggling to throw punches. Andriuskevicus comes forward with a punch that misses and follows with a head kick that is barely blocked. Chadwick tries a left hook which is blocked. Andriuskevicus tries yet another jumping knee and this one doesn't even land. Chadwick tries his overhands again, but Chadwick easily retreats out of range. A fairly uneventful stanza. 10-9 Andriuskevicus.

Round 3

Andriuskevicus opens with yet another jumping knee, and this time he pays for his predictability, with Chadwick, a little fresher after the round's rest, scoring a double-leg takedown. Chadwick tries some shoulder strikes from the top. Andriuskevicus is holding onto a closed full guard. Andriuskevicus is against the cage, but doesn't even try to wall-walk back up, content to keep Chadwick in his closed full guard. Both men throw very light, insignificant punches. Finally, with about half a round remaining, Andriuskevicus tries to find a hip and goes for a kimura grip. He tries to wrench it but Chadwick is heavy on top and he can't budge the former middleweight. Andriuskevicus lands an interesting knee from the bottom to Chadwick's side. Andriuskevicus gives up the lock and tries to wall-walk slowly, but Chadwick drags him back down. Chadwick is now in half-guard, but doing little in the position. Andriuskevicus is throwing short little nuisance punches from his back. Chadwick tries to pass, but isn't able to do so. Another very uneventful round is drawing to a close with 30 seconds left. Andriuskevicus goes for another kimura grip. Nothing happens with it as a very dull fight ends. 10-9 Chadwick (29-28 Andriuskevicus).

The Official Result

Lee Chadwick def. Arunas Andriuskevicus via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Daniele Scatizzi (155.0) vs. Brian Hooi (156.0)

Round 1

In a lightweight scrap, Dutchman Brian Hooi (16-8) meets Italian Daniele Scatizzi (10-5), with Hooi having a large 6.5" reach advantage. Referee Bryan Miner will keep them honest. Scatizzi begins with a wild head kick, which Hooi calmly defends. Scatizzi opens up with punches, which Hooi defends. Scatizzi does land with an overhand and soon after, tries a double-leg, which Hooi stuffs. Scatizzi now pushes Hooi against the fence, grinding for a takedown. Scatizzi is working on the hips, but Hooi spreads his base well. Scatizzi tries an outside trip and nearly gets it, but Hooi's balance holds up and he turns Scatizzi into the cage. Hooi lands a knee to the thigh. They trade short nuisance punches in the clinch. Scatizzi lands a solid short elbow afterwards, though. Scatizzi turns Hooi back around into the cage. Scatizzi changes levels again, but is unsuccessful on this attempt, too. Scatizzi scores another short elbow on the break and then picks Hooi up and marches him to the center of the cage. But Hooi is tough and instantly stands after being put down. Scatizzi holds onto him and gets Hooi to his posterior against the fence, but against Hooi rises almost instantly. Scatizzi keeps a grip around the waist. He very nearly gets a turning trip, but Hooi's balance again keeps him upright. They break off with a minute remaining. Scatizzi fires a series of punches followed by a head kick, which partly gets through. Hooi throws a few left hooks, and the one to the body lands well. Hooi is now pushing Scatizzi against the cage and landing a few short punches. Hooi lands a knee to the body as the round ends. Scatizzi explodes with punches but nothing lands. Much closer than it might have looked. 10-9 Scatizzi.

Round 2

Scatizzi tries a jumping knee, but it misses. Hooi comes forward with left crosses, but Scatizzi circles off. Scatizzi continues throwing combinations capped off with head kicks, and the head kick partially gets through. Scatizzi fires a series of hooks and the left hook gets through. Scatizzi tries a very low single and it works, but Hooi gets up and lands nice elbows to the side of the head. Hooi angles off with his headlock and eventually pushes the Italian down, with Hooi on top. Hooi postures up to throw punches and uses it to get to half-guard, landing a few left hands to the head. Hooi gets his leg out but almost allows Scatizzi to get up in the process. Hooi is now back in guard, with Scatizzi using butterfly hooks. Hooi lands some solid elbows from the top. He lands a punch to the body, but posturing up, allows Scatizzi to push up and get back to his feet. They clinch along the fence. Scatizzi gets away and they trade hooks at range. Scatizzi brawls his way back into the clinch. Hooi spins off to get back into the distance striking. Hooi lands a couple of hooks to the body but gets touched by a counter from Scatizzi. Scatizzi throws a barrage of punches, but they're much slower now and Hooi dodges them easily. Just as Hooi looks to be taking over, he drops his hands right when Scatizzi throws a head kick, dropping him. Scatizzi isn't active in taking advantage and allows himself to be tied up. Hooi soon rises and they break, with each man landing hard shots, Scatizzi a right hook to the head and Hooi a couple of uppercuts. Scatizzi now picks up Hooi and slams him down, although Hooi gets back up. They continue trading punches at close range in a very action-packed stanza. Scatizzi won the round with the head kick knockdown. 10-9 Scatizzi.

