Bellator 262 ‘Velasquez vs. Kielholtz’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Round 1

Kicking off the card, lightweight prospect Charlie Campbell (3-1),
nicknamed “The Cannibal”, is a healthy favorite against Nick
Giulietti (2-1). Referee Kerry Hatley will look on. Giulietti tries
to touch gloves to begin, but Campbell wants nothing of it.
Giulietti starts out throwing side-kicks and front-kicks, but
Campbell is out of range on all occasions. Capmbell goes for a
jumping knee, but it’s unsuccessful, and Giulietti takes an
opportunity to clinch up. He cranks an underhook nicely and forces
Campbell to the canvas. Giulietti is making his more hyped opponent
pay for his disrespect! Giulietti is pressing from the top and
briefly gets a scarfhold, a position where it’s very possible to
escape out of the side. However, Campbell is unable to take
advantage and Giulietti soon goes back to side control. Campbell
tries to turn, but gives up his back. Campbell is defending, but
getting peppered with the occasional punch now. Giulietti is
persistent though, and eventually gets one hook in and starts
pounding away with right hands more regularly. Halfway through the
round, and Giulietti is firmly in control, with Campbell doing
little except covering up. Giulietti starts incorporating
left-handed punches into his offense, too, and Campbell eventually
turns back. He soon gives up his back again, and after Giulietti
softens him up with more strikes, goes for a rear-naked choke. It’s
not under the chin, however. Giulietti isn’t discouraged and goes
back to his ground-and-pound. Eventually, Campbell manages to move
away a little, and stands up. He finally turns around and gains
separation. Suddenly, Giulietti is horribly tired and Campbell is
just pelting him with kicks! What a turn-around! Giulietti
desperately clinches to buy himself some time, but not for long.
Campbell throws head kicks that Giulietti desperately covers up
against, and scores with a hard right cross. The bell sounds to end
a very action-packed round with wild swings. 10-9 Giulietti.

Round 2

This time, the two men touch gloves to start the stanza. Giulietti
still looks winded, although he is throwing kicks early, all easily
evaded by Campbell. Giulietti shoots a double-leg from very far
distance, and Campbell successfully sprawls. Campbell punishes him
with a straight left on the feet and continues stalking his prey.
He throws another head kick that is blocked. Giulietti shoots again
but he is again stuffed. Campbell throws a few punches, and
Giulietti shoots again. He is stuffed yet again and now Campbell has him
against the fence, unloading with kicks and punches to the body, as
Giulietti desperately covers up. He briefly crumples to his feet,
then stands back, only to eat more kicks and punches, including a
gorgeous left hook to the body. With Giulietti not intelligently
defending himself, Kerry Hatley has no choice but to halt the
contest. A nice comeback by Campbell, as he then uses his
postfight celebration to call out Jake Paul, of all people.

The Official Result

Charlie Campbell def. Nick Giulietti via TKO (Punches and Kicks) at
1:37 of Round 2

Round 1

Coming up next, Johnny Soto (4-1), fresh off a gritty victory over
previously unbeaten Weber Almeida just two months ago at Bellator
258, faces Adil Benjilany (5-3), which the oddsmakers cap as even
money. Venerable referee Kevin MacDonald gets the assignment. Soto
starts the action with a powerful leg kick that Benjilany neatly
moves out of range of. Benjilany flicks out a jab and follows it up
with a leg kick that lands. Benjilany continues to work the jab and
occasionally throws out the leg kick yet again, a successful
tactic. Benjilany circles around the cage, but Soto soon shoots in.
Benjilany briefly works the guillotine, but it’s not successful.
Suddenly, Soto picks him right up, marches him to the middle of the
cage, and slams him down, Matt Hughes style. Soto is now in
half-control, putting heavy top pressure on Benjilany. The
Moroccan, for his part, is going for butterfly hooks while keeping
his foe fairly close. Benjilany manages to regain full guard and he
throws a few elbows from his back. Soto starts working from the top
with hammerfists and the occasional left hand, although they’re not
very hard. Benjilany opens up his guard, looking to possible
hip-escape, and after Soto does little, he does exactly that,
regaining his feet. However, Soto is tough and takes Benjilany
right back down, in half-guard again now. Soto looks to pass and
softens Benjilany with a right hand. However, Benjilany gets his
butterfly hooks in, pushes off, and regains his feet. Benjilany
looks energetic striking again, throwing the jab, and now using the
right cross too, which partially lands twice against a slowed down
Soto. Benjilany throws a series of leg kicks, all at least
partially successful. Soto lurches forward with punches, and
Benjilany catches him with a left hook to the chin. Soto lands his
first good strike with a left hook to the body now. Not long after,
off a striking exchange, Soto shoots in again. Right as the round
ends, he scores with an outside trip. Difficult round to score. In
terms of damage, however, Benjilany clearly did more, while Soto
did little from the top. 10-9 Benjilany

