Bellator 299 ‘Eblen vs. Edwards’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Chiara Penco (115.2) vs. Mackenzie Stiller (115.8)

Round 1

Strawweights kick things off from Dublin as Penco and Stiller square off under the watchful eye of referee Bryan Miner. Both women are in orthodox stance, exchanging tentative jabs. A minute in, neither woman has landed much of consequence, and judoka Stiller has yet to attempt a takedown in earnest. Penco lands a right kick to the thigh of Stiller. Stiller rushes forward with a trio of punches punctuated by a low kick. Stiller comes forward with a front kick, which the Italian counters with a right hand. Penco catches the incoming Stiller with a left, and stings her with another leg kick. With 90 seconds left, Stiller comes forward behind punches, perhaps looking to clinch, but Penco slides out and refuses to be backed into the fence. Penco lands another outside leg kick, and Stiller is starting to show their effect. The bell sounds. 10-9 Penco.

Round 2

Round 2 opens with Stiller again coming forward and Penco giving ground, tagging her with a low kick. Stiller catches Penco against the fence, clinches and dumps her to the canvas. She takes top position at the base of the fence, and is promptly swept by Penco. Stiller keeps things moving and rolls through to top position again. Penco escapes, takes top position and stands up. Stiller stays stuck to her, however, and uses a scarf hold throw to toss her back to the ground. “Mack Judo” keeps the scarf hold and goes to work from side control, wrapping up the near arm of Penco and throwing punches to her unprotected face as she looks for a possible submission hold. Under a minute and a half left in the round and Stiller is in control, Penco surviving but not making any headway towards improving her position. Stiller moves Penco away from the fence and continues throwing short punches to the face. The round ends. 10-9 Stiller.

Round 3

Stiller advances on Penco and attempts to clinch, but Penco shoves her off and tries to stick and move. Penco lands a sharp low kick. Stiller closes the distance with a couple of punches, clinches and throws Penco with another scarf hold. Penco is able to escape the hold, and Stiller sets up in her guard. Two minutes down and Penco is throwing elbows from the bottom, then briefly essays an armbar attempt, which Stiller brushes aside with ease. Stiller advances to side control, then stands over Penco. She dives back into Penco’s guard and is snared in a triangle choke. It looks tight for a second or two, but Stiller quickly extracts her head. Penco tries an omoplata, but Stiller calmly works her way out of danger. Stiller passes to half guard and is heavy on top, chest to chest as time expires. The bell sounds. 10-9 Stiller (29-28 Stiller).

The Official Result

Mackenzie Stiller def. Chiara Penco via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mark Ewen (155) vs. Noah Gugnon (155.6)

Round 1

Scotland’s Ewen and Frenchman Gugnon stake their undefeated records as Miner draws his second consecutive refereeing assignment. They set up in matching southpaw stances, but both men shift easily between stances in the opening moments. Ewen flicks out long jabs, showing off his definitive advantages in height and reach as he comes forward. Ewen lands a nice outside low kick, then a right kick to the body. Gugnon throws a hard one-two that comes up short. Ewen walks Gugnon to the fence, then lands a low kick to the cup that resounds in the still-filling arena. Gugnon takes a breather as Miner cautions his opponent. They go back to work a minute later and Ewen lands a sharp body kick. Gugnon changes levels and plows the taller man to the canvas with a double-leg. Gugnon is heavy on top in Ewen’s full guard, shoving him into the center of the cage. Ewen briefly throws his legs up for a triangle or armbar, but Gugnon stands up out of his guard. Ewen backs him up with an upkick, then stands. Ewen goes back to throwing kicks, including a couple of hard push kicks to the leg and midsection. Ewen catches Gugnon with a left hand that hurts him. Ewen is calm, continuing to throw without overpursuing. Gugnon gets a takedown at the 10-second clapper and is throwing punches from top position at the bell. 10-9 Ewen.

Round 2

Ewen is right back to throwing long front kicks and Gugnon looks to counter with punches. Gugnon is the one coming forward, and walks right into a kick that at least glances off his cup. Miner gives him a moment to recover, but they are back to work almost immediately. Gugnon once again advances, staying inside the taller man’s kicking range. He clinches and shoves Ewen to the fence, stomping on his feet a few times. Ewen has an overhook, and a moment later breaks away from the fence. They reset in the center of the cage with half the round left to go. Gugnon lands a right hand but is countered by a harder one that clearly hurts him. Ewen tries to follow up, but Gugnon shoots a double-leg. Ewen sprawls beautifully and they return to the feet. Ewen hurts Gugnon with a left hand. Gugnon stumbles back into the fence and Ewen measures him for a salvo of right hands and standing elbows that buckle his knees. Miner moves in for the stoppage and it’s a technical knockout win for the still-undefeated Scot.

