Bellator 300 ‘Nurmagomedov vs. Primus’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Josh Hokit (246) vs. Spencer Smith (247.8)

Round 1

The historic Bellator 300 kicks off with a matchup of 0-0 heavyweights in Hokit and Smith. Mike Beltran is the third man in cage. Hokit immediately smacks Smith with a hard right hand. Hokit tries for a takedown but gives it up almost immediately. Smith lands a hard outside leg kick. Hokit shoots a single-leg from way outside but manages to turn the corner and take Smith’s back standing. He runs Smith to the fence, throws a couple of short knees to the thigh, and hauls Smith to the canvas. Smith stands, eating a couple of punches on the way up. They disengage and resume kickboxing in the center of the cage. Two minutes left and both heavyweights land punches simultaneously. Smith tags Hokit with a nice right hand around the guard. Smith lands a low kick and another left hand. Hokit responds with a right hand, then a sharp left jab. Smith lands Hokit with a lead left, then a one-two at the 10-second clapper.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Smith
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Smith
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Smith

Round 2

Smith comes forward to open Round 2, chasing Hokit down with punches, but Hokit times his approach and changes levels, running Smith to the fence and taking his back as he does so. Smith manages to peel Hokit off his back, but absorbs a knee on the way. Smith throws a one-two, and Hokit counters with a hard right hand. Smith comes forward again, landing a one-two and running Hokit into the fence. Smith with a left body kick and a left jab. Hokit sticks Smith with an overhand right and, seconds later, shoots a quick takedown. He takes Smith’s back again, dragging him to the floor. Smith turns to all fours as Hokit nails him with a hard right hand to the head. Smith makes his way to the fence and stands up with the help of a blatant fence grab which appears to go uncommented by Beltran. Hokit drops levels for another takedown, but Smith manages to shuck him off. Hokit punishes him with a couple of hard shots as they disengage. Under 30 seconds left and Hokit tags Smith with a sharp jab. Smooth comes back with a hard low kick. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Hokit
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hokit
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Hokit

Round 3

Smith lands first with a glancing one-two, coming forward as Hokit gives ground. Hokit plants his feet and swings a big left hand that glances. Smith lands another nice low kick. Smith continues to march forward, running right into Hokit’s jab. Smith throws a high kick that lands, but not solidly. Hokit feints and lands an overhand right. Halfway through the round, Smith is still the one coming forward, but Hokit is landing his jab at will. Hokit shoots a single-leg takedown and drops Smith to his seat in the center of the cage. Hokit surges forward, tipping Smith to his back as he cinches up an arm-triangle choke. Hokit passes to mount, but Smith is already tapping to the hold.

The Official Result

Josh Hokit def. Spencer Smith R3 3:48 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Jena Bishop (125.4) vs. Ilara Joanne (125.6)

Round 1

Flyweights Joanne and Bishop face off under the watchful eye of referee Robert Romero. Joanne strikes first with a hard body kick. Bishop charges forward, looking to get hold of the Brazilian, but Joanne sticks and moves, landing another solid body kick. Bishop catches the kick and looks for a takedown, but Joanne uses a whizzer expertly to keep her feet. Bishop seizes a Thai clinch, drives Joanne into the fence and trips her to the canvas. Bishop moves immediately to mount, then takes Joanne’s back, sinking her hooks and working for a choke. Joanne fights off the hands, but Bishop calmly switches to an armbar. She is momentarily held up by the fence at her back, but she twists away, makes room and extends the right arm of Joanne. The verbal tap comes almost instantly. Quick and nasty ground work by the grappling wiz.

The Official Result

Jena Bishop def. Ilara Joanne R1 2:45 via Submission (Armbar)

Romero Cotton (185.6) vs. Grant Neal (183.6)

Round 1

Once-beaten middleweights Cotton and Neal take the cage next, with Mike Beltran once again drawing the refereeing assignment. Both men are in orthodox stance, reaching out with long jabs. Cotton lands a one-two and Neal tries for a takedown, which he abandons almost immediately. Cotton slips and falls off a kick attempt, but springs back up before Neal can capitalize. Cotton lands a body kick, but Neal punishes him for it with a big right hand upstairs. With half the round down, Cotton tries a head kick that comes up short. Neal reaches in with a jab to the body, then tags the incoming Cotton with a counter right. They clinch and Neal runs Cotton to the fence. They exchange knees on the inside. Cotton fights his way off of the fence and just misses with a level elbow as they disengage. Cotton lands a glancing uppercut to the body. Cotton tries a low single at the 10-second clapper, but Neal sprawls all over it. The first round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Neal
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Neal
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Neal