Round 2

Benjilany tries to touch gloves with Soto, but Soto declines.
Benjilany starts throwing a series of jabs again, and while Soto is
blocking, they’re opening up leg kicks for him, which work. Soto
tries to clinch, but Benjilany neatly moves out of the way. Soto
partially lands with a left hook to the head, which appears to be
his best strike. Benjilany is moving well, scoring with leg kicks,
and at one point, throwing a head kick that Soto manages to block.
As Soto again comes forward, Benjilany connects with a nice left
hook that slightly stumbles Soto. However, Soto notices an entry,
pushes Benjilany against the cage, and then completes a double-leg
with Benjilany’s legs too close together. Yet again, Benjilany
finds himself in full guard. However, he hip escapes nice, and
stands back up. Soto continues pushing, and gets his foe up against
the fence. Benjilany continues digging for underhooks, and
eventually gets off. Benjilany’s cardio is great, as he continues
his endless attack of jabs and leg kicks. Soto comes forward, but
Benjilany gets the better of the exchange, with his right cross
more effective than Soto’s left hook. Benjilany lands with an
overhand right now, and Soto soon clinches again. Soto is still
having success, cranking an underhook to get Benjilany to his
knees. Benjilany uses a whizzer to stand back up, as Soto holds on
for dear life. Soto tries a few old-school foot stomps with a
minute remaining, and Benjilany retaliates with elbows to the side
of the head. Soto is having a harder time to take Benjilany down
now, and his attempt to wrench a single-leg fails. As ten seconds
remain, Soto finally gets the takedown around the hips, but can do
nothing with it. A clearer round. 10-9 Benjilany.

Round 3

Benjilany races across the cage to begin the round, and immediately
fires off a series of punches. He’s no longer firing mere jabs, but
1-2s, as Soto covers up. Some of the punches are coming through,
and Soto desperately shoots again. To his credit, he eventually
manages to complete the takedown, as Benjilany sits against the
cage. Soto goes for the Dagestani leg trap, but Benjilany pushes
down on his head and wall-walks back up. Soto continues cranking
the underhook and partially takes Benjilany’s back, trying to get a
hook in. Benjilany gets up yet again, however, as this gritty,
grinding affair continues. Benjilany manages to turn into him and
gain separations. Benjilany throws a series of jabs, many of which
are landing now, as a cut opens up on Soto’s left eye. Soto is
trying to move his head, but he is firmly in retreat, and when
Benjilany gets him against the fence, he scores with a nice left
hook to the head. Soon after, he connects on a series of left hooks
to the body. Halfway through the round, Soto desperately clinches.
Benjilany uses a kimura grip to get away, but Soto keeps his grip.
Credit to Soto for continuing to grapple effectively this late into
a fight. His persistence is rewarded, as, with 100 seconds left, he
gets Benjilany to his butt. He manages to stand up, too, and land a
few small punches to Benjilany. Benjilany stands back up, pushing
down on Soto’s head, who continues to grind for a takedown, this
time in the form of a single-leg. Benjilany steps out, however, and
he punishes Soto with a beautiful punch combination. He continues
attacking, with a series of hooks and even a head kick. Of course,
Soto takes the first opportunity to clinch again, with 30 seconds
left. He continues holding until 5 seconds left, when he eventually
completes a meaningless takedown. At worst, Benjilany should win
this, 2 rounds to 1. 10-9 Benjilany (30-27 Benjilany).