The Official Result

Mark Ewen def. Noah Gugnon R2 3:51 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

Sergey Bilostenniy (246.2) vs. Kasim Aras (253.6)

Round 1

Heavyweights take to the cage with Blake Grice set to officiate. The much taller Bilostenniy is working from the outside, throwing jabs and feints as he keeps the stocky Aras at bay. Bilostenniy lands a hard spinning back kick to the body. Ninety seconds in, Aras has not landed anything solid, clearly struggling with the size disparity. Bilostenniy lands another spinning back kick to the body. Seconds later, he goes for another spinning kick, this time upstairs, and smashes Aras right in the temple with his heel. Aras goes down, stands back up and goes careening into the far fance. Bilostenniy gives chase, corners his hurt foe against the cage and closes things out with a flurry of punches. Nasty head kick TKO for Sergei Bilostenniy.

The Official Result

Sergei Bilostenniy def. Kasim Aras R1 2:51 via TKO (Head Kick and Punches)

Nicolo Solli (170.6) vs. Romain Debienne (171.0)

Round 1

Solli is southpaw, Debienne orthodox as the welterweights go to work under the supervision of referee Blake Grice. Both men swing freely in the opening moments, but Debienne’s right hand is what gets through. Debienne blows Solli up with an overhand that rocks him badly, then swarms with follow-up punches against the fence, melting the taller man and prompting Grice into action. Quick work for the heavy-handed Frenchman.

The Official Result

Romain Debienne def. Nicolo Solli R1 0:39 via TKO (Punches)

Kenny Mokhonoana (145.5) vs. Josh O'Connor (145.8)

Round 1

Undefeated featherweights O’Connor and Mokhonoana face off as Marc Goddard draws his first refereeing assignment of the afternoon. They collide in the center of the cage as both men throw punch combinations. O’Connor drives Mokhonoana to the floor with a double-leg takedown. Mokhonoana stays active on the bottom, looking briefly for an armbar or triangle, but O’Connor is wise to it and drives him to the base of the cage. Mokhonoana uses his long legs to wrap the Welshman up in a modified rubber guard for a moment, but gives it up as O’Connor starts to pass to side control. They pop back up to their feet, with O’Connor still on Mokhonoana’s back. Mokhonoana spins towards him, and O’Connor uses a body lock to return him to the canvas. O’Connor is on top in Mokhonoana’s loose half guard, throwing short strikes. He stands up out of Mokhonoana’s guard, and just dodges a murderous upkick. Thirty seconds left and O’Connor dives back on top, shucking Mokhonoana’s legs out of the way and landing in mount. The bell sounds. 10-9 O’Connor.

Round 2

Mokhonoana is aggressive to open the second frame, marching forward and throwing his jab and straight. O’Connor kicks low and Mokhonoana changes levels for an easy takedown in the center of the cage. He moves quickly to O’Connor’s back, wraps up a body triangle and is working for a rear-naked choke immediately. O’Connor calmly fights off the choke, escapes the body triangle and sweeps to top position. O’Connor works from Mokhonoana’s half guard, avoiding an armbar setup and staying busy on top. O’Connor appears to be setting up an arm triangle, but Mokhonoana bucks and sweeps to top position as O’Connor tries an armbar in transition. O’Connor escapes and they return to their feet with just over a minute left. O’Connor drops for a takedown, takes Mokhonoana’s back and works for a rear-naked choke. Time is short, but Mokhonoana gets out of the choke just after the 10-second clapper. The round ends. 10-9 O’Connor.

Round 3

Mokhonoana inches forward in southpaw, sticking his jab out into the face of orthodox O’Connor. O’Connor drives him to the mat with an effortless-looking takedown. He moves to side control instantly, and begins to work for a topside choke. Mokhonoana turns and O’Connor smoothly takes his back. Mokhonoana stands and O’Connor drags him right back down. The Welshman is in total control in Round 3, expending minimal effort to do so. O’Connor takes mount, then takes back control as Mokhonoana turns away. O’Connor has a body triangle and is working patiently for a choke, then bailing on the attempt in favor of throwing punches to the head. With under two minutes left, Mokhonoana goes belly-down, doing little more than survive as O’Connor is all over him. O’Connor is in back mount on the prone Mokhonoana, working slowly for a choke as Mokhonoana fights his hands. The fight ends with O’Connor throwing punches from back mount. The bell sounds on a ground fighting clinic by Josh O’Connor. 10-8 O’Connor (30-26).

The Official Result

Josh O'Connor def. Kenny Mokhonoana via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Asael Adjoudj (145.6) vs. Ibrahim Al-Faqih Hassan (146.0)

Round 1

Al-Faqih Hassan and Adjoudj go to work, with Miner in charge of keeping things clean. Both featherweights are in orthodox stance, exchanging long jabs and crosses, as well as some hard low kicks. Al-Faqih Hassan lands a low kick that nearly takes Adjoudj off of his feet, then clinches and runs him to the fence. Al-Faqih Hassan throws knees up the middle and Adjoudj retaliates with a couple of his own. Al-Faqih Hassan then changes levels, looking for a takedown against the fence. He briefly drags his man down, but can’t finish the takedown. They return to the middle of the cage and Adjoudj catches Al-Faqih Hassan with a right hand that knocks him down off-balance. Al-Faqih Hassan pops right back up, but Adjoudj tags him with two more punches right away. Al-Faqih Hassan backs off and Adjoudj follows him to the fence, where he scores with a pair of punches to the body. Al-Faqih Hassan clinches and spins Adjoudj into the fence. Adjoudj reverses the position and presses the taller man into the cage, throwing some short elbows inside. Al-Faqih Hassan briefly throws both legs up at the 10-second warning, but gives up on whatever he was about to do. The bell sounds. 10-9 Adjoudj.