Round 2

Neal throws a low kick and Cotton counters with a right hand. Neal clinches and forces Cotton to the cage. Neal throws a couple of knees to the thighs before Cotton shucks him off. Cotton comes up short with a right high kick. Neal clips Cotton with a sharp right to the jaw, which leads the former NCAA Div. II wrestling champ to change levels. Beltran briefly stops the action when Cotton takes a knee to the cup, but Cotton wants to return to action immediately. Neal drives Cotton to the fence, throwing short punches to the body. They disengage and return to the center of the cage. Neal comes inside and is intercepted by a front headlock from Cotton. Cotton lets it go and Neal backs off. Cotton slides forward with a one-two and a low kick. Under 30 seconds left in the round and Cotton catches Neal with a right hand that stumbles him. Neal recovers quickly and lands a hard body shot. Neal lands a glancing flying knee right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Neal
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cotton
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Neal

Round 3

Round 3 opens with Cotton catching Neal with a left jab. Neal is bobbing and weaving, looking for openings to get inside and land punches. Cotton tags him with a low kick. Neal eats a right hand, but changes levels and takes Cotton down at the base of the fence. Cotton is seated with Neal lacing his legs. Cotton twists to get up and Neal begins to smash him with right hands. Neal takes Cotton’s back as they stand. Cotton spins and breaks away, then looks for a takedown of his own, but Neal stands him up. Neal drives Cotton into the fence. They exchange short knees before breaking off the clinch. Neal stings Cotton with a right hook on the break. Under two minutes left and Neal is marching his man down, landing solid punches. Cotton is attempting to throw back, but has slowed quite a bit. Neal drops for a double-leg takedown and slams him to the mat. Neal is in Cotton’s full guard, scooting him all the way to the fence. Neal controls the arm of Cotton as Cotton goes belly-down. Cotton gets to a knee, then stands, with Neal still stuck to his back. Thirty seconds left and Neal hauls Cotton back down. Cotton explodes to his feet at the 10-second clapper and Neal throws a flurry of punches until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Neal (30-27 Neal)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Neal (29-28 Neal)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Neal (30-27 Neal)

The Official Result

Grant Neal def. Romero Cotton via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Mukhamed Berkhamov (178.4) vs. Herman Terrado (178.2)

Round 1

Terrado and Berkhamov square off in a 180-pound catchweight affair. Terrado is orthodox, Berkhamov southpaw, and Terrado comes up just short with a winging lead left hook. Berkhamov reaches out with a long front kick to the body. Berkhamov walks Terrado into the fence, launching a bevy of kicks to the legs and body. Terrado tries to come back with a low kick of his own, but it comes up short. Terrado seems to be struggling with the reach and the striking variety of Berkhamov. Berkhamov counters a kick with a left hand. Two minutes left in the frame and Berkhamov is still corralling the shorter man into the fence. Berkhamov catches the ducking Terrado with an intercepting knee. Berkhamov with another kick to the midsection. Terrado responds with a hard body kick. Berkhamov goes up with a glancing high kick, the last significant contact of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov

Round 2

Terrado springs forward and lands a left hand. Terrado is more aggressive in the early going here than in Round 1, but Berkhamov calmly gives ground and lands accurate counters. Terrado lands a body kick, and eats a pair of clean jabs in return. Berkhamov walks Terrado into the fence and lands a five-punch combo as Terrado shells up. They clinch and Berkhamov lands a glancing level elbow. They disengage, and Berkhamov nails Terrado with a head kick. Terrado is still looking for his openings, but Berkhamov is beating him to the punch every time. Terrado with a low kick. Berkhamov lands a flurry of punches, punctuated by a knee up the middle. Berkhamov tags Terrado with a counter left hook. Terrado catches Berkhamov with a kick to the right thigh. At the one-minute mark, Berkhamov backs Terrado into the fence yet again, punishing him with a step-in knee and a couple of punches. Berkhamov lands a knee to the body against the fence before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov

Round 3

Berkhamov backs Terrado up, looking to walk him into the fence. Berkhamov lands a jab, which Terrado answers with a clean body kick. Terrado changes levels for a takedown attempt, running Berkhamov to the cage. Berkhamov uses underhooks to stand Terrado up, then spins and reverses him against the fence. They disengage and return to the center of the cage. Berkhamov unleashes a series of punches, landing at will to the head and body, and slips the haymaker coming back his way. Berkhamov grabs Terrado and flings him to the canvas for an emphatic takedown. Berkhamov dives onto his foe, landing in loose half guard. Berkhamov chips away from top position as Terrado tries to control his posture and slide a knee in between them. Ninety seconds to go and Berkhamov lets Terrado back up. Berkhamov backs Terrado into the fence and continues to touch him to all levels with punches and knees. Berkhamov comes forward in the final 30 seconds and keeps tagging Terrado with strikes. The bell sounds on a fight that felt more one-sided than the scores are likely to reflect.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov (30-27 Berkhamov)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov (30-27 Berkhamov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Berkhamov (30-27 Berkhamov)