Round 3

Hooi fires a left cross which misses. Scatizzi fires back and lands a right hand flush. Scatizzi dives for a double-leg and gets pancake sprawled easily, leaving Hooi on top. Hooi goes to work with left hands to the body, operating in half-guard. Scatizzi tries to posture on a hip, but Hooi is just heavy enough to stay there. Hooi lands some elbows to the body. Hooi postures up and lands some respectable left hands to the head. Hooi stands all the way up, which Scatizzi tries to use to get up, but nothing doing, as Hooi returns to the top. Scatizzi is attacking a heel hook, though, and Hooi turns with him. Unlike in our opening bout, Hooi nows how to defend. Scatizzi gives it up and Hooi is back on top in the half-guard. Hooi chips away with more punches to the head. Hooi lands some significant punches to the head and adds a few hammerfists for good measure when Scatizzi tries to posture up. All of Scatizzi's crazy energy expenditure is coming back to haunt him now. Scatizzi tries for a kimura grip but Hooi easily wrenches it out. Hooi lands some hard punches and elbows to the top. Finally, Scatizzi gets to his butt against the cage with a minute left, although Hooi is on top of him, landing punches to the body. Scatizzi gets up with 40 seconds left. Scatizzi lands a few nice hooks through Hooi's clinch and almost lands another head kick. Hooi wrestles a tired Scatizzi down to the canvas. Scatizzi rises with 10 seconds left and they throw a series of powerful hooks to end the contest. Good, exciting battle. 10-9 Hooi (29-28 Scatizzi).

The Official Result

Daniele Scatizzi def. Brian Hooi via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ciaran Clarke (145.6) vs. Jordan Barton (143.0)

Round 1

In the final prelim of the card, undefeated Irish featherweight Ciaran Clarke (3-0) fights experienced Englishman Jordan Barton (6-1-1), which the oddsmakers have as a pure pick'em. Should be a good one. Referee Bryan Miner again gets the call. Barton begins with a leg kick. Clarke soon shoots in, and while Barton defends, Clarke initially lifts Barton against the cage from the hips, a rare sight. He isn't able to get Barton down though, who puts his weight on Clarke's neck, who is trying to force a takedown through. Clarke gets a very nice outside trip, downing Barton. Barton goes for a Dagestani leg trap for a while. Barton tries to wall-walk back up, but Clarke gets him back down. Another attempt to wall-walk ends with Clarke grapevining the legs, but in the process, ends up on the bottom himself. As Clarke now wall-walks, it's Barton taking his back in a backpack position. Clarke stays calm and turns into him, with both men now clinching. They break off with about 2 minutes remaining. Barton lands a series of sharp jabs to the body. Clarke goes for a single and foot-sweeps the other leg, getting Barton back down. Barton again wall-walks, but Clark goes to the back, where he attempts to break Barton's base. Barton eventually stands back up against the cage, though. As Clarke grinds for a takedown, Barton lands a few elbows to the head, but Clarke eventually gets the takedown through. Barton pushes Clarke's hips off with his feet, but Clarke charges right back before Barton can stand. Barton lands some nice short punches off his back which are landing surprisingly flush. With 10 seconds left, Barton lands a series of nice elbows to his back to boot. 10-9 Barton.