Round 2

Al-Faqih Hassan comes forward as Adjoudj gives ground, switching stances as he backs up. Adjoudj’s speed is giving Al-Faqih Hassan fits, as he effortlessly bounces into range, scores with punches and exits. Adjoudj throws a slow low kick that practically sweeps Al-Faqih Hassan off his feet. Adjoudj lands a body kick to the open side, then follows Al-Faqih Hassan to the fence. Al-Faqih Hassan again jumps up as he did late in Round 1, but this time wraps his legs around Adjoudj and locks up a standing body triangle. Adjoudj doesn’t react, and a few seconds later Al-Faqih Hassan gives it up. Al-Faqih Hassan turns Adjoudj to the fence with an overhook and throws short knees to the midsection. With a minute left in the round, Al-Faqih Hassan appears to be looking for a takedown, but Adjoudj adjusts his stance, takes an overhook and makes him work for it. Al-Faqih Hassan manages to force Adjoudj to his knees at the base of the cage, but they reach a stalemate from there. Adjoudj returns to his feet at the 10-second clapper, and they are still clinched against the fence when the round expires. 10-9 Adjoudj.

Round 3

The final round begins, once again, with both men rushing to meet in the center of the cage. Adjoudj again switches smoothly between stances, tagging Al-Faqih Hassan with kicks from both sides. Al-Faqih Hassan tries to counter with punches upstairs, but Adjoudj isn’t there. Al-Faqih Hassan stalks forward, Adjoudj gives ground, but then plants and lands a slapping head kick on the advancing Al-Faqih Hassan. Adjoudj is moving extremely well laterally, frustrating Al-Faqih Hassan with different angles, landing low kicks and punches and evading the counters. Adjoudj is just touching, touching, but then sits down on a left hook that hurts Al-Faqih Hassan, who stumbles back to the fence. Adjoudj follows, landing a pair of hooks to the body, but Al-Faqih Hassan recovers quickly. They disengage and reset in the middle of the cage, and Adjoudj lands a kick to the cup. Al-Faqih Hassan takes just a few seconds to recover before returning to work. With under a minute left, Adjoudj is bouncing back and forth in a bladed stance reminiscent of Michael “Venom” Page, and Al-Faqih Hassan is either unable or unwilling to make him pay for it. Adjoudj throws a flashy switch kick that glances, then a flying kick that misses. The failed kick leaves Adjoudj on the canvas, but Al-Faqih Hassan can’t follow up before the bell. 10-9 Adjoudj (30-27 Adjoudj).

The Official Result

Asael Adjoudj def. Ibrahim Al-Faqih Hassan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Davy Gallon (155.2) vs. Attila Korkmaz (155.0)

Round 1

Gallon and Korkmaz face off, and hopefully referee Bryan Miner is getting paid by the hour. They exchange a flurry of punches, and it’s Gallon who lands the better blow, bloodying the nose of Korkmaz. Korkmaz lands a body kick. Gallon stalks forward, walking Korkmaz into the fence. Gallon takes a body lock, and Korkmaz counters with an overhook, looking to stave off the judo throw that is likely coming. Gallon hits Korkmaz with a pair of right knees up the middle. Gallon tries an inside trip, but Korkmaz uses the overhook and good balance to keep his feet under him. Ninety seconds to go in the round, and it’s still Gallon driving Korkmaz into the fence. Gallon stomps the feet a few times. They break away from the fence, then disengage from the clinch. Korkmaz throws a spinning back kick that misses, and just avoids having his back taken. Gallon gets hold of Korkmaz and trips him to the canvas just before the bell. 10-9 Gallon.

Round 2

The lightweights slap hands to kick off Round 2. Korkmaz lands a left low kick that spins Gallon halfway around. Gallon stalks forward and throws a lead uppercut to the body. Korkmaz lands another low kick. Gallon rushes in and backs Korkmaz into the fence with a series of punches, none of which land cleanly. Korkmaz tags Gallon with a good body kick. Gallon goes upstairs with a head kick that misses. Korkmaz is in the center of the cage, switching stances. He slips another head kick attempt, then comes back with a body kick which lands. Gallon steps in and tries to clinch, but Korkmaz sidesteps and shoves him past. Gallon continues to march forward, throwing punches and the occasional kick, but is having trouble finding Korkmaz. Korkmaz’s output is more sporadic but far more accurate. The bell sounds. 10-9 Korkmaz.

