Bellator 272 ‘Pettis vs. Horiguchi’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Round 1

Welcome one and all to Sherdog’s coverage of the final Bellator
event of the year, headlined by a sensational world title match
between Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi. It’s a very solid, deep
card before then, including the prelims, which can be seen in the
very first fight of the night, as Oliver Enkamp (10-2), a UFC
veteran ranked #10 in Bellator’s weltereight division, faces tough
Kyle Crutchmer (7-1), a very decent 3-1 in Bellator. Referee John
English gets the first assigment of the night. Enkamp jumps across
the cage to begin, but Crutchmer gets out of the way. Enkmap then
fires a nice side kick to the face and partially connects. Enkamp
goes for a roundhouse to the head that is blocked, and Crutchmer
counters with an overhand right that almost lands. Crutchmer
decides to change levels and gets the double-leg takedown against
the cage. Enkamp is sitting up against the fence, but Crutchmer is
using the Dagestani leg trap. Eventually, Enkamp wall-walks back up
but Crutchmer is all over him. Eventually, he gets a nice mat
return against Enkamp. Enkamp uses a kimura to try to stand back
up, and eventually gets back to his feet, although Crutchmer
continues grappling. Enkamp rolls for a kimura, but Crutchmer is
too heavy and stays on top and out of danger. Enkamp spins and goes
for a possible reverse triangle. He doesn’t get it, but he ends up
on top of Crutchmer, although Crutchmer continues grinding into the
hips. Yet again, Enkamp ends up against the fence with Crutchmer
using the Dagestani leg trap with 2 minutes left. Enkamp rises
again against the cage, but not for long, as Crutchmer gets a neat
ankle pick. There is little striking going on, but Crutchmer is
controlling the position. Enkamp rises and lands a light knee to
the body, but Enkamp gets him back to his butt in no time. Enkamp
again rises, but after some grappling, Crutchmer has him back to
the canvas. Enkamp is undeterred and posts up again. He decides to
spin for a kneebar with 15 seconds left but Crutchmer avoids it and
lands a nice elbow, the best strike of the round. The bell rings.
10-9 Crutchmer.

Round 2

Enkamp is undeterred and comes forward to start the round, again
going for the side kick. Crutchmer is ready and blasts him with an
overhand right that has Enkamp backing up. Crutchmer adds two more
overhand rights, each one partially getting through, and then uses
it to get another takedown against the fence. Enkamp uses the
opportunity to recover, and a minute into the stanza, stands back
up against the cage. This time Enkamp is able to land a few knees
to the head, though none are very hard. Enkamp then locks on a
kimura and cranks it hard. It looks pretty good for a while, but
then Crutchmer, using pure strength, gets up and slams Enkamp to
the canvas hard. Soon after this Enkamp is forced to let go of the
hold. Crutchmer lands a few small punchesas Enkamp gives up the
back, but Enkamp soon rises back up. Crutchmer succcessfully takes
Enkamp back down to the canvas. Crutchmer briefly looks to have a
guillotine, but not for long. Finally, with about 2 minutes left,
Enkamp is solidly on his back. Crutchmer partially gets an elbow
strike through. Enkamp finally pushes off on Crutchmer’s hips and
then posts back up against the cage. Crutchmer tries to lace a leg
in, but Enkamp fights it off and gets back off. Unfortunately for
him, Crutchmer takes him right back down! Crutchmer has Enkamp in
another Dagestani leg trap, but Enkamp gets up until, of course,
being taken back down as the round ends. 10-9 Crutchmer.

Round 3

Both men look tired to begin the round, but Crutchmer lands a hard
leg kick to begin the stanza. Enkamp lands a body kick, but it’s
not nearly as significant. Enkamp feints forward and Crutchmer
retreats. Enkamp starts firing strikes while coming forward and
clumsily avoids a Crutchmer overhand right, which in turn allows
Crutchmer to grab his hips and take him down with a double-leg. Yet
again, Enkamp is on his butt against the fence with Crutchmer all
over him. Enkamp builds a base and gets back up, but as we’ve seen
countless times in this fight, Crutchmer takes him back down. Mauro
Ranallo mentions that this is Crutchmer’s 11th takedown of the
fight. Enkamp briefly gets up, but Crutchmer takes him back down.
Enkamp is persistent and gets back up yet again with 2 minutes
left, but he is running out of time. Crutchmer pulls hard on the
leg and Enkamp comes crashing down to the mat yet again. Enkamp
gets back up yet again and tries to go for a switch, but it’s not
there. Enkamp decides to stay on his knees for a while, until
making a final attempt to stand up with 40 seconds left. However,
his attempt to scramble is countered by Crutchmer who remains on
top. Crutchmer looks for a possible Anaconda, but there is nothing
there. Enkamp is on his back to end the fight. A tremendous
wrestling clinic by Crutchmer, if not the most violent of fights.
10-9 Crutchmer (30-27 Crutchmer).