The Official Result

Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Herman Terrado via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Maciej Rozanski (204.4) vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (205.4)

Round 1

Yagshimuradov and Rozanski face off with Frank Trigg on referee duty. Both light heavyweights are in orthodox stance. Rozanski marches forward as Yagshimuradov gives ground and throws low kicks to the front leg. Rozanski throws a jab and a big overhand right which comes up short. Yagshimuradov bounces into range with a long jab. Yagshimuradov moves into range again, this time with a right cross, navigating his reach disadvantage with apparent ease. Yagshimuradov lands a low calf kick to each leg, including a nifty back kick with the heel. Rozanski wants to trap Yagshimuradov against the fence, but thus far has had no success corralling the shorter man. Yagshimuradov smacks Rozanski with a left hook, then a spinning back kick. Rozanski shakes it off and resumes his forward march. Yagshimuradov touches him with another low kick. Yagshimuradov lands a three-punch combination, then contemplates a level change at the 30-second mark. He gives up on the takedown quickly, but shoots again at the 10-second clapper. He throws the bigger man off-balance, but can’t finish the takedown before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov

Round 2

Rozanski is again the aggressor to open Round 2, but Yagshimuradov refuses to be trapped against the fence. Yagshimuradov catches Rozanski with a pair of punches, then takes a left hand from the Pole that clearly hurts. He returns fire and both men land in close quarters, but Yagshimuradov changes levels for a takedown, hauling Rozanski down in the center of the cage. Yagshimuradov sets up in Rozanski’s full guard, throwing short punches while trying to advance. Rozanski gets a butterfly hook in, but doesn’t do much to get Yagshimuradov off of him. With half the round gone, it’s still Yagshimuradov on top. Rozanski gets two butterfly hooks and tries to kick Yagshimuradov off, but Yagshimuradov gets past them and lands in guard again. Rozanski sits up and returns to his feet, but Yagshimuradov stays on his back as they stand. Rozanski spins away and they’re back to work on the feet in the center of the cage. With one minute left, Rozanski lands a good kick to the body. Yagshimuradov returns fire with a kick of his own which glances off the arm of Rozanski. The 10-second clapper sounds, and the end of the round comes without any major action.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov

Round 3

The final round opens with both men exchanging punches at close range in the center of the cage. Yagshimuradov lands his first calf kick of the round, followed immediately by one upstairs. Rozanski walks Yagshimuradov to the warning track, but Yagshimuradov changes levels, hoisting Rozanski into the air. Rozanski grabs the fence, then the pad at the top of the cage, in order to delay his scheduled flight, but Yagshimuradov simply throws him across the cage anyway. Yagshimuradov dives down behind him, ending up in full guard. He works from guard for a few seconds, then stands above Rozanski and throws kicks at the grounded man’s legs. After a few such exchanges, Yagshimuradov dives back into Rozanski’s guard. Yagshimuradov lands a couple of hard punches, then stands again and eats a glancing upkick that could have been much worse. Yagshimuradov is back in Rozanski’s guard, but Rozanski is aggressive, throwing his legs up and threatening with a triangle choke or armbar. Yagshimuradov keeps himself out of danger while throwing punches, and Rozanski flattens out. One of the shots from Yagshimuradov has opened up a nasty cut on the forehead of Rozanski. Yagshimuradov drives the supine Rozanski to the fence and continues to be heavy on top. With under 30 seconds left, the crowd jeers a bit, but Yagshimuradov rides out the round, and should be on his way to a third straight win.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov (30-27 Yagshimuradov)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov (30-27 Yagshimuradov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov (30-27 Yagshimuradov)

The Official Result

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Maciej Rozanski via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Davion Franklin (265) vs. Slim Trabelsi (238.8)

Round 1

Two intriguing heavyweight prospects meet in the once-beaten Franklin and undefeated former Olympic wrestling qualifier Trabelsi. Franklin, perhaps expecting an immediate shot, goes for a flying knee, Jorge Masvidal-style. It doesn’t land solidly, but he tags Trabelsi with a one-two. Trabelsi essays a high front kick that comes up short. Seconds later, Trabelsi shoots for a takedown, but turns the corner and takes the bigger man’s back while barely touching him. Trabelsi herds Franklin into the fence, than hauls Franklin to his hands and knees. Trabelsi with a wrestling-style ride, throwing knees to the thigh, ribs and butt of Franklin. Half the round gone, and Trabelsi still has Franklin corralled at the base of the fence. Franklin explodes to his feet and as Trabelsi changes levels for a mat return, Franklin grabs a front headlock. He loses it as Trabelsi spins him away from the fence and finishes the takedown with a trip. Franklin is tapping his left leg with his hand and screaming in pain. Referee Blake Grice jumps in for the rescue immediately and it’s a TKO win for the distraught Slim Trabelsi.