Round 3

Korkmaz nails the oncoming Gallon with a body kick. Gallon clinches, but Korkmaz shucks him off and nails him with a head kick that goes right through his guard. Gallon is hurt badly, staggering across the cage. Korkmaz gives chase, dumps the dazed Gallon to the canvas and fires a salvo of lefts and rights that spur Miner into action for the stoppage. Sensational finish by Attila Korkmaz.

The Official Result

Attila Korkmaz def. Davy Gallon R3 0:23 via TKO (Head Kick, Body Kick and Punches)

Brian Moore (145.4) vs. Otto Rodrigues (145.0)

Round 1

Moore and Rodrigues go to work at the orders of referee Blake Grice. They set up in matching orthodox stances, and Moore scores right away with a pair of speedy jabs. Rodrigues comes forward with a huge sweeping right hook that misses, and Moore calmly replies with a jab to the body. Moore is leaning heavily on the jab early, then lands a left hook to the body. Rodriguez changes levels for a takedown. Moore is slow to sprawl, but manages to scoot to the fence and keep his feet. Rodrigues adjusts the angle, elevates Moore and sets him down at the base of the cage. Rodrigues works from the Irishman’s half guard, wrapping up a leg Dagestani-style. Moore starts to turn his back in order to escape, but Rodrigues drags him away from the cage and puts him flat on his back. Rodrigues is working to pass to mount, and Moore goes to a lockdown guard to try and keep him from doing so, locking his arms at the same time to control the Brazilian’s posture. Moore scoots to the fence at the 10-second clapper, but can’t escape or stand before the bell. 10-9 Rodrigues.

Round 2

Moore tries a rear-hand uppercut that comes up short. Rodrigues shoots a gorgeous single-leg takedown, elevates Moore and dumps him back to the canvas. Rodrigues is right back in half guard, heavy on top, chest to chest. He looks to be framing up an arm-triangle choke. He gets the setup to his liking, hops out to side control and squeezes. Moore is tapping within seconds, prompting Grice to dive in for the rescue.

The Official Result

Otto Rodrigues def. Brian Moore R2 1:31 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Darragh Kelly (145.2) vs. Jelle Zeegers (145.4)

Round 1

Kelly and Zeegers waste no time meeting in the center of the cage and swinging, as referee Grice gets out of the way. Kelly closes the distance and pushes Zeegers to the fence, then hauls him to the canvas. Zeegers tries to stand, but Kelly is already moving to his back and drags him right back down like quicksand. Kelly locks up a body triangle from back mount and applies a rear-naked choke. Zeegers is in all kinds of trouble, but remains calm and manages to fight off the Irishman’s hands. Kelly throws punches to Zeegers’ head, then takes control of Zeegers’ left wrist with his right hand, pulling it across the body. Kelly is relentless, working for the rear-naked choke and throwing sporadic punches anytime the Dutchman defends successfully. With under a minute left, we are treated to Grice warning Kelly not to stick his fingers in Zeegers’ nose. It is about the only time in the entire round Kelly wasn’t able to do exactly what he wanted. The bell sounds. 10-8 Kelly.

Round 2

Zeegers comes forward, right hand cocked, as Kelly gives ground. Kelly sticks out a jab and Zeegers lands the right, dropping Kelly to his seat. Zeegers follows him down and settles in Kelly’s full guard. Zeegers works from top position, drawing a quick warning from Grice for grabbing the throat. Kelly stuffs Zeegers to half guard, then uses the cage to stand. They barely disengage before Kelly initiates a takedown, pulling Zeegers back to the canvas and taking his back. Kelly is seated against the fence with Zeegers in front of him, snared in a body triangle. Kelly is too high on the back to get a choke, but is pelting Zeegers with punches from both sides. Kelly twists away from the fence, adjusts his position and gets an arm across the chin of Zeegers. He slides the arm under the chin, but can’t make any more headway towards finishing the choke. He gives it up and punches the head as Zeegers tries to fight the hands off. The round ends with Kelly still holding the body triangle. 10-8 Kelly.

Round 3

By our math, Jelle Zeegers needs a finish here, and he looks to be measuring Kelly for the same kind of massive right hand that provided his only real offense of the fight so far, the knockdown in Round 2. Zeegers tags Kelly with an overhand right that stumbles him, but can’t follow it up with anything effective. Kelly lands an uppercut that hurts Zeegers, probably his best single strike of the fight, then gets an easy takedown against the fence. Kelly is in Zeegers’ guard, trying to pass, but Zeegers gets back up. Zeegers surprises Kelly with a takedown of his own, but Kelly gets back up quickly. Zeegers backs up, looking to separate. Kelly follows and grounds him again, taking his back seconds later. Zeegers is nowhere near as game as in Rounds 1 and 2, reacting to the back take by turning to his side and turtling up. Kelly, perhaps sensing his opponent is flagging, pours on the punches. Grice looks on closely, and after a half-dozen or more unanswered blows, moves in for the stoppage. Completely dominant display of grappling from the Irish phenom.