The Official Result

Kyle Crutchmer def. Oliver Enkamp via Unanimous Decision (30-27,
30-27, 30-27)

Round 1

Next up, at a 160 pound catchweight affair, we have two more UFC
veterans, as highly entertaining Spike „The Super Alpha Ginger“
Carlyle (12-3), fresh off 3 straight finishes in 3 straight main
events since leaving the UFC, makes his Bellator debut against Dan „The Hitman“ Moret (15-6), who recorded a massive upset in his
Bellator debut, winning a split decision over Goiti Yamauichi.
Keeping them honest will again be referee John English. Carlyle
begins the fight circling on the outside of the much taller Moret,
firing leg kicks. Moret avoids them and lands one of his own.
Carlyle fires an overhand right, misses, but uses it to get a
clinch. Shades of the last fight? Moret is the one pushing him
against the fence, however, and gets double underhooks. Carlyle
keeps him there, though, and lands a knee to the body. Moret lands
a knee to the body of his own but Carlyle uses it to get free. They
fire overhand rights against one another, one after the other,
although nothing is landing. Carlyle eventually lands an overhand
right that stuns Moret and he uses it to take Moret down. Moret
immediately tries to get up and Carlyle jumps on his back. However,
he is loose and falls off. Carlyle, however, takes the back and
grinds there. Eventually, he breaks Moret’s base and lands some
hard punches, but yet again, he is too high and falls through.
Moret scores a few punches of his own and has a front headlock.
With 2 minutes left, Moret goes for a guillotine choke against the
fence. Carlyle’s face turns even redder than usual, but having seen
him before, there is no way someone as tough as him will give up,
and sure enough, he gets free and fires an overhand right for good
measure. Carlyle comes forward with punches, though they already
look a little labored. Moret retreats out of the way. Moret shoots
a left cross that Carlyle ducks under and clinches, but there is
nothing there. Moret throws a head kick that partially gets through
and hurts Carlyle. Moret clinches. Carlyle gets free and then goes
for a double-leg takedown. Moret jumps guard and goes for a
guillotine, but time expires. Absolutely insane round and very
difficult to score. 10-9 Carlyle.

Round 2

Carlyle against begins the round circling. He tries a few punches,
but Moret dodges and fires a series of straights which land.
Carlyle has to retreat. Moret lands a nice front kick to the body
that causes Carlyle to crash against the cage. Moret throws a few
left crosses that land hard and then he lands a head kick that
hurts Carlyle. Moret is stalking a tired and hurt Carlyle and lands
a big knee. However, Carlyle uses it to get a single-leg takedown,
allowing him to recover. Moret immediately stands up and Carlyle
holds onto his waist for dear life. Carlyle then gets a nice
turning takedown, but Moret again immediately pops back up. Moret
briefly looks for the kimura, but soon gives it up. Moret turns
into Carlyle and then gets him off with half a round remaining.
Moret fires a 1-2 that lands and then adds another hard left cross
for good measure. He immediately chains a head kick to the end that
hurts Carlyle again, who is forced to clinch. Moret then lands a
series of monster knees to the body that hurt Carlyle very badly
indeed. They then swing recklessly at close measure and while Moret
lands, Carlyle briefly hurts Moret, too. Tremendous heart by
Carlyle, who can barely hold his arms up. Moret gets the Thai
clinch and absolutely demolishes Carlyle with knees to the head and
body. Moret gets a rear-naked choke that he is only to the side of
Carlyle for, but Carlyle is so tired he can barely resist. He does
so but ends up on his back. Moret is all over landing punches and
elbows. Moret batters Carlyle with elbows to end the stanza. 10-8
Moret.

Round 3

Carlyle lands a right hook to begin the round, and misses a
follow-up leg kick. Moret is tired now, too. Moret is too crazy
coming forward and eats a huge hook from Carlyle. Carlyle is
throwing power hooks for dear life and some of them get through.
However, Moret survives and Carlyle is completely spent with over 4
minutes left. Moret goes back to the clinch and begins destroying
Carlyle with knees to the head and body. Moret drops levels and
gets a double-leg takedown against a Carlyle with no energy to
fight it off. Both men take the opportunity to take a breather.
Moret lands a few small elbows in half-guard, but nothing major.
Carlyle scrambles with half a round left and he manages to take
Moret’s back! Incredible! He is now locking in a rear-naked choke and it’s
very tight! This is absolutely insane! Moret refuses to tap as the
choke appears to be very deep indeed. Finally, John English checks
him and realizes that Moret is completely out. What an insane,
incredible comeback by Spike Carlyle! One of the greatest I
have EVER seen in MMA and one of the best fights of the year. I’m
in awe; how did Carlyle manage to win, and by stoppage no less,
when he didn’t even have the energy to lift his arms up and was
taking tremendous damage? I’m a life-long fan now.

The Official Result

Spike Carlyle def. Dan Moret via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked
Choke) at 2:58 of Round 3

Round 1

In a lightweight clash, highly skilled Killys Mota (12-2) moves
down from welterweight to face ultra-tough veteran Mike Hamel
(8-5), who has given heavily favored fighters problems, including
taking one scorecard against Adam Borics, a then -1700 favorite.
Referee Todd Anderson presides. Mota comes forward with punches to
begin and lands a few. Hamel recovers and comes forward with a
front kick that partially gets through as he drops levels for a
takedown attempt. Mota defends and gets the fight to the opposite
fence, where he lands several solid knees to the body. Hamel tries
to drag him down, but to no avail. They now trade knees, but
Hamel’s one knee to the thigh isn’t as effective as Mota’s five
knees to the body. They then break off to range. Mota lands a punch
and Hamel lands a short counter to the body. Hamel goes for a leg
kick, and gets countered hard with a 1-2. He stumbles back and Mota
adds a leg kick for good measure. Hamel clinches and gets hit with
a hard elbow, forcing him to disengage yet again. Hamel again goes
for a leg kick and again gets hit with a right cross counter,
though he manages to get his hands up in time. Hamel comes forward
and lands a knee to the body and throws a right cross that Mota
barely blocks. Hamel is a tough guy who always refuses to go away
no matter how much damage he’s taken. Mota throws a head kick that
is blocked but gets through a little. Hamel tries a nice side kick
to the oblique, but Mota retreats out of range. Mota scores with a
nifty short left hook when Hamel wades in. Mota misses a head kick
and Hamel throws an overhand right that partially connects, causing
a flash knockdown. As Mota gets back up, Hamel throws a barrage of
punches, many landing flush and further hurting the Brazilian. Mota
clinches for dear life and stays there as the round ends. What a
turnaround! 10-9 Hamel.