The Official Result

Slim Trabelsi def. Davion Franklin R1 3:19 via TKO (Leg Injury)

Henry Corrales (146) vs. Kai Kamaka III (145.6)

Round 1

Corrales and Kamaka III engage at the word of referee Romero. Corrales’ first pair of leg kicks take Kamaka off his feet, but the Hawaiian springs right back up. Kamaka marches forward, but the relentless leg kick assault of Corrales has him switching stances within the first 30 seconds of the fight. Kamaka throws a spinning back kick which Corrales catches. He tips Kamaka over, but lets him bounce back up. Corrales comes forward with a single-leg attempt, but thumbs the eye of Kamaka with the other hand. Romero gives Kamaka a moment to recover and they are back to work with three minutes to go in the round. Kamaka throws a kick which lands, but Corrales once again catches the limb and forces Kamaka to the ground. They separate and return to their feet. Corrales reaches out for the lead leg of Kamaka again but there’s nothing doing. Corrales throws another calf kick. It lands, but Kamaka catches him with a punch over the top. Under a minute to go, and Corrales catches yet another kick from Kamaka. Corrales grabs a Thai clinch, but it’s Kamaka who throws a hard knee up the middle before they separate. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Corrales
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Corrales
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Corrales

Round 2

The featherweights touch gloves to open Round 2, and Corrales immediately returns to working on the lead left leg of Kamaka. Corrales lunges forward with a high kick, which Kamaka slips, grabbing a body lock. He runs Corrales to the fence but can’t complete a takedown. Corrales chops at the lead leg of Kamaka with a low kick. Kamaka has begun throwing more low kicks of his own, but they lack the power and volume of Corrales. Half the round down and Corrales remains content to come forward with jabs and one-twos, punctuated by the low kicks which have defined the fight so far. Corrales goes his with a kick, glancing off Kamaka’s guard. Kamaka stings Corrales with a pair of punches that leave him bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Corrales lands a low kick and comes up short on a haymaker up top. Kamaka lands a nice body punch. Corrales walks into an intercepting knee, but lands a right hook nonetheless. Corrales charges forward with a flurry of glancing punches at the 10-second warning. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Corrales
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Corrales
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Corrales

Round 3

Round 3 opens with an apparent sense of urgency from Kamaka, who received a talking-to in his corner between rounds. He moves forward, throwing his jab and cross at the older man. Corrales gives ground and throws his low kick again. Kamaka lands a calf kick of his own, which Corrales answers with yet another. Kamaka charges in and they collide in close quarters, with neither man landing cleanly. Two minutes in, the pace has slowed a bit, as they exchange single low kicks at range, but Kamaka springs back into the pocket with a pair of punches. Kamaka lands a long jab to the body and Corrales makes the ill-advised choice to band over to recover his fallen mouthpiece. Kamaka nearly takes Corrales’ head off with a kick, but disaster is averted. Corrales corrals his man against the fence, landing a flurry of hooks to the body. Kamaka breaks away and is suddenly animated, bouncing into range and landing punches before Corrales can counter. Where was this approach 10 minutes ago? At the 30-second mark, they plant their feet and swing until the final horn, to the crowd’s delight. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Corrales (30-27 Corrales)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Corrales (30-27 Corrales)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (29-28 Corrales)

The Official Result

Kai Kamaka III def. Henry Corrales via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Sergio Cossio (156) vs. Jesse Roberts (155.8)

Round 1

Disparity in experience is the order of the day as six-fight veteran Roberts takes on 30-fight veteran Cossio in a lightweight contest. Frank Trigg is your referee. Both men are in orthodox stance to open things up. Roberts bounces in and out in a high-guard kickboxing stance, while Cossio’s hands wave and feint. Roberts changes levels for an easy takedown, settling in Cossio’s half guard. Roberts is heavy on top, chest to chest, as he looks to pass to mount. He does so, sliding into full mount, but Cossio quickly regains a loose half guard. Roberts passes again, framing up an arm-triangle choke as he does so. It looks tight and Roberts moves out to the side to try and finish. Cossio escapes the hold, but Roberts takes his back as he spins away. Roberts secures back mount and sinks his hooks, working for a rear-naked choke at the base of the cage. Cossio defends the sub attempt, fighting off the hands and spinning out of back mount. Roberts is in Cossio’s full guard, but as Cossio looks to kick him off, Roberts, dives back in and takes back control once again. Cossio escapes again, regaining full guard. He throws a couple of strikes off his back, but Roberts ends the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Roberts
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Roberts
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-8 Roberts