The Official Result

Darragh Kelly def. Jelle Zeegers R3 3:42 via TKO (Punches)

Khasan Magomedsharipov (145.6) vs. Piotr Niedzielski (147.8: Missed Weight)

Round 1

Short-notice and a pound or two heavy, Poland’s Niedzielski will look to slow the ascension of Magomedsharipov, with Marc Goddard on referee duty for this featherweight-plus clash. Niedzielski is southpaw to Magomedsharipov’s orthodox, and there are a couple of awkward striking collisions in the opening seconds. Magomedsharipov changes levels for a single-leg takedown. Niedzielski backs up to the fence, using it for balance, but Magomedsharipov changes his angle and drives him to the canvas. Magomedsharipov is in Niedzielski’s full guard, which the Pole closes. Niedzielski controls Magomedsharipov’s posture, letting go only to box his ears from the bottom periodically. Magomedsharipov stands up out of the guard and, a moment later, allows him to stand. Magomedsharipov bites on a stance switch and gets caught with a nice left hand, and misses with a big right of his own. Magomedsharipov clinches and shoves Niedzielski to the fence, but Niedzielski pushes him off seconds later. Magomedsharipov drops for a double-leg, Niedzielski counters with a guillotine choke and wraps him up in full guard as they go down. The choke looks fairly tight, but Magomedsharipov gives the thumbs-up to let Goddard know he’s fine as time expires. 10-9 Magomedsharipov.

Round 2

Magomedsharipov throws a front kick to the midsection. Niedzielski counters with a low kick. Magomedsharipov goes back to the gut, this time with a spinning back kick. Niedzielski tries a front kick of his own up the middle, but it falls short. Magomedsharipov with another body kick, and he catches the kick coming back his way for an easy takedown. Magomedsharipov is on top in Niedzielski’s full guard in the middle of the cage. Niedzielski closes his guard and throws short elbows and palm strikes from the bottom. Niedzielski grabs an arm-in guillotine as Magomedsharipov passes to half guard on the opposite side. He wisely lets it go as Magomedsharipov threatens to pass to side control. Magomedsharipov passes to mount, then hops off to the side, setting up an arm-triangle choke as he does so. He cinches it up and Niedzielski is forced to tap in seconds. Slick ground work from the 22-year-old Dagestani.

The Official Result

Khasan Magomedsharipov def. Piotr Niedzielski R2 3:38 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Luca Poclit (169.8) vs. Roman Faraldo (170.8)

Round 1

Welterweights Poclit and Faraldo get to work immediately. Blake Grice is the third man in the cage. Poclit scores right away with a couple of low calf kicks. Faraldo does not like those, and comes forward with punches, trying to stay inside of kicking range. Faraldo changes levels for a takedown near the fence, which Poclit defends with a front headlock. Faraldo manages not to get choked, but is forced to bail on the takedown attempt. They clinch against the fence. Poclit goes for a double-leg takedown and gets Faraldo down. Poclit lets Faraldo go and as he goes to stand back up, Poclit pounces, locks up a brabo choke and cinches it up tight. Faraldo is tapping almost instantly. Brilliant trap laid and sprung by the Moldovan submission wizard.

The Official Result

Luca Poclit def. Roman Faraldo R1 2:18 via Submission (Brabo Choke)

Ciaran Clarke (139.6) vs. Przemyslaw Gorny (139.2)

Round 1

Ireland’s Clarke enjoys a partisan welcome as he and Gorny get to work under the auspices of referee Bryan Miner in this 140-pound catchweight contest. Clarke wastes little time in driving Gorny to the fence, changing levels and hauling him to the canvas. Clarke is on Gorny’s full guard, moving him away from the cage and trying to pass to half guard. He stands up out of the Pole’s guard and is forced to dodge a nasty upkick before diving back in. Clarke passes to half guard. Clarke stands up again, Gorny fires off another upkick, and this time Clarke can’t get out of the way, taking a heel right to the face. Clarke stumbles back and falls to his seat as Gorny swarms. Gorny overshoots his target, giving Clarke a crucial extra second or two to recover, and by the time Gorny is at the scene, Clarke is sufficiently present to tie him up in his guard. Clarke uses an elevator sweep to escape, then takes top position himself. He takes Gorny’s back and slaps on a body triangle, and is working for a choke as the bell sounds on a round of furious grappling. 10-9 Clarke.

Round 2

The fighters exchange a high-five before engaging. Clarke is southpaw, Gorny orthodox, but it only matters for about five seconds as Clarke once again shoots immediately. He grounds Gorny quickly, and during the ensuing scramble, Gorny absolutely nails him with another murderous upkick—unfortunately, Clarke was grounded at the time. Clarke is clearly affected by the illegal strike, and Miner separates them deducting a point from Gorny before allowing the fight to resume. They go back to work and Gorny gets in one body kick before Clarke grounds him. Clarke is in Gorny’s loose half guard against the fence, throwing a few punches before taking Gorny’s back. Gorny stands and Clarke goes with him, forcing Gorny to bear his weight. Gorny is being careful to keep a weight-bearing hand on the mat, but Clarke eliminates any possibility of an illegal strike of his own by simply hauling Gorny back to the ground. Clarke wraps up an arm-triangle choke, squeezes as he lands in half guard, and the tap comes in seconds.