Round 2

They start the round furiously, firing punches at short range. None
land hard, but Mota decides to clinch, pushing Hamel in the fence,
and then landing a nice knee to the body. They soon disengage and
at range, Hamel again scores with an overhand right. Hamel is
moving well now and he lands a leg kick. Mota goes for a jumping
knee, but the shin that followed through hits Hamel low. The crowd
initially boos the break in the action but then groans when they
see the replay. Referee Todd Anderson gets very confused and warns
the wrong guy about the low blow. Mota goes for a double-leg and
gets Hamel down. Hamel gets back up immediately against the cage.
Mota lands a big knee to the body. Hamel breaks free soon after,
though. Hamel lands a very hard calf kick that knocks Mota off his
feet. Hamel with a very nice side kick now that does significant
damage, with Mota’s leg bending awkwardly. Mota throws a right
cross but this one misses. Mota is now circling on the perimeter as
Hamel is the one advancing. Hamel changes levels for a possible
takedown but Mota easily stuffs it. They briefly clinch but then
separate out to range. They simultaneously land leg kicks, with
each about as hard as the other. Hamel again throws that overhand
right and it partially gets through Mota’s gloves. Mota jabs but
Hamel is out of range. Mota does land a straight left eventually,
as suddenly, both men are missing a lot of strikes. Mota does land
a respectable body kick and avoids Hamel’s attempts to grab it.
Hamel records another side-kick to the oblique that lands well.
Hamel misses an overhand right. Mota wades forward and is touched
bya Hamel 1-2, but no more. Hamel lands another side-kick to the
obliques as the round ends. Very close stanza. 10-9 Hamel.

Round 3

Mota lands a clean short right to begin the round, as Hamel’s
overhand rights are blocked. Mota tries a pawing jab that Hamel
avoids. Mota touches Hamel now with his own overhand right. Hamel
sets up a left cross but Mota barely avoids it. Mota misses another
jab. As Mota goes for another overhand right, Hamel nicely times a
double-leg takedown, but Mota still manages to defend in time. As
they clinch, Mota lands a few nice knees to the body. Hamel pushes
off and tries a jumping knee. Mota briefly tries to get him down,
but then lets it go. They clinch in the center of the cage, with
Mota landing a few small uppercuts, but nothing significant. They
disengage and then both men miss punches. Hamel lands a light leg
kick and then gets touched by a Mota left hook, but he manages to
avoid major damage. Hamel lands a left cross to the body. Mota goes
for a takedown of his own and gets a rear waistlock, but against
the fence, Hamel turns into him. Mota lands a knee to the body.
Mota lands a few short shoulder strikes to the face. Mota tries a
few more knees to the body, but Hamel is just out of range. Hamel
is unable to get off the cage now, as Mota has double underhooks
and continues firing knees. Mota lands another knee to the body.
Hamel spins off the cage finally and lands a few punches to the
body. This is a clear round for Mota and the decision will likely
come down to round 2. 10-9 Mota (29-28 Hamel).

The Official Result

Mike Hamel def. Killys Mota via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28,
30-27)

Round 1

In another lightweight affair, prospect Justin Montalvo (3-0) is
tested by veteran Jacob Bohn (10-7), himself riding a 3 fight
winning streak. Referee Kerry Hatley will keep a close eye on the
proceedings. Bohn fires a head kick to begin the contest, but it’s
not even close. Bohn tries a leg kick and this one misses, too.
Bohn comes forward with another kick, and this one, by virtue of
being blocked, ends with Bohn on his butt. Bohn continues throwing
kicks but none land, as Montalvo’s defense is solid. Bohn tries a
double-leg takedown and Montalvo easily stuffs it. Bohn gets up and
throws more kicks at range, all of which miss. Finally, Bohn throws
a punch that misses but the leg kick at the end lands clean. He
touches Montalov with another leg kick. And then a third one.
Montalvo is defending well but has yet to throw anything himself!
Montalvo finally catches Bohn with a short right as Bohn comes
forward, causing him to retreat. Montalvo lands a nice body punch,
but Bohn starts chain-wrestling, and while his initial attempt is
blocked, he keeps at it and Montalvo is slow to react. Bohn ends up
taking Montalvo’s back and looks for a RNC. However, Montalvo stays
calm, turns into him, and ends up on top! Bohn wall-walks back up
but eats a few punches in the process. Bohn touches Montalvo with a
few side kicks to the body. Bohn lands a left hand but Montalvo
lands a two-punch combination that laves Bohn retreating. Montalvo
catches Bohn with another straight left as he comes in. Now
Montalvo opens up with punches and he lands a hard straight left to
the body. Bohn goes to wrestle, eats an uppercut, but stays with
it. He seems to be on top but Montalvo scrambles back up. Bohn
lands a few knees to the body before they break. Montalvo lands a
nice left hand to the body again as Bohn’s punches miss. Bohn goes
for another takedown, eats a left uppercut, and doesn’t gget his
opponent down. As the round ends, Montalvo lands two straight HARD
left hooks to the body that have Bohn wincing in pain. Entertaining
round. 10-9 Montalvo.