Round 2

Cossio marches forward, throwing his jab and a body kick up the middle. Roberts takes a punch on his way in, but grabs a body lock and shoves Cossio to the fence. Roberts trips Cossio to the canvas, where he goes to work from the Mexican’s guard. Roberts passes to half guard. Cossio tries an elevator sweep, but Roberts lands back in full guard, then slides quickly to the back. Roberts sinks his hooks and goes supine, with Cossio on top of him, as he works for a choke. Cossio spins out of the back mount, but Roberts stays with him and lands in guard once again. Roberts passes to half guard and uses heavy shoulder pressure as he frames an arm-triangle. Cossio explodes back to his feet. Roberts pursues him to the fence and tries to throw him. Cossio uses an overhook to defend for a moment, but Roberts wins the position and tosses him to the canvas. Roberts once again takes back control. Cossio escapes and sticks his foe back in guard. Cossio tries a hip escape but gives up his back. Roberts takes back mount but he’s riding high. Cossio can’t shake him off before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Roberts
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Roberts
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Roberts

Round 3

The two men touch gloves, then Cossio surges forward with wide hooks from both hands. Roberts gives ground and circles out. Roberts steps in and runs right into an intercepting knee that lands squarely, but without much steam behind it. Cossio is still the aggressor, marching forward and throwing heavy leather. Most of the blows fall short, with the remainder glancing off of Roberts’ guard. Roberts suddenly looks tired. Cossio comes forward again and sticks his man with a three-punch combo. Roberts grabs hold of Cossio and can’t immediately secure the takedown, but it’s enough to smother the punching assault. Roberts changes angles and hauls Cossio down. Cossio springs back up and Roberts follows. Cossio lands a pair of punches, but Roberts walks through them, grabs Cossio and drags him back to the ground. Cossio gets up and Roberts slides off of him, landing on his back in the center of the cage. Cossio dives in, takes top position and locks up a topside triangle. He rolls to his back and Roberts is in trouble with a full minute left on the clock. Time ends up not being a factor, though, as Roberts is forced to tap within seconds, spurring Trigg into action for the rescue. What a comeback by Sergio Cossio in a fight in which he had been getting dominated, handing Roberts his first career loss in the bargain.

The Official Result

Sergio Cossio def. Jesse Roberts R3 4:05 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

Leah McCourt (146) vs. Sara McMann (145.4)

Round 1

It's a likely McTitle Eliminator as former Olympian and longtime UFC bantamweight contender McMann takes on perennial Bellator featherweight standout McCourt. Jason Herzog draws his first referee assignment of the evening. McMann stalks forward, sticking out her jab and trying to get into range on the much taller Irishwoman. McCourt steps in and lands a crisp one-two. McMann responds with a glancing pair of punches, then grabs a body lock and drags McCourt to her knees against the fence. McMann is out to the side of the martially grounded McCourt, looking for a possible choke and back-take, but McCourt fights it off and stands. McMann may have taken a finger to the eye in the process. McMann is still stuck to McCourt, trying to move to her back as McCourt uses the fence to peel the American off. McMann takes a body lock, but it’s McCourt who throws her. McMann rolls through, however, and they stand back up. Under two minutes left and McCourt again uses a hip throw to plant McMann on the canvas. This time, McCourt stands, throwing kicks at the legs of McMann. With just over a minute left, McCourt dives into McMann’s guard, throwing elbows and punches from top position as McMann tries to control her posture. A couple of hard shots get through and McMann turns to her side, covering up as McCourt pours on a stream of punches. After at least a dozen unanswered blows, Herzog interposes himself, halting the action late in the round. Heavy work on the ground for Leah McCourt.