The Official Result

Kiaran Clarke def. Przemyslaw Gorny R2 2:52 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Gregory Babene (185.2) vs. Charlie Ward (185.8)

Round 1

Babene and Ward square off at the instruction of referee Marc Goddard. Ward inches forward, right hand cocked, as Babene gives ground and circles out. Babene throws a push kick to the lead leg of Ward. Ward and Babene swing almost simultaneously, but it’s Ward who staggers backward at a right-left combo from the Frenchman. Babene jumps all over him, wrapping up a guillotine choke that Ward escapes. Babene is in Ward's guard, throwing punches. Ward sits up and goes for a takedown but Babene gets an arm-in guillotine, rolling to mount as he does so. Ward taps a few seconds later, putting a cap on a wild minute of action.

The Official Result

Gregory Babene def. Charlie Ward R1 1:03 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Mansour Barnaoui (155.2) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (156.0)

Round 1

Wilson ducks under Barnaoui’s first punch and looks for a double-leg takedown. He backs the Frenchman into the fence, but can’t get him down. Barnaoui widens his stance, but Wilson switches to a single-leg, hoists him and plants him on the canvas. Wilson passes to side control, then slides effortlessly to mount. Barnaoui uses his feet against the cage to arch and sweep to top position. Wilson throws up a triangle choke, which is at a difficult angle to finish, but serves to allow the Kiwi to retake top position. Barnaoui takes Wilson’s back, locks up a body triangle and begins punching the head from back mount. Wilson turns and works to break the body triangle as Barnaoui fishes for a rear-naked choke. Barnaoui is doing well to keep the dominant position, applying constant pressure and forcing Wilson on the defensive. Under a minute left, Barnaoui is in control but Wilson spins into his guard at the 10-second warning, throwing punches until the bell. 10-9 Barnaoui.

Round 2

Barnaoui throws a jab, which Wilson answers with one of his own. Wilson steps in, takes an overhook and uses a beautiful whizzer kick to fling Barnaoui to the mat. Wilson is on top in Barnaoui’s guard. Barnaoui goes to escape and Wilson catches him in an omoplata. That slows the furious pace of the scramble for a moment, and Wilson transitions to an armbar, rolling to his back as he does so. Barnaoui locks his hands to deny him, and a few seconds later, manages to extricate his arm. Wilson is all over him, however, taking top position, then back mount, sinking one hook against the fence. Barnaoui tries a modified Granby roll, but ends up stuck. Eventually they finish rolling through and Barnaoui ends up in Wilson’s full guard with under a minute left. Wilson throws elbows from the bottom as Barnaoui punches from above. Barnaoui stands up, but Wilson holds onto his left leg and threatens with a leglock. They are both seated in “leglock race” position at the bell. 10-9 Wilson.

Round 3

Wilson lands a right jab, then a left body kick. Barnaoui is open for the body kick, and Wilson lands two more, then a left cross. Barnaoui lands a nice right hand, but Wilson answers with a smooth three-piece combo that hurts Barnaoui. Wilson, despite getting much the better of the striking, changes levels and drives Barnaoui to the canvas at the base of the fence. Wilson is on top, in half guard, throwing short, sharp punches. Barnaoui gets his hips out to the side and sweeps to top position. Wilson has the Frenchman in his full guard, which he opens to threaten Barnaoui’s right arm. He can’t get much going and abandons the attempt. Barnaoui throws punches from the top as Wilson continues to look for grappling offense from the bottom. With 30 seconds left, he uses a kimura to isolate Barnaoui’s left arm, which he extends—then hyperextends—with an armbar. Barnaoui tries to gut it out, and manages to make it to the final bell. What a sensational fight, one whose outcome turned—on our scorecard, at least—in the last 45 seconds. 10-9 Wilson (29-28 Wilson).

The Official Result

Jay-Jay Wilson def. Mansour Barnaoui via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Peter Queally (170.2) vs. Daniele Miceli (170.2)

Round 1

Miceli throws a left low kick that sends Queally to the canvas off-balance, then follows up with a kick to the grounded man that bloodies Queally's eye immediately. Referee Blake Grice pauses the action as Queally is badly compromised. After a quick consultation with the cageside physician, Grice declares the fight over, the foul unintentional and the result a no contest. Huge disappointment for all involved, especially after the hero's welcome that Queally received.