Round 2

Bohn starts the second round with a series of straights, they miss,
but he lands a leg kick. As Montalvo dips down, Bohn gets a
double-leg takedown and briefly takes the back. Again, Montalvo is
unbothered and scrambles back up. Montalvo now lands a jab on the
feet. Bohn goes for an overhand right that misses. Montalvo lands a
left hook to the head and Bohn is bothered by it, going for another
takedown attempt that is easily defended. Bohn misses a 1-2 now.
Montalvo scores with a jab but misses the follow-up overhand right.
Bohn misses a leg kick that looks very tired. He misses a spinning
back kick, not the best idea when one is tired, and then a punch.
Montalvo tags him with a straight left to the body. Bohn misses a
punch and then a kick, but Montalvo is unable to capitalize this
time. Bohn finally lands a left to the head and then shoots, but
Montalvo gets his legs out from Bohn’s grasp. Montalvo tags Bohn
with a right cross and then drops Bohn with a hard jab. Bohn is
opportunistic, though, and uses being on his knees to wrestle,
briefly getting Montalvo to his knees. Montalvo soon stands back up
against the cage and separates. Montalvo lands a jab at range but
misses a few follow-up right crosses. Bohn is now very light with
his kicks, which touch but do no damage. After Bohn misses a 1-2,
Montalvo lands a monster left hook to the body that has Bohn
wincing hard in pain. Montalvo misses a right hand upstairs but
then lands another big left hook to the body. Bohn has his hands
very low, worried about the body punches. Bohn misses punches and
partially eats a left hook to the head. As the round ends, Montalvo
digs more punches to the body, which Bohn desperately defends,
although they still partially get through. 10-9 Montalvo.

Round 3

Bohn goes for a 1-2 which barely misses. Montalvo backs up out of
range of a Bohn kick and then a few more, all of which miss the
target. Bohn throws punches which are either blocked or dodged.
Montalvo tries a couple of jabs, but they miss. Bohn drops levels
again for a takedown. Montalvo is brought to his knees but Bohn can
get him no further. After they separate, Bohn soon dives again, but
Montalvo is again ready and defends. Bohn stumbles forward and eats
a right hook and then a left hook. He tries for another desperation
takedown attempt, but it’s not even close. Montalvo batter Bohn
with punches to the head, as Bohn is looking very gassed now. Bohn
tries for another takedown, is stuffed, and eats a few punches
inthe process. Montalvo scores with a nice right hook to left hook
combo to the body as Bohn backs up. Bohn tries some body punches of
his own, but they don’t land and Montalvo shows him how it’s down
with another couple of connects there. Montalvo unloads against the
cage, first a right hand to the head and then a left hook to the
body as he looks close to a finish. Bohn, however, changes levels
and clinches. Montalvo defends but Bohn tries again. After they
rise, Montalvo walks Bohn down and tees off on him with big
punches. The end looks nigh, but again Bohn changes levels and
stalls. Again they rise and again Montalvo comes foward, landing
punches, Again Bohn drops to his knees. This guy refuses to be
stopped. With 20 seconds left, Montalvo scores a 1-2 before Bohn
again gets to his knees. Montalvo lands two more hard left hooks to
the body as Bohn manages to survive. 10-8 Montalvo (30-26
Montalvo).

The Official Result

Justin Montalvo def. Jacob Bohn via Unanimous Decision (29-27,
29-28, 29-28)

Round 1

Back at welterweight, quality veteran Vinicius de Jesus (9-4), who
holds a victory over Jeremiah Wells, who fights tomorrow on UFC’s
card, looks to defeat the 25 year-old Georgian Levan Chokheli
(9-1), all 9 of whose victories have come via knockout. Referee Dan
Miragliotta will handle the potentially explosive match. Jesus
misses a punch and Chokheli counters with a nice right hand of his
own. Jesus tries a spinning back kick but Chokheli isn’t anywhere
in range. Chokheli throws a left hook into overhand right, but it
misses. However, soon after, he goes for big hooks and clips Jesus
with an overhand right. Encouraged, he lands a monster left hook
and then follows up with an overhand right, causing Jesus to clinch
for dear life. Jesus gets away and has to avoid a head kick.
Interestingly, Chokheli now decides to shoot a double-leg and gets
it, putting Jesus on his back. Chokheli postures up and lands a
right hand to the head. Chokheli postures up with a series of left
hammerfists and then adds some significant lefts using his body
well, battering Jesus‘ face, which is already bloodied. Jesus
throws elbows from his back, but none land clean. Jesus goes for a
rubber guard and possibly triangle, but Chokheli angles well to
prevent any danger. Chokheli’s pace slows, but with 45 seconds let,
he lands more thunderous left hammerfists. Jesus manages to defend,
but a few seconds later, Chokheli postures up and now delivers hard
right hammerfists to the body. Very impressive round for the
Georgian. 10-9 Chokheli.

Round 2

Jesus begins the round with a nice body kick. Jesus lands a nice
leg kick, too. However, Jesus clobbers him with a punch, causing
him to retreat. Chokheli then lands a nice leg kick. Jesus tries
for a takedown, but Chokheli not only stuffs him, but flips him
over onto the mat. Chokheli then makes an interesting decision to
stand up, thinking he has a big advantage in the striking. Jesus
throws a few kicks that miss. They throw kicks simultaneously, with
neither landing significantly. Jesus misses a couple of jabs and
the follow-up cross. Chokheli lands a leg kick, but his pace has
definitely slowed. Soon after, he lands a very hard calf kick that
sends Jesus’s leg flying. Jesus tries another double-leg, and while
he does better, Chokheli still manages to stuff it. They clinch
along the fence. Jesus throws a few knees to the thighs, but
nothing major. He continues firing though, and Chokheli is simply
resting along the cage. Finally, the referee breaks them with about
50 seconds left. Chokheli gets more active, missing a few hooks,
but scoring with a jab. He throws a head kick that Jesus blocks. As
Jesus throws a leg kick, Chokheli counters with hooks that
partially get through. Chokheli lands another leg kick as the round
ends. This one was much closer, but still won by the same fighter.
10-9 Chokheli.