The Official Result

Lean McCourt def. Sara McMann R1 4:30 via TKO (Punches)

Alberto Garcia (137)** vs. Bobby Seronio III (138)***

Round 1

Undefeated local up-and-comers meet in a 140-pound catchweight contest as Garcia and Seronio face off under the supervision of referee Blake Grice. They touch gloves and set up in matching orthodox stances. Garcia reaches out with a head kick that comes up well short of the target. He ands a right to the body, but misses with a left to the head. Seronio catches Garcia’s next kick and punches him while holding the caught limb. Seronio turns to a karate-style bladed stance and throws a high side kick. Seronio catches Garcia with a short left that hurts him badly. He swarms with punches, looking for the finish. Garcia defends well, recovers his wits and sweeps, taking Seronio’s back. Seronio is in trouble, fighting off a rear-naked choke attempt. He slips out and takes top position. What a wild sequence! Garcia gets to his hands and knees and Seronio has him in a wrestling-style ride. Seronio suddenly grabs a waistlock and hoists Garcia all the way over his shoulder for a big slam. Garcia lands well and bounces to his feet. They disengage and Garcia grounds Seronio with a double-leg right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Seronio
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Seronio
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Seronio

Round 2

They touch gloves again to open Round 2, and Seronio immediately tags Garcia with a hard left hand that rocks him. Garcia backs away and recovers. Seronio lunges in with a huge hook that misses, but follows through and drives Garcia into the fence. Garcia hits Seronio with a knee. Seronio pulls Garcia off of the fence and trips him to the canvas. Garcia scrambles and rolls, refusing to concede the position, but Seronio sticks with him and lands in guard. Seronio presses Garcia into the fence as he applies heavy shoulder pressure from top position. He steps out to side control and grabs the neck of Garcia, who is still crammed into the corner of the cage and floor. Garcia spins out, takes Seronio’s back and sinks his hooks. Seronio controls Garcia’s arms, preventing him from threatening with any submissions, but Garcia has him very much stuck and on the defensive. At the 10-second clapper, Seronio is throwing punches over his shoulder. The round ends with Garcia in back mount.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 3

It’s anyone’s fight, on our scorecards at least, as Seronio and Garcia touch gloves to begin the final round. Neither man commits to a strike in the first 30 seconds, as they stay at range and feint or throw long strikes that fall far short. Seronio finally bursts forward, launching a big right hand that misses. Seronio lands a calf kick on the way out. Garcia marches forward and steps right into a hard counter that sends his mouthpiece flying. A moment later, a lull in the action allows Herzog to direct Garcia to recover his gear. Once they resume, Seronio changes levels for a successful takedown, but Garcia sweeps him immediately, moving to Seronio’s back. He tries to put his hooks in, but Seronio stands against the fence. Garcia hoists and flings him back to the canvas with a loud bang, then goes back to working for back control. Under a minute left, and Garcia is on Seronio’s back with one hook in. Seronio turns the other way and looks to escape, and is briefly caught in a potential crucifix or twister. He manages to roll through and escapes, and it is Seronio looking to secure top position at the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (29-28 Garcia)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (29-28 Garcia)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (29-28 Garcia)

The Official Result

Bobby Seronio III def. Alberto Garcia via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bellator Women’s Flyweight Title Fight:
Liz Carmouche (124.8) vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (126.6: Missed Weight)

Round 1

For the second time in a row, Bellator MMA flyweight queen Liz Carmouche will face an overweight challenger who is ineligible to win her title—this time, longtime friend and training partner Macfarlane, the former face of the division. Blake Grice is the referee on duty for the first of three title fights atop this card. Both women are in orthodox stance and it’s the champ stalking forward. Carmouche quickly goes southpaw. Neither woman throws anything with serious intent in the first 45 seconds. Macfarlane steps in with a tripled jab, all of which Carmouche eludes with head movement. Two minutes down and still, nothing of consequence has landed for either fighter. Half the round down and Carmouche is on her bike, sliding around the outside of the cage. Macfarlane jumps into range and lands a pair of glancing punches. Carmouche switches stances periodically, but ends up in southpaw each time. She is pawing out with the lead right hand, looking to tangle up Macfarlane’s left. Under a minute to go and Carmouche steps in, only to be met by a counter right from the former champ. The bell sounds on a tentative, awkward five minutes of work.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane

Round 2

Referee Grice speaks for all of us as he sharply instructs Carmouche and Macfarlane to do something this round. Carmouche is less passive in the early going, stepping forward and throwing her right jab. Macfarlane is busy with her own jab, though most of them fall well short of the mark. Carmouche comes forward with a jab which lands, and takes a counter left that glances off of her shoulder. Macfarlane lands a calf kick and parries a punch coming back her way. Just past the halfway mark, Macfarlane lands a decent right cross. With just under two minutes left, they collide in close quarters and Carmouche grabs a single collar tie, socking Macfarlane with the other hand, hockey-fight style. Macfarlane answers with a less emphatic punch of her own. Carmouche steps in and lands an overhand right. At the 30-second mark, veteran announcer Mauro Ranallo, as relentlessly positive a play-by-play man as this sport has ever seen, calls this fight a “sparring session.” He’s being generous. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche

Round 3

Grice once again pleads for action, and the champ and challenger oblige him by going right at one another, exchanging a flurry of punches. Once they exit, however, it’s back to the cautious circling. Macfarlane goes down awkwardly, likely due to the knee injury she suffered during the run-up to this fight. Carmouche lets her stand, but immediately kicks the left leg of Macfarlane once they resume. Macfarlane goes down again, apparently having trouble pivoting or putting weight on that left leg. Carmouche once again lets her back up. Macfarlane comes forward with a punch combination, then tries for a takedown, but she cannot get any purchase. Under two minutes to go and Carmouche is the aggressor, walking Macfarlane down and throwing her jab and one-two. Macfarlane is game, but visibly favoring her left leg. Carmouche kicks the affected leg, then kicks it again. Macfarlane is limping. Carmouche with another low kick. Thirty seconds to go. Macfarlane comes forward with punches and another level change, but the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche

Round 4

Macfarlane comes forward with haymakers, perhaps understanding that she is fighting on borrowed time. Carmouche circles away, avoiding most of the punches. She plants her feet and throws her first low kick of the round, and it spills Macfarlane to the canvas once again. Once again, Carmouche allows her to stand rather than follow her to the floor. Carmouche throws another kick at the lead leg of Macfarlane, this time an inside kick that spins her the other way. Macfarlane is hopping on her right leg, so Carmouche kicks that one, dropping the former champ for what must be the fifth time in the last two rounds. Macfarlane dashes forward with big punches, but Carmouche sidesteps and evades the charge with ease. With 90 seconds left, referee Grice instructs the fighters to engage. Macfarlane charges forward but Carmouche again sidesteps her like a matador. Macfarlane bounces forward and lands a left hand. Carmouche answers with a low kick. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche

Round 5

The friends and former training partners touch gloves to open the final round. Carmouche throws a low kick and Macfarlane goes down once again. This time, however, she screams in pain and makes no move to stand back up. Referee Grice is there in an instant, putting an end to the suffering for Macfarlane—and perhaps for the viewers. Liz Carmouche retains her Bellator flyweight title.

The Official Result

Liz Carmouche def. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane R5 0:17 via TKO (Leg Kick)

Bellator Women’s Featherweight Title Fight:
Cris Cyborg (144.6) vs. Cat Zingano (144.6)

Round 1

Legacy is at stake in the co-main event, as current Bellator and former Strikeforce, Invicta and UFC champ “Cris Cyborg” looks to build on her case as the GOAT of women’s MMA, while Zingano tries to exit the list of greatest women never to win a major title. Frank Trigg draws his final referee assignment of the evening. After they decline to touch gloves, Trigg waves the two women into action. Cyborg catches the incoming Zingano with a right hand. They collide again, Zingano grabs a body lock, but it’s the champ who throws the challenger to the canvas. Cyborg lets her up and Zingano lands a nice kick to the body. Zingano is in southpaw and throws a head kick to the open side, which the champ parries. They collide again, Zingano looking for a takedown, and Cyborg catches Zingano with something short on the inside, then tosses her. Zingano drops and turns to her side as Cyborg drops hammerfists. Zingano recovers and springs back up. Two minutes to go in the round, Cyborg counters a Zingano kick with a big right hand. Zingano kicks again and runs right into the same right-hand counter. Zingano drops and Cyborg swarms with punches. It takes only a couple before Trigg is forced to intervene to stop the mauling. Brutal work by Cristiane Justino, and a hard night at the office for Zingano, who earned her way here with four straight wins in the Bellator cage.

The Official Result

Cristiane Justino def. Cat Zingano R1 4:00 via TKO (Punches)

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight:
Usman Nurmagomedov (154.8) vs. Brent Primus (154.8)

Round 1

The final title fight of Bellator 300 features another champ vs. former champ matchup, as onetime lightweight ruler Primus attempts to shock the world by winning the belt back against the whopping 33-to-1 favorite Nurmagomedov. For his part, the champ, a perfect 17-0 and one of the most dominant fighters in the world at just 25 years old, will look to keep his division on lock while he inches toward a place in MMA history next to his celebrated cousin and mentor, Khabib. Jason Herzog is the third man in the cage. Both men are in orthodox stance, and the champ strikes first with an inside leg kick. Nurmagomedov is busy with his vaunted arsenal of kicks, landing to the calf, thigh and midsection all within the first 40 seconds or so. Primus marches forward, throwing heavy kicks of his own, but the champ eludes most of them. Primus charges in behind a Nurmagomedov kick, looking to clinch, but Nurmagomedov nails him with a knee up the middle and gains separation. Nurmagomedov throws a spinning back kick up high which clatters off of Primus’ guard. Primus lands a low kick and a glancing spinning backfist. Half the round is gone, and Nurmagomedov tags Primus with a right question mark kick. The next time Primus enters, Nurmagomedov changes levels smoothly for an easy takedown. He ends up in Primus’ half guard. Primus locks his posture down with an arm behind the neck, while trying to maneuver his legs for a sweep or escape. Thirty seconds left, and Nurmagomedov is still on top in the challenger’s half guard. Primus elevates him at the 10-second clapper but can’t get up before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