The Official Result

Peter Queally vs. Daniele Miceli ends in a No Contest (Inadvertent Foul), R1 0:26

Sabah Homasi (170.2) vs. Levan Chokheli (169.9)

Round 1

The veteran Homasi and up-and-comer Chokheli open the main card in a welterweight contest, with Bryan Miner set to oversee the violence. Both men are in orthodox stance, and Chokheli strikes first with a sharp outside low kick. Homasi answers with a kick of his own, then another which Chokheli catches and releases. Homasi lands another leg kick. Chokheli throws a high kick, blocked by Homasi. Homasi reaches out with a high kick of his own. A minute and a half into the fight, neither man has thrown a serious punch, but Chokheli changes that with a big overhand right. Homasi goes, “Oh, we’re punching now?” and responds in kind. Chokheli tries a front kick right up the middle that misses, then throws another moments later. That one does not miss, as Chokheli’s foot lands squarely on the chin of “The Sleek Sheik.” Homasi is senseless in an instant, dropping in place. Chokheli follows up with a single punch that knocks him even stiffer. Wow. An absolutely brutal knockout by Levan Chokheli.

The Official Result

Levan Chokheli def. Sabah Homasi R1 1:52 via KO (Head Kick)

Mads Burnell (144.4) vs. Daniel Weichel (145.6)

Round 1

Denmark and Germany are set to get downright un-neighborly as veteran featherweight contenders Burnell and Weichel square off, with Blake Grice drawing referee duty. The two are in matching orthodox stances, and Weichel quickly throws a hard low kick. Burnell lands one of his own, then another. Weichel uses a foot sweep to put Burnell down, but he bounces right back up. Burnell is walking his man down, throwing jabs and right crosses from a high, boxing-style guard. Weichel flicks out a low kick, then times Burnell’s next entry for a nice reactive takedown. He ends up grabbing a front headlock, but cannot threaten with a guillotine choke before Burnell takes top position and pops his head out. Burnell is in Weichel’s half guard, but Weichel kicks him off quickly. They return to kickboxing with a minute to go. Weichel lands another good low kick, but Burnell walks through it and connects with a three-piece combination. Burnell comes forward and hits Weichel with a lead left hook. The bell rings to close out the round. 10-9 Burnell.

Round 2

Burnell comes forward, bobbing and weaving, throwing a two-three when he gets within range. Burnell’s left hand to the body is starting to get through with increasing frequency and force. Perhaps sensing Weichel’s reaction to those body blows, Burnell changes it up with a right hook to the jaw that lands cleanly. Weichel is stung and backs away. Burnell gives chase but stays patient, tagging the German with another clean pair of punches. Weichel throws a head kick that glances off the guard. Burnell keeps throwing two- and three-piece punch combinations, mostly punctuated by clean rights to the head. Weichel is game, landing a spinning back fist, but Burnell’s volume and accuracy are starting to tell. Weichel tries a level change but Burnell is all over it. Burnell is relentless as he marches forward with the same few combinations, but he seemingly can’t miss with them. At the 10-second clapper, Weichel lands another head kick, but it doesn’t even slow Burnell down. 10-9 Burnell.

Round 3

The final round begins with Burnell once again marching Weichel down and throwing hands, though Burnell is the first to reach out with a low kick. Burnell steps into the pocket and eats a standing elbow from Weichel, which he shrugs off. Burnell nails Weichel with a left hook-right hook combo, and parries a spinning back elbow. Halfway through the round, Burnell counters a Weichel level change with a front headlock and sprawl, finishing up on top in Weichel’s half guard. Burnell looks to be framing an arm-triangle on the far side, but abandons it seconds later. He tries again, and Weichel is able to get an arm through and stop it. Weichel is surviving well on the ground, but he is making no progress towards escape, let alone anything that would dig him out of a two rounds to none hole. The clapper sounds, then the final bell, with Burnell still securely in top position. 10-9 Burnell (30-27 Burnell).

The Official Result

Mads Burnell def. Daniel Weichel via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

As the official result is read, Weichel is removing his gloves in the center of the cage. The veteran, who turns 39 in November and has been fighting professionally for over half his life, announces his retirement from competition.

Sinead Kavanagh (145.8) vs. Sara Collins (145.3)

Round 1

Featherweight fixture Kavanagh clearly has the home crowd in her corner as she squares off with undefeated relative newcomer Collins. Blake Grice has drawn the referee assignment. Collins stalks forward in southpaw as the orthodox Kavanagh circles outside. Collins lands an outside leg kick and eats a right uppercut in return. Kavanagh is pawing with the left, looking to hand-fight the judoka. Two minutes in, both women remain measured and wary; neither has really cut loose with bad intentions. Kavanagh lands a right to the midsection, then slips the right hand Collins throws back at her. Collins lands a low kick to the lead leg of Kavanagh, who responds with a clean two-punch riposte. Under a minute left to go, and Kavanagh lands a right cross to the chest. The bell sounds, ending a tentative first round of action. 10-9 Kavanagh.

Round 2

Round 2 begins at the same pace, with Collins stepping forward cautiously, throwing low kicks and single punches while Kavanagh looks to counter. To this point in the fight, Collins has yet to try for a single takedown. Kavanagh lands a clean, but not especially heavy, one-two. Collins lands a hard low kick which has Kavanagh hopping laterally for a few seconds. Collins throws a front kick to the body that clearly hurts Kavanagh. Collins pursues her foe to the fence but Kavanagh recovers quickly and slides out of danger laterally. Collins tries another front kick, but it comes up short. Collins lands an outside leg kick. Kavanagh is checking some of the kicks, walking though others, but they appear to be having a cumulative effect. Thirty seconds to go in the round and Collins tries the front kick again. The bell sounds. 10-9 Collins.