Round 3

Jesus misses a few punches to begin the round and Chokheli goes for
a combo that Jesus misses. Jesus throws another leg kick and is
countered neatly by a Chokheli overhand right. Jesus throws a lazy
jab and then is countered sharply again by a Chokheli overhand
right. Chokheli misses a jab. Jesus lands a body kick. Chokheli
misses a left hook and then Jesus misses a jab. Chokheli scores
with a 1-2 that partially gets through and then throws a few head
kicks that Jesus blocks. Jesus shoots in for a takedown, and this
time, he manages to lift Chokheli and gets him down. Chokheli
begins building his base back up, however. Jesus is right there and
lands a few right hands. Chokheli decides to spin onto his back.
The Brazilian is in side control and throws a few knees to the
body, though none are hard. Jesus tries a knee on belly but
Chokheli uses the opportunity to sweep the Brazilian, ending up on
top! Jesus uses the cage to wall-walk back up, but then eats a left
hook against the cage. They disengage at range with a minute left.
Chokheli misses a wild overhand right. Chokheli misses a leg kick.
Chokheli has a leg kick checked and then blocks a two-punch
combination by Jesus. Chokheli scores with a leg kick. Jesus misses
a front kick to the body as time expires. Another close round. 10-9
Chokheli (30-27 Chokheli).

The Official Result

Levan Chokheli def. Vinicius de Jesus via Unanimous Decision
(29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Round 1

In what promises to be action from bell to bell, Kai Kamaka (8-4),
fresh off a wildly entertaining 4 fight stint in the UFC, returns
to Bellator to battle John de Jesus (14-9). Referee Bryan Miner
will be the third man in the cage. Jesus races across the cage with
a fast, crazy flying knee, looking for the quickest finish in
Bellator history, but Kamaka calmly dodges it. They now settle down
and look to test the distance. Finally, Jesus scores first with a
leg kick. Jesus soon scores with a left cross. He misses a
follow-up jab. Kamaka comes forward and lands a right cross to the
body. Jesus lands a leg kick while moving well on the outside.
Kamaka lands a body kick that causes Jesus to retreat back. Soon
after, he lands another one, this time even cleaner. Kamaka lands a
leg kick and then paws with jabs. Jesus looks for a possible
takedown, but instead scores with a nice knee to the body. Kamaka
barely misses an overhand right upstairs. Jesus misses a couple of
right jabs but connects on the leg kick he chains to the end.
Kamaka throws a body kick but Jesus blocks it this time. Kamaka
lands a right cross and Jesus is unable to retaliate effectively.
Jesus lands a leg kick with 30 seconds left and Kamaka lands a
couple of hooks ot the body. Jesus misses a hook coming forward,
and as the round ends, Kamaka gets a double-leg takedown. Very,
very close round. 10-9 Kamaka.

Round 2

They throw in the pocket to begin the round, but both men dodges
one another’s strikes. Kamaka touches Jesus with a right to the
body. Jesus touches Kamaka now with his right jab. Kamaka lands a
right cross to the body, and this one isn’t a touch. Kamaka lands a
hard body kick that backs Jesus up. Kamaka soon lands another right
cross to the body. Kamaka now lands a right cross to the head as he
is starting to connect more regularly. Kamaka lands another right
cross to the body. Jesus is circling on the outside but landing
very little. Kamaka throws a nice roundhouse head kick, but Jesus
blocks it well. Jesus tries a 1-2, but it’s not even close. Kamaka
lands yet another right cross to the body. Jesus misses a jab, then
gets countered by another right cross to the body. Jesus touches
Kamaka’s leg with a kick, but nothing more. Jesus lands a front
kick to the body. Kamaka partially lands an overhand right. As
Kamaka comes forward, Jesus lands an inadvertent low blow. They
soon resume. Jesus flicks out the jab, and one lands well. He fires
another jab, and it distracts Kamaka, as Jesus throws a beautiful
left cross that drops Kamaka. Kamaka immediately gets up, dodging a
few uppercuts, but he was clearly hurt. Jesus doesn’t try to
capitalize more. Kamaka goes for a takedown to end the round, but
this time, Jesus easily stuffs it. Jesus stole that round at the
end there. 10-9 de Jesus.

Round 3

Kamaka begins the final stanza with another nifty right cross to
the body. Jesus soon responds with a quick leg kick. Kamaka punches
to get inside and then gets an easy takedown. Jesus is unable to
get up, and Kamaka secures top position. He lands a short left
hand. Kamaka is doing a good job of controlling the wrists; strange
he didn’t wrestle more earlier in the fight. Jesus briefly tries to
get up but Kamaka immediately destroys his base and returns him to
the canvas. In half-guard, Kamaka works away with some short left
hands to the head. Kamaka goes body to head a few times for good
measure as half the final stanza has now gone by. Jesus manages to
get away from the cage, but he continues eating a steady diet of
left hands and is staying squarely on his back. Kamaka lands a
short shoulder strike. Jesus slowly shrimps to the cage with a
minute left. However, he is unable to rise. Suddenly, with 30
seconds left, Jesus kicks off the cage and gets a gorgeous sweep.
However, Kamaka hip-escapes and gets up. Jesus jumps on the back
but he is too high and slides off. A far more cautious fight than
expected. 10-9 Kamaka (29-28 Kamaka)

The Official Result

Kai Kamaka def. John de Jesus via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28,
29-28)