Round 2

Clarke begins trying for a single-leg, but can't get it and eats some hard right hooks on the break. He is covering up before a suddenly furious Barton barrage and desperately clinches. He eats more elbows to the side of the head. He briefly gets the takedown but Barton immediately stands. Clarke is now bleeding according to the commentators, little surprise given the elbows he has eaten. Speaking of which, Barton continues landing elbows to the side of the head. Clarke does eventually suck the hips out and gets the takedown, and this time, Clarke keeps him down, standing in the guard. Clarke postures up, but it's a huge mistake, as he eats a massive upkick right to the face and soon the second one. Clarke drops back down into guard to recover. Clarke lands a right hand to the body, perhaps his first significant groudn-and-pound of the fight. Barton sits up and works for a possible switch with about 2 minutes remaining. Barton gets to his knees now, as Clarke keeps pressing. Clarke tries to take the back but can't, as Barton fully stands. Barton gets double underhooks and spins off. Barton lands a huge flying knee that hurts Clarke. Barton follows up with punches and Clarke desperately clinches yet again. Barton pushes the head down, but Clarke again sucks the hips out and gets the takedown. Clarke lands a few small left hands to the head. Clarke tries to step over and does manage to take the back very briefly, forcing Barton to go fully to his back. Clarke lands some more small punches, but it's not early enough to make up for all the damage he sustained that stanza. 10-9 Barton.

Round 3

Barton begins the round with a left hook to the body and Clarke immediately shoots in for a snatch single. Barton defends and gets his hips out nicely. Clarke drives forward against the fence but Bartoon stays tough, putting his weight on Clarke's neck yet again. Clarke again muscles a takedown through, though. Barton sits up and lands some nice elbows to the head. He also uses a switch and sweeps Clarke, ending on top now. Clarke gives up the back and Barton has the backpack again, fighting for a rear-naked choke. Barton eventually slips off and Clarke, a tireless wrestler, takes him down. Clarke now tries to take Barton's back, and Clarke gets Barton back to the canvas, with a body triangle. Clarke is working towards a rear-naked choke with about half a round remaining. Barton works to turn into Clarke, but Clarke is wise to it. Clarke manages to lock the body triangle in even tighter. Clarke sneaks an arm through, but Barton has his chin against his chest. Clarke tries hard again with a minute remaining, and Barton turns his head away desperately. However, the relentless, tireless Clarke will not be denied, and he squeezes, eliciting a tap as the hometown Irish crowd goes wild. Tremendous comeback and display of heart and toughness by Clarke.

The Official Result

Ciaran Clarke def. Jordan Barton via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 4:11 of Round 3

Ilias Bulaid (145.8) vs. Georges Sasu (144.6)

Round 1

Beginning the main card, Moroccan Ilias Bulaid (2-0) battles Frenchman Georges Sasu (5-1). Referee John English will be the closest man to the action. Bulaid begins with a cracking leg kick and soon adds a second and third one. Sasu is retreating, and Bulaid adds a powerful body kick to boot. Bulaid's laser kicks are finding constant success, and Sasu clinches. They stay along the fence for a while, but Bulaid spins off. Bulaid then lands a solid right cross to a reaching Sasu. Bulaid throws a crisp, textbook 1-2 and lands the right cross to the body. Bulaid lands another lightning-fast leg kick. Sasu comes forward with punches but Bulaid dodges them. Bulaid advances forward and scores another leg kick. Bulaid with yet another leg kick, this one partially checked by Sasu. Sasu tries a right hook which Bulaid darts well out of reach of. Sasu falls forward with punches but to no avail. Bulaid misses an overhand right. Sasu lands a short right hand, his first solid connect of the round, over 90 seconds left. Bulaid responds with another stinging leg kick, altering Sasu's balance. Bulaid scores with another right cross to the body. Sasu goes for a takedown as Bulaid comes forward, but Bulaid recovers just in time, with the two men clinching against the cage. Sasu lands a knee to the body. Sasu lands a right uppercut on the break, but Bulaid is out. The round ends. 10-9 Bulaid.

Round 2

Bulaid tries head kicks this time, but they don't find the target. Bulaid throws straight punches but Sasu dodges under them well. Sasu now clinches and pushes Bulaid back into the fence. Bulaid frames off well and lands some powerful straights to the body once out. Sasu goes for a double-leg, and while Bulaid initially stays upright, Sasu keeps pushing and gets the kickboxing world champion down. Bulaid is skilled though, and begins wall-walking as Sasu tries to take the back. He doesn't get his hooks in, and Bulaid stands up. Bulaid almost gets taken down again but Bulaid turns into him, showing nice balance. Bulaid pushes Sasu off and adds a slapping leg kick in the process. Sasu soon responds with a nice body kick of his own, perhaps his best connect of the fight. Halfway through, this is a far more even round. Bulaid misses a 1-2 but connects with a follow-up left hook to the body. Sasu lands a right uppercut but Bulaid lands another left hook to the body and then a powerful right leg kick. Bulaid misses a hard left hook, this one aimed at the head. He does, however, land another one to the body as Sasu clinches. Bulaid breaks off and misses another left hook to the body. Sasu hits him with a front kick to the body. Sasu soon returns to the clinch. Bulaid spins off with 30 seconds remaining. Bulaid partially gets a left hook to the head through. Sasu lands a long left jab to the head as the round winds down. Bulaid misses an overhand left as time expires. Much closer round. 10-9 Bulaid.