The Official Result

Adil Benjilany def. Johnny Soto via Unanimous Decision (29-28,
29-28, 29-28)

Round 1

Undefeated 22 year-old flyweight prospect Diana Avsaragova (3-0)
takes on Gabriella Gulfin (2-2) as a monster favorite, up to -1400
some places. Keeping them honest will be referee Kevin MacDonald.
The two women touch gloves to begin, a nice contrast to the earlier
fights. Not long after, they start throwing wild punches at one
another, with neither one landing cleanly. They repeat this a few
times more, but on the third exchange, Avsaragova lands several
solid short right hands that bother Gulfin. Avsaragova is bouncing
on her feet, shuffling laterally, mixing up directions well. Gulfin
tries leg kicks, but they lack flexibility and miss. Avsaragova
scores on a straight right and Gulfin’s attempt to get it back with
a punch misses. Gulfin then clinches off a series of punches, but
Avsaragova defends well, and lands several knees to the body, and
then a right cross off the break. The pace slows 2 minutes in from
the furious opening. Gulfin tries a few jabs, but they’re all far
out of range. Her leg kick is then countered with a Avsaragova
straight right. Avsaragova looks calm, continuing to circle away on
the outside. Avsaragova scores with yet another straight right,
which causes Gulfin to be off-balance. A while later, she lands a
side-kick to the body. Gulfin comes forward with punches, but
Avsaragova moves out of the way nicely. Gulfin comes forward, and
Avsaragova steps off the center line and lands a 1-2. Gulfin tries
a jumping kick, but again merely gets countered with a straight
right for her efforts. Gulfin is having a real problem hitting her
opponent. An attempted head kick ends with yet another Avsaragova
flush connect with the straight right. As the round ends, Gulfin
looks utterly confused about what to try next. Easy round for the
Russian prospect. 10-9 Avsaragova.

Round 2

Gulfin comes forward with wild punches, but Avsaragova is the only
one who lands, again with the straight right. Gulfin lunges
forward, and Avsaragova partially connects with the 1-2. Avsaragova
now scores with a jab, possibly her first of the round, while
Gulfin misses on a kick that misses by at least two feet.
Avsaragova is occasionally flicking out the jab now, which is nice
to see. Gulfin tries a right cross of her own, but it’s blocked.
Avsaragova continues to circle effectivley across the cage, and
Gulfin is struggling to even be in position. A wild left hook by
Gulfin misses. When she throws a series of punches, Avsaragova
connects with another right cross. An attempted leg kick by Gulfin
is countered hard by a 1-2 combination that snaps Gulfin’s head
back. Gulfin’s body kick is blocked. A short while later, she gets
tagged with a right cross yet again. Gulfin reaches with her
punches, but Avsaragova is consistently out of range. Avsaragova is
throwing some oblique kicks, but they’re not hard enough to cause
damage. Gulfin lands a few leg kicks now, but they’re all quite
weak. And as she tries for a head kick, Avsaragova lands possibly
her hardest straight right of the fight so far. Avsaragova tries
for a spinning back kick, and Gulfin tries to clinch. Avsaragova
easily defends and throws Gulfin off. Avsaragova scores with a jab
not long after. Gulfin is now bleeding noticeably from the nose.
Gulfin comes forward and gets nailed with another right cross.
Avsaragova continues circling to end the round, avoiding Gulfin’s
aggressions. Ending the round, Avsaragova opens up a little more,
landing a series of straight punches, including jabs and crosses
against a Gulfin who keeps swinging and missing. 10-9
Avsaragova.