Round 1

Concluding the prelims, we are back to the lightweights, where
Bobby King (10-3) fresh off a 4 fight winning streak including
triumphs over Steven Siler and Nick Newell, confronts highly
regarded Alexander Shabliy (20-3), already 1-0 in Bellator. Referee
John English will work this contest. Shabliy cautiously circles on
the outside to begin the contest. King is also cognizant of the
danger. Shabliy throws and lands a hard leg kick that has King
stumbling already. Another leg kick causes King’s leg to fly back.
King reaches with a jab but to no avail. Another Shabliy leg kick
misses. Shabliy lands a lightning left hand that hurts King and he
barely misses a follow-up right. King now lands a leg kick of his
own. King comes forward with hooks and the left one partially gets
through. King throws a right head kick that Shabliy crowds and thus
avoids. King comes forward with punches, but Shabliy neatly circles
away out of danger. King comes forward, but Shabliy kicks out his
leg in the clinch, ending up in half-guard. Shabliy lands a left
hand and tries to advance, but King keeps him in half-guard.
Shabliy is looking for a possible arm triangle, but there is
nothing there. Shabliy chips away with more left hands to the head.
Shabliy manages to get his legs through to mount, but the arm
triangle isn’t quite there. Shabliy lands a few left hands to the
body. 10-9 Shabliy.

Round 2

King comes out aggressively, throwing power punches in the pocket,
but Shabliy expertly avoids all of them with his head movement.
King misses a punch coming in, and Shabliy misses a big right
counter. Shabliy slaps a leg kick that lands. King misses a right
hand. They crash again in the pocket but nothing lands. Shabliy
decides to grab King and grapple, and he lifts him up before
getting the nice outside trip. Now he is in the open guard of King.
Shabliy lands left hands to the body and head of King. King tries
to use the cage, but is merely able to move himself along the
perimeter. Meanwhile, Shabliy continues to punish him with left
hands to the body. King manages to eventually get to the cage and
begins wall-walking. Shabliy isn’t making it easy, trying to suck
out his leg. Eventually, King stnads up, but Shabliy takes him
right back down AND moves straight into mount. He is again very
cautious here, landing just a few left hands to the body to start.
King is going for a possible kneebar, but he is no position to do
so and Shabliy, after defending, is in a great position for an arm
triangle. King, however, defends and Shabliy moves back into
half-guard. Shabliy’s attempts to pass leave him back into the full
guard. Shabliy lands a few small strikes to end round 2. 10-9
Shabliy.

Round 3

King comes forward aggressively, but Shabliy goes for a takedown.
However, King defends and then continues coming forward, landing
several hard hooks in the clinch. Shabliy is covering up but
partially eating the strikes. However, eventually King gets too
aggressive and Shabliy hits him with a beautiful hip toss, a harai
goshi I believe. Shabliy now operates again in the half-guard. King
pushes on the Russian’s hips and gets back to full guard. Shabliy
postures up and scores a straight left to the face. They exchange
small punches now, although King is also trying to get the angle
for a possible armbar or triangle. Shabliy postures up with a
little over 2 minutes left, but King returns him back down without
any violence. Shabliy looks for a possible arm triangle but it
isn’t there. King spins again for a possible armbar, but Shabliy is
wise to it. Shabliy lands a couple of left hands to the head. Then
he lands another left punch again. King tries to rise but Shabliy
pushes him back down. King postures up again, this time looking for
a possible guillotine, but again, it’s not there. King gets up on
his butt with about 35 seconds left, but it’s not long before he is
pushed down again. Shabliy lands a few punches. King continues
trying to get up as time expires. A dominant win by Shabliy, but
not a particularly impressive one. 10-9 Shabliy (30-27
Shabliy).

The Official Result

Alexandr Shabliy def. Bobby King via Unanimous Decision (30-27,
30-27, 30-27)

Round 1

In a bantamweight battle, Josh Hill (20-4) faces Jared Scoggins
(10-1), who shamefully came in 4 pounds heavy. Referee Kerry Hatley
will make sure there are no other infractions. Scoggins begins with
a head kick which Hill blocks. Scoggins misses a follow-up leg
kick. Scoggins tries a side kick to the head which isn’t close.
Scoggins goes for another head kick which is blocked. Meanwhile,
Hill lands two leg kicks in a row, both of which cause Scoggins‘
leg to go flying. Hill checks a Scoggins leg kick. Scoggins comes
forward and clinches. He partially lands two knees the body, but
Hill turns him around. They’re in a 50/50 position, with each man
having an underhook. They trade knees to the body, but nothing hard
lands. They break free with a little under 3 minutes remaining.
Scoggins misses another side kick to the head. Scoggins misses a
jab. Scoggins now misses a roundhouse kick to the head. Hill misses
a leg kick. Hill tries to counter with an overhand right as
Scoggins comes forward, but he misses. Hill jabs, misses, but
partially gets a leg kick through. Scoggins misses a leg kick.
Scoggins misses a jab and then a kick. Hill misses a kick of his
own. Scoggins tries a side kick, this time to the body, but it’s no
good. As Scoggins goes to kick, Hill times a nice takedown and gets
Scoggins down on his back. Hill is in full guard as Scoggins
desperately holds onto his arms. Hill lands a few short right hands
to the head. He then lands a few to the body and a few more to the
head as time expires. 10-9 Hill.

Round 2

Scoggins goes for a side kick to the body and this one partially
gets through. Hill comes forward but Scoggins dances away on the
perimeter. Hill misses a leg kick. However, out of nowhere, Scoggins comes forward and
it’s an absolutely horrible decision, as Hill steps forward with a
beautiful overhand right that lands right on the button. Scoggins
is completely unconscious before he even collapses to the mat. Hill
doesn’t even need to hit him again as Kerry Hatley sprints to stop
it. Scoggins is out completely cold as physicians attend to
him. A sensational knockout!