Round 3

Sasu misses a 1-2 and Bulaid misses the counter as well as the leg kick he chained to the end, as both men are visibly slower. Bulaid swings for the bleachers with a powerful overhead, but Sasu is out of range. Sasu partially lands a knee to the head as Bulaid is dipping down. Soon, Sasu shoots a double-leg and this time he gets the takedown with far less resistance. Sasu gets to half-guard easily enough. Sasu tries to get his leg out, but doesn't quite manage, as Bulaid stays in half-guard. Sasu chips away with a few nuisance punches from the top, but nothing big. Bulaid tries to post up, but Sasu is draped around his back. He doesn't do anything with it, though, and Bulaid stands up to his feet. Bulaid lands a hard short elbow in the clinch. Sasu tries for a single-leg, but isn't able to muscle the kickboxing champion down. Bulaid eventually gets an underhook and spins off with about 90 seconds remaining. Sasu immediately shoots back in and tries for a single-leg, but Bulaid's balance holds up. Sasu is draped around the waist, trying for another takedown and he gets one. Bulaid is holding on to a kimura lock, but is giving up his back, a dangerous position. Sasu breaks free and lands some short left hands to the head, looking for a possible RNC. However, he doesn't have a body on Bulaid, who stands up agains the cage and is out, back at distance in the striking. Both men throw tired strikes as the fight ends. 10-9 Sasu (29-28 Bulaid)

The Official Result

Ilias Bulaid def. Georges Sasu via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Daniel Weichel (145.6) vs. Pedro Carvalho (145.8)

Round 1

In an important contender's fight, Daniel Weichel (41-12), who has challenged for Bellator's featherweight championship and lost by split decision to Patricio Pitbull faces Pedro Carvalho (11-5), who has also challenged Patricio Pitbull for the crown, but ended up being knocked out in the first round. Referee Kevin MacDonald will be watching very closely. Weichel throws a 1-2 to start and touches Carvalho. He follows with another one that partially gets through. Carvalho throws a body kick but Weichel crowds him and blocks it with an arm. Weichel misses a right cross. Carvalho partially lands a body kick but Weichel is on him instantly, taking him down and fluidly, immediately transitioning to the back, where he gets both hooks in. Carvalho struggles to get out, but has to accept the bad position. Carvalho does scramble and get his hips out, although Weichel remains on the back. Carvalho stands up with Weichel holding on to a rear waistlock. Weichel lands a few right hands to the head as Carvalho turns back into him against the fence. Carvalho lands a few short left hands, and they disengage back to range. Carvalho lands a few left hooks. Weichel circles away on the outside. Weichel ducks under a Carvalho left hand. Both men try lunging knees, but with little effect. Carvalho lands a left jab. Weichel lands a leg kick and Carvalho responds with one of his own. Carvalho gets too aggressive and runs right into a Weichel straight right, falling to the canvas. Weichel is on top of him, hunting for a choke. Weichel spins and takes the back again, with both hooks in yet again. Weichel tries for an armbar, but in the process, allows Carvalho to turn into him and take top position. Carvalho looks to clear the cobwebs in the top position. The round ends. 10-9 Weichel.