Round 3

It’s anyone’s fight, on our scorecards at least, as this featherweight contenders’ fight enters the final round. Collins continues to press forward, throwing her arsenal of leg and body kicks, with Kavanagh trying to counter with punches. Kavanagh’s punches, increasingly, seem to be coming up short, and Collins makes her pay with counter punches of her own. Kavanagh sticks Collins with a right to the body, and takes a right hand from Collins in turn. Kavanagh absorbs a left body kick, then a right kick to her lead leg. Kavanagh lands a rear-hand uppercut and manages to dodge a counter from Collins. A minute and a half left in the fight and the momentum, such as it is, has tilted towards Collins. The two women step up the pace just a bit, exchanging glancing punch combinations at close range. Collins flicks out another leg kick, adding to the cumulative reddening of Kavanagh’s left leg. The bell rings, signifying the end of the fight. 10-9 Collins (29-28 Collins).

The Official Result

Sara Collins def. Sinead Kavanagh via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Aaron Pico (145.2) vs. Pedro Carvalho (145.6)

Round 1

In the co-main event, Aaron Pico will seek to celebrate his 27th birthday with a big win over former featherweight title challenger Carvalho, and perhaps propel himself from one of Bellator’s most celebrated home-grown prospects into title contention. Blake Grice is your referee. Both men are in orthodox stance, and Carvalho strikes first with a right low kick. Pico rushes in behind punches, driving Carvalho into the fence. Carvalho shoves him off for some separation and takes an elbow on the way out. Pico pursues, drags Carvalho down and takes his back as he stands. Pico lets Carvalho go, only to shoot again moments later, drag him down once again and move to the back as Carvalho stands. The strategy appears to be “rinse and repeat,” as Pico releases Carvalho, only to strike for his third takedown in two minutes. This time, when Carvalho gets loose, Pico smashes him with a body punch, then hustles him back to the canvas. Pico pounces as Carvalho gets back to his hands and knees, pouring on a stream of punches that spur Grice into action. Any question of whether the stoppage was justified should be muted after Carvalho tries to stand, only to collapse back to the ground. Brilliantly frenetic performance by Aaron Pico.

The Official Result

Aaron Pico def. Pedro Carvalho R1 3:05 via TKO (Punches)

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight:
Johnny Eblen (184.6) vs. Fabian Edwards (185.0)

Round 1

Eblen’s defense of the middleweight title kicks off at a word from referee Bryan Miner, and Edwards comes forward immediately in southpaw to the champ’s orthodox. Edwards is heavy on the hip feints early, drawing a reaction from Eblen in between actual leg kicks. Eblen springs into range with a pair of punches that Edwards mostly parries. Edwards sticks a hard jab in Eblen’s face, then another. Eblen wades in with another flurry of punches, but again, nothing lands solidly. Eblen times an Edwards kick and works for a takedown. He runs the Brit to the fence, where he cannot finish the takedown but punishes Edwards with an elbow and knee on the way out. Eblen shoots for another takedown, and again the challenger is up to the task of remaining on his feet. Edwards lands another low kick. Eblen jumps in with a pair of punches before the bell. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 2

Edwards is busy with kicks to open the round, landing a low kick, then a glancing one upstairs. Eblen steps in, doubling up his jab and landing both. He enters again and they exchange punches. Edwards goes down, pushed over rather than hurt, and bounces right back up. Eblen steps forward and meets an intercepting left hand from the challenger. Eblen throws a low kick of his own, followed by one to the body. Edwards touches again with a low kick. Eblen tries to answer and comes up short. Two minutes left in the round, and the action has mostly been exchanges of single kicks. Eblen shoots a fast double-leg and grounds Edwards near the base of the fence. Edwards uses the fence to pop back up quickly, but Eblen sticks to him and takes his back as he stands. Eblen can’t secure a mat return and Edwards breaks away, though Eblen punishes him again on the way out. Eblen clinches and drives Edwards to the fence with 30 seconds left. Edwards has an overhook, hanging on Eblen as the champ throws knees. The bell sounds. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 3

Eblen is bloodied to open the third round, leaking from a nasty gash between the brows: the result of a close-quarters elbow strike in Round 2. Edwards meets the incoming champ with a right hand that lands cleanly. Eblen backs up, but surges forward again and lands a huge right hand of his own, dropping Edwards. He swarms with ground-and-pound, a massive elbow followed by a torrent of punches that prompt the rescue from Miner. It’s a TKO win for the still-undefeated Bellator MMA middleweight champion—and perhaps his best performance yet.

The Official Result

Johnny Eblen def. Fabian Edwards R3 0:21 via TKO (Elbow and Punches)