Nurmagomedov steps forward with a couple of kick feints that back Primus up. Primus steps in and they clinch in the center of the cage. Primus lands a hard knee on the break. Nurmagomedov touches the midsection with a front kick, then slaps up high with a question mark kick. Nurmagomedov lands a side kick to the body, then an inside low kick. Primus steps in and is met with a right hand. Thus far, Primus is game on the feet, but bewildered by the kicks and range of Nurmagomedov. Primus lunges forward and half-catches a kick, but cannot capitalize. Primus throws a spinning backfist that misses by a mile. Primus throws a low kick that misses, and as he spins through, Nurmagomedov nails him with a kick of his own. Nurmagomedov lands a right low kick, followed immediately by a right kick to the body. Primus steps in with a pair of jabs, then goes high with a wheel kick attempt, but the champ slips all three strikes with apparent ease. Under 30 seconds to go. Nurmagomedov comes forward with feints, but Primus gives ground and there’s no further engagement before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 3

The two touch gloves to open up Round 3. Nurmagomedov lands a calf kick, then counters a Primus punch with another low kick to the same side. Nurmagomedov steps in and lands a kick, then bounces back out of punching range as Primus swings at air. Nurmagomedov has switched to primarily southpaw stance, and tags Primus with a hard one-two from there. Primus counters the punches with a good kick to the body. Nurmagomedov steps into the pocket with a combination punctuated by an elbow strike, but none of the blows land cleanly. Nurmagomedov takes another body kick from Primus at the halfway point of the round. Primus marches forward, throwing his low kick, but when it misses, Nurmagomedov is there with the counter punch. Nurmagomedov catches the oncoming Primus with a sharp right cross. Primus continues to march forward, but is having a very difficult time finding the champ with any of his strikes, while Nurmagomedov seems to be tagging him at will, limited only by how hard he chooses to step on the gas. Nurmagomedov lands an outside calf kick at the 10-second warning.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 4

Nurmagomedov reaches out with a left question mark kick that slaps the challenger’s head. He steps in a moment later and lands a one-two, then darts away once again before Primus can retaliate. Primus comes forward and connects with a right hand to the body. Primus shoots for a takedown from far outside, which Nurmagomedov eludes easily. They stand at the base of the fence and it’s Nurmagomedov looking for the takedown, which Primus fights off with the help of a handful of fence. Herzog warns him, then restarts them against the fence, where Nurmagomedov immediately completes the takedown. He lands a nasty elbow strike that opens up a cut on Primus' left cheek. Primus closes his full guard and uses a BJJ position one-type grip to keep Nurmagomedov from posturing up. Nurmagomedov keeps up heavy pressure, scooting Primus all over the canvas while throwing short punches to the ribs. Primus’ guard is still closed, but with 45 seconds to go he throws a leg up high in search of some offense. He gives it up almost immediately, returning to closed guard. Scattered boos rain down as the bell sounds to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 5

Perhaps understanding that he has five minutes to do something spectacular, Primus wades forward with a flurry of big haymakers to open the final round, but Nurmagomedov dodges them all. Nurmagomedov lunges with a long jab that misses, then lands a stabbing Jon Jones-style kick to the lead leg. Nurmagomedov switches back to orthodox and catches Primus on his next entry, grabbing a body lock and driving him into the fence. He pins him there for a moment, but doesn’t go for a takedown or throw any serious strikes before disengaging. They reset in the center of the cage and Primus lands a nice kick up the middle. Nurmagomedov times his next entry and drives Primus to the ground with ease. Primus again goes into full defensive mode, closing his guard and locking his arms behind the champ’s upper body. Nurmagomedov scoots Primus into the fence. Primus looks to escape, trying to slide a knee in between them, and Nurmagomedov instantly punishes him with a stream of punches until he abandons the attempt and returns to full guard. The 10-second clapper sounds, followed by the final bell, with Nurmagomedov still in top position at the base of the cage. Usman Nurmagomedov retains his title, and advances to the finals of Bellator's ongoing lightweight grand prix, with a completely dominant performance against a tough and dangerous veteran.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (50-45 Nurmagomedov)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (50-45 Nurmagomedov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (50-45 Nurmagomedov)

The Official Result

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Brent Primus via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)