Round 2

Weichel reaches for a straight right to the body and Carvalho covers up. Carvalho responds with a flush left hand. However, as he admires his handiwork, Weichel blasts him with a huge right cross that again floors Carvalho. This time, rather than hunting for a submission, Weichel is in top position, looking for ground-and-pound. Carvalho ties him up, and Weichel can't resist the temptation, again taking the back with both hooks in. Carvalho keeps spinning but can't get Weichel off. Weichel is briefly in a backpack position but Carvalho doesn't give up. Eventually, he turns into the German veteran and they are back at a neutral position. They briefly break and fire knees, but with nothing solid landing for either man. Carvalho frames off. At range, Weichel lands a nice knee to the head as Carvalho was leaning down. Carvalho goes for a jumping knee that mises. Carvalho lands a solid jab. Reacting to a Carvalho left hook, Weichel goes for an outside trip that Carvalho barely stays upright against, but it allows Weichel to press him into the cage. Carvalho again frames off and now drops levels to try for a takedown o fhis own. Weichel defends. Weichel turns Carvalho back into the cage. Carvalho makes some space and again spins off. Carvalho opens up with some close range punches but doesn't land anything big. Weichel fires back but doesn't land anything. Carvalho touches him up with a three-punch combination. Carvalho comes forward and lands a big 1-2 that hurts Weichel. As Carvalho advances, Weichel changes levels for a takedown but to no avail. Carvalho isn't able to land anything big as the round ends. Incredibly tough round to score, as Weichel got the knockdown but Carvalho landed big damage afterwards. For the first time in my Sherdog scoring career, I'm calling a round even. 10-10.

Round 3

Weichel shoots for a takedown and fluidly manages to take Carvalho's back yet again with both hooks in. Yet again, Carvalho is an expert at turning into Weichel, which he does much easier this time. Weichel looks tired on the bottom. Carvalho chips away with short punches to the head. Carvalho angles off to half-guard, throwing the occasional punch and elbow, though none of them are hard. Weichel regains full guard and throws short punches off his back, but nothing lands significantly. Weichel goes for butterfly hooks, and slowly but surely, he gets the sweep with 2 minutes remaining. They stnad up and Weichel throws a head kick that Carvalho barely defends against. Weichel lands a forward knee to the body and misses a follow-up punch. Carvalho partially gets a left hook through, but it lacks the power of the previous round. Weichel comes forward and pushes him to the fence. Both men are very clearly tired. Carvalho lands a short knee to the body. Carvalho wins the underhook battle and works hard for a last takedown with 40 seconds remaining. However, Weichel just barely manages to defend and now turns Carvalho around into the fence. Carvalho blocks a 1-2 from Weichel, and then a jumping knee. Carvalho partially gets a head kick through and then lands a punch as time expires. That actually stole him the round. 10-9 Carvalho (29-29 Draw).

The Official Result

Pedro Carvalho def. Daniel Weichel via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

James Gallagher (136.0) vs. Patrick Mix (137.8: Missed Weight)

Round 1

In the co-main event, James Gallagher (11-1), an Irishman who has headlined three different Bellator cards in his home country and a want-to-be Conor McGregor in terms of trash talk and bravado (hopefully not in other ways) faces one of the world's best submission grapplers in Patrick Mix (14-1), with 10 victories by submission, who narrowly lost a fight for the Bellator bantamweight championship to Juan Archuleta. Mix missed with by almost 2 pounds, however, which Gallagher vows to punish him for. Referee Bryan Miner will make sure they keep it clean. Gallager almost immediately shoots in and they clinch against the fence. Gallagher starts lifting Mix, but Mix locks in a guillotine on his neck. Gallager slows down and takes his time. Rather than slamming him, he lays Mix down on the canvas. There is no guillotine threat there. Mix keeps the lock on though, and Gallagher slowly but surely gets out and then stands up, looking for his own guillotine. Mix happily escapes the takedown. With a guillotine on, Gallagher tries to sweep Mix, but Mix is too skilled and strong and stays on top. Gallagher has no choice but to give up the attempt. Gallagher tries to stand up against the cage, but Mix continues his heavy top pressure and doesn't allow him to get up. Gallagher again takes his time and slowly but certainly stands back up. Gallagher jabs, but is out of range. He does land a right hand and then a knee, though none are hard. Mix blocks a head kick from his opponent now. Gallagher lands a front kick to the body. Gallagher misses some straight punches and Mix lands a left cross, his first connect. Gallagher shoots in with 15 seconds left and he gets the takedown. However, Mix sweeps him with a few seconds left. Very difficult to score again, but I felt Gallagher clearly won the striking. 10-9 Gallagher.