The Official Result

Josh Hill def. Jarred Scoggins via KO (Punch) at 0:56 of Round
2

Round 1

In the last Bellator co-main event of 2021, Jeremy Kennedy (16-3),
who was 3-1 in the UFC, only losing to current featherweight
champion Alexander Volkanovski, faces Bellator mainstay Emmanuel
Sanchez (20-6). Referee Dan Miragliotta will get the best vantage
point in the arena. Sanchez begins the fight jabbing, though he is
a little out of range. Kennedy paws one of his own, misses, and
avoids a series of straight punches by Sanchez. Sanchez touches
Kennedy with the jab and comes forward. Kennedy drops levels for a
double-leg and briefly gets it. However, Sanchez gets up almost
immediately. Sanchez works a kimura grip against the cage. However,
Kennedy gets him down and while Sanchez rises, Kennedy gets the
rear waistlock. Kennedy continues working along the cage.
Eventually, he manages to lift Sanchez up and slams him against the
cage. Sanchez is now flat on his back. Kennedy gets to half-guard
and works a possible arm triangle. However, Sanchez begins building
his base back up and wall-walking. Not for long, however, as
Kennedy drags him back down. Sanchez tries to buck him off and
seems to temporarily be successful, until Kennedy gets up and
continues pushing in an advantageous position. Still, Sanchez gets
back up to his feet against the cage. Kennedy is like glue right
now, absolutely refusing to give Sanchez a bit of space.
Eventually, he wrenches out a beautiful single-leg. Sanchez tries
to scramble out, but again, Kennedy traisl him perfectly, ending up
in side control on top. Sanchez spins and gets it back to full
guard. Sanchez tries for a triangle, but Kennedy is fully postured
up, so there is nothing there. Sanchez gives it up as 10 seconds
remain and Kennedy lands some ground-and-pound. 10-9 Kennedy.

Round 2

Sanchez touches Kennedy with a leg kick, and then follows it up
with another, this one harder. Oddly, it’s Sanchez who shoots for a
double-leg against Kennedy. Kennedy is surprised by it, but manages
to defend. Sanchez does have a decent position here though, with
the rear waistlock. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Kennedy hits an
absolutely gorgeous hip toss, as nice as one will ever see. It’s
also highly effective, planing Sanchez firmly on his back well away
from the cage. Sanchez works his hips for either an armbar or
triangle, and also lands a few elbows from the bottom. Sanchez
tries to hip-escape and rise in the center of the cage, but Kennedy
returns him to the canvas. However, a second attempt is successful,
as Sanchez hip-escapes and gets to the cage. Kennedy picks him up,
and while Sanchez gets his feet underneath him, Kennedy still gets
the takedown, returning Sanchez to his back with half the fight
elapsed. Kennedy is in half-guard and goes for a cradle. He tries
to get to mount but Sanchez spins with him well. Kennedy does,
however, end up in side control. Kennedy then takes the back with
both hooks in as Sanchez tries to turn into him. However, Kennedy
is too skilled and stays in the dominant position. Sanchez tries to
sit up, but Kennedy is all over his back. Kennedy works for a RNC,
but Sanchez defends. One such attempt gives Sanchez too much space
and he gets out, although he is still being pushed against the cage
by Kennedy. Finally, Sanchez gets back up to his feet with 30
seconds remaining. Sanchez has a kimura grip as time expires. 10-9
Kennedy.

Round 3

Sanchez comes out aggressively and lands an overhand right. He
does, however, eat a hard leg kick from Kennedy. As Sanchez comes
forward, Kennedy gets a double-leg takedown. Sanchez tries to
immediately rise, but in the process, gives up his back, which
Kennedy not only takes, but locks up a body triangle to boot. This
is the last thing Sanchez wanted! Kennedy pelts him with short
punches but is obviously looking for the RNC. He tries it at one
point but Sanchez immediately tries to turn into him. Kennedy has
to give it up and goes back to landing the occasional punch.
Sanchez tries to escape, but Kennedy’s body triangle is incredibly
tight and there is no escape, as we reach the halfway part of the
final stanza. Sanchez tries to scramble, but in the process,
Kennedy tracks him well and gets a RNC attempt in. Sanchez is too
tough and Kennedy abandons it. Kennedy tries to go to full mount,
but is forced to abandon it and now Kennedy no longer has the body
triangle, though he still has the back. Finally, after more effort,
Kennedy is forced to face into Sanchez, though he is on top.
Sanchez goes for a guillotine choke with about 100 seconds left.
It’s not tight at all and in a bad position, but it’s his only real
shot. Kennedy isn’t worried and lands some right hands to the body.
Sanchez holds on to it for dear life while huffing and puffing and
grimacing in pain. Kennedy continues landing short right hands to
the body with 30 seconds remaining. Finally, with 24 seconds left,
Kennedy pops his head out. Kennedy lands a few right elbows and
then lands some nice punches. Sanchez lands a couple of solid
upkicks as Kennedy postures all the way up to end the fight, but
it’s obviously nowhere near enough. 10-9 Kennedy (30-27
Kennedy).