Round 2

Gallagher throws a wild 1-2 that is easily blocked. Mix lands a knee to the body and touches Gallagher with a leg kick. Gallagher throws a kick that clearly lands low. The crowd boos as the referee temporarily pauses the action. Bryan Miner resumes the two. Gallagher tries to jab from range, but with no effect. Gallagher does land a right hand, though. Both men miss straight punches now. Gallagher goes for a jumping knee, but to no avail. Mix scores some nice side kicks to the knee. Gallagher misses a 1-2. Mix clinches and Gallagher jumps guard for a guillotine attempt, which seems like a poor decision against the likes of Mix. Gallagher squeezes for all he's worth, but to no avail, as Mix gets his head out with 3 minutes remaining. Gallagher is against the cage but contents hanging out on the bottom. Mix lands some left hands to the body, which Gallagher doesn't try to defend. Mix looks for an arm triangle which he uses to put the Irishman flat on his back on the canvas. From there, Mix lands more short punches to the head. One can clearly hear both men talking trash to one another within Gallagher's guard. Mix isn't doing much, but is occasionally throwing some small punches to Gallagher's head. Mix then gets a gorgeous pass to side-control with 40 seconds left. Gallagher tries to get his legs out, but Mix turns back into him. Mix lands a few right hands to the head from side control as the second round ends. I have it all tied up. 10-9 Mix.

Round 3

Gallagher throws some sloppy straight punches to begin the final round, none of which land. Mix lands a few body kicks and Gallagher's attempts to counter miss. Gallagher tries for a double-leg, gets stuffed, and now Mix jumps guard for a guillotine attempt. However, Mix's is very deep indeed, and he has a tremendous squeeze. He rolls Gallagher over to end up in mount, squeezing the hell out of the choke. Submission specialist James Gallagher has no choice but to tap as the Dublin crowd is stunned in silence. Terrific win by Patrick Mix, proving yet again that he is one of the very best submission grapplers in the entire world yet again.

The Official Result

Patrick Mix def. James Gallagher via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:39 of Round 3

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight:
Peter Queally (155.0) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (153.6)

Round 1

In the main event, Patricky "Pitbull" Freire (23-10) rematches hometown fighter Peter Queally (13-5-1). Patricky Pitbull lost their first fight due to a cut, but still finds himself a healthy -220 favorite for this championship affair. Referee Kevin MacDonald gets the final call of the card. They begin cautiously, with Queally having a high guard. Patricky whips out an overhand right that barely misses. Patricky digs with a nice left hook to the body. Queally responds with a sharp leg kick. Queally fires a jab that Patricky avoids. Queally sticks Patricky with a nice jab afterwards. Patricky responds with a couple of hooks to the body as Queally covers up. Queally with another solid leg kick. Patricky comes forward landing more punches to the body. Patricky blocks a head kick from the Irishman. Patricky now with a jab of his own, and Queally lands another leg kick. Patricky lands a leg kick and then goes back to the body with more hooks. Patricky now springs forward, aiming some of those hooks upstairs, but Queally covers up well. Queally answers soon with a nice leg kick. Patricky tries a leg kick of his own, but Queally avoids it in time. Patricky barely misses a left hook counter to a Queally head kick. Queally lands a leg kick but then Patricky crashes the pocket, firing hook after hook to Queally's head as he covers up, some of it getting through. Patricky partly gets a 1-2 through to the head. Queally tries a leg kick, but misses it now. Patricky touches him with a body kick. Queally lands a leg kick but eats a series of furious hooks to the body and head, though he blocks some of them with his guard. A competitive round, but one won by the Brazilian. 10-9 Freire.

Round 2

Queally tries jabs, but Patricky is out of range. Patricky jabs and Queally's outstretched fingers get him right in the eye. Referee Kevin MacDonald calls a halt as Queally apologizes for the foul. MacDonald talks to Patricky, who requests a doctor, as Patricky keeps blinking to try to see clearly again. Finally, after the doctor puts something in his eye, Patricky is good to go. Queally jabs as they resume, and Patricky responds with a left hook to the body. Patricky comes forward with a nice couple of hooks and then adds a big leg kick. Suddenly, Patricky Pitbull ducks under a Queally right cross and catches Queally with a thunderous right hook that drops Peter Queally. As the Irishman tries to recover, the Brazilian clobbers him with a series of huge hooks and uppercuts as Queally is stumbling and falling all over the cage. As he is pressed against the cage eating big right hooks and right crosses, referee Kevin MacDonald has no choice but to stop it. A tremendous knockout for Patricky "Pitbull" Freire, the new Bellator Lightweight World Champion, as the crowd, so loud throughout the fight, is eerily silent.

The Official Result

Patricky Freire def. Peter Queally via KO (Punches) at 1:05 of Round 2