The Official Result

Jeremy Kennedy def. Emmanuel Sanchez via Unanimous Decision (30-27,
30-27, 30-27)

Round 1

Finally, in a fitting main event for Bellator’s final card for
2021, defending Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis (21-5)
faces former Bellator bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3),
who only relinquished the championship due to injury. Referee Todd
Anderson gets the last assignment, and one hopes he won’t confuse
the two men like he did earlier in the evening. Horiguchi begins
dancing on the outside, showing off some nifty footwork, while
Pettis has a tight, high guard. They throw punches, though neither
man lands. However, Pettis lands a nice right cross and Horiguchi,
off-balance, briefly falls until standing back up. Suddenly, as
Pettis advances forward, Horiguchi shoots and gets the takedown!
Pettis fires upkicks but Horiguchi patiently waits and then takes
the back. Pettis, however, rises against the cage, with Horiguchi
draped over him. Eventually, Pettis spins off and they return to
range. Horiguchi lands a fancy spinning back kick to the body,
though it doesn’t look especially hard. Horiguchi misses a leg kick
and Pettis misses a jab. Pettis goes for a 1-2 but Horiguchi,
endlessly moving, is again out of range. Horiguchi goes for a
jumping knee but it doesn’t land. Horiguchi lands another spinning
back-kick and partially gets an overhand right through. Pettis
remains as calm as ever. Another forward knee is attempted by
Horiguchi, but this misses. Pettis advances and lands a 1-2-1. He
blocks a Horiguchi body kick. Horiguchi lands a jab, but his
follow-up punches miss. Horiguchi stumbles Pettis with a leg kick
and then lands a front kick to the body. The bell rings to signal
an end to the opening round. 10-9 Horiguchi.

Round 2

Horiguchi lands a body kick to begin the second round. Horiguchi
brilliantly times a leg kick as Pettis comes forward, knocking him
off his feet. Pettis tries with a head kick, but Horiguchi is well
out of range. Pettis jabs, and Horiguchi shoots in on a takedown,
which he uses to get Pettis down. Pettis is against the cage, but
stays down for a while. Horiguchi postures up briefly, but eats an
upkick for his efforts. Pettis goes for an omoplatta, but Horiguchi
gets out easily and then punishes Pettis with ground-and-pound.
Pettis rises but Horiguchi brings him back down to his knees,
landing knees to the thighs. Horiguchi is on the back with one hook
in, but halfway through the round, the Japanese champion is
significantly cut. Horiguchi lands a series of right hands to the
head of a floored Pettis. Pettis tries to get up but Horiguchi
sucks his hips out with his own leg and keeps him on the floor.
Horiguchi has a wrestling ride and opens up with a series of
hammering right hands to the head, which Pettis simply covers up
and eats. Finally, he manages to grab Horiguchi’s wrists with a
minute remaining. Pettis finally manages to wall-walk back up, but
he is well behind in the round. Horiguchi dances on the outside,
not giving Pettis a clean look. Horiguchi throws a 1-2 that
partially gets through. Pettis tries a jab but Horiguchi evades.
Horiguchi lands a body kick to end the round. Great round for the
Japanese star. 10-9 Horiguchi.

Round 3

Pettis tries a side kick to the obliques, but Horiguchi evades.
Horiguchi launches a monster right head kick, but Pettis evades
well out of range. Horiguchi lands a leg kick and Pettis tries a
spinning backfist afterwards, but to no avail. Pettis throws two
head kicks in a row, but Horiguchi is way too fast, again being out
of range. Both men miss jabs and Horiguchi continues dancing on the
outside. Horiguchi throws yet another spinning back kick and this
one lands. Horiguchi goes for a single-leg, pushing Pettis back,
but Pettis stays upright now, getting to the cage. However,
Horiguchi isn’t finished and goes back to the single-leg, lifting
up and dumping Pettis onto the canvas. Horiguchi is in half-guard
and he stays close to Pettis, giving him no room to get back up. He
lands a series of short right hands. Pettis is doing little to get
up with 2 minutes remaining in the round. Pettis tries to turn, but
remains grounded and eats more right hands. Pettis finally sits up,
but Horiguchi spins neatly to the back. Pettis tries to stand but
Horiguchi uses his lone hook to return him to the canvas. Pettis
tries again to stand, and again Horiguchi moves to the back.
Finally, Pettis dumps him off and they return to the striking with
40 seconds remaining. Pettis misses his gorgeous jab. Soon after,
he eats a Horiguchi leg kick. Horiguchi misses a leg kick but
Pettis is unable to cleanly counter. The round ends and I have
Horiguchi pitching a shut-out. Incredible. 10-9 Horiguchi.

Round 4

Pettis stalks forward and fires a 1-2, but it misses. Horiguchi
clinches soon after, but Pettis fights off the takedown attempt.
His attempt to punch misses, though. Horiguchi then times another
takedown, pushing Pettis in the head while going for a leg with the
other arm, and this one works. Pettis uses a triangle guard, which
I’m not a fan of. He soon abandons it for a closed full guard.
Horiguchi decides to posture up, and then backs off, allowing
Pettis to follow him back to the stand-up. Horiguchi lands a jab of
his own, but then misses the leg kick. Pettis tries a leg kick,
misses, and almost gets countered by a Horiguchi right cross.
Pettis opens up with a jab and series of punches, but Horiguchi
evades and tags him with a left hook for good measure. Horiguchi
goes for a possible takedown, is stuffed, but Pettis misses a big
left hook. Another Horiguchi takedown attempt is also defended
ably. Horiguchi lands a jab. He then goes for a huge overhand left
which misses. Then, out of nowhere, in a fight he was losing
badly, Sergio Pettis misses a right head kick that Horiguchi ducks
under, and Pettis tries a spinning backfist which hits pay dirt,
knocking Horiguchi out completely cold. The Japanese champion is
splayed out with his arms out completely inert on the canvas.
Tremendous and amazing; one of the best knockouts of the year.
Pettis is still the Bellator bantamweight world champion.

The Official Result

Sergio Pettis def. Kyoji Horiguchi via KO (Spinning Backfist) at
3:24 of Round 4