Round 3

Gulfin starts the round aggressively, exchanging a series of
punches, but with Avsaragova getting the better of it. Gulfin tries
a few kicks, but all are either avoided or blocked. Avsaragova
lands another right cross that partially gets through. She then
lands with a 1-2 as Gulfin continues following her. Another Gulfin
head kick is blocked easily. A few more body kicks by Gulfin are
blocked, too. Gulfin walks straight into a hard Avsaragova jab.
Gulfin continues throwing kicks, and they’re all easily blocked,
including another head kick. Avsaragova sneaks another right cross
through soon after. Gulfin’s body kick is blocked, and a few
punches miss by a foot. A Gulfin attempt at a left hook misses by a
large margin, too. Avsaragova is throwing less, however, with fewer
straight right connects. Halfway through the round, the pace slows
a little. Gulfin finally lands a leg kick and in the ensuing
exchange of punches, neither woman lands. Gulfin lands another leg
kick soon after. Avsaragova tries a weak leg kick and Gulfin throws
some wild punches, with one finally touching her opponent.
Avsaragova continues circling, but her offense has waned greatly.
She lands a weak leg kick with a minute left. Avsaragova throws a
jab that partially hits the body of Gulfin. Gulfin keeps coming
forward with punches, but Avsaragova evades them all. More body
kicks are blocked, too. As the round ends, Avsaragova lands another
oblique kick and a 1-2, as Gulfin’s own strikes miss. Overall, a
calm, professional performance by Avsaragova, if not a spectacular
one. A closer round, but it’s still a shut-out for her. 10-9
Avsaragova (30-27 Avsaragova)

The Official Result

Diana Avsaragova def. Gabriella Gulfin via Split Decision (29-28,
28-29, 29-28)

Round 1

Highly regarded prospect Cody Law (3-0), all three of whose
victories were in Bellator, is the biggest favorite in the card, as
high as -1600, against Theodore Macuka (1-0). Referee Kerry Hatley
will be watching closely. Macuka starts off with a very low stance,
and lands a leg kick soon after the bell rings. He comes forward
with punches, and Law moves out of range. Law goes for a right
cross of his own, but it’s telegraphed and Macucka moves out of
range. Law scores with a hard leg kick that stumbles Macuka,
though. He continues working the leg with hard kicks, and they’re
all scoring and badly stumbling Macuka. Law is scoring with some
punches too, including a straight right that gets through a few
times. Law goes upstairs with a head kick that partially gets
through. Macuka is up against the cage and Law throws a barrrage of
straight punches, which badly hurt Macuka, who is just barely able
to get away. Law continues stalking him, and it’s not long until he
finds himself in a similar situation. He goes to work with a series of powerful, textbook
punches, now including some nice hooks alongside the straight
shots, as Macuka desperately covers up. Hatley has to rescue
him. Very impressive performance by Law, a highly decorated
wrestler who appears to have very potent striking already.

The Official Result

Cody Law def. Theodore Macuka via TKO (Punches) at 1:54 of Round
1

Round 1

UFC veteran Ronny Markes (19-8), whose Bellator debut was a
crushing defeat to Linton Vassell, faces friend and fellow training
partner Said Sowma (6-2), who many believe deserved the nod over
Tyrell Fortune in his last fight at Bellator 251. Working this
fight will be equally big referee Dan Miragliotta. The two men hug
to start the fight, a contrast to fighters refusing to touch gloves
earlier. Markes lands a leg kick to begin the bout. A follow-up
kick misses. Markes tries a head kick soon after, but Sowma backs
up well. Markes lands another nice leg kick not long after. Sowma
is looking to counter thus far, but hasn’t thrown anything. Markes
lands another leg kick. And then, Sowma explodes forward, landing a couple
of hard left hooks that catch Markes perfectly on the chin. The
Brazilian is completely out before he even lands, but Sowma lands a
few follow-up shots before Dan Miragliotta stops the fight
officially. Amazing; Sowma’s first two connects ended the
fight. He might have a very bright future at heavyweight, despite
being short for the division.

The Official Result

Said Sowma def. Ronny Markes via KO (Punches) at 1:09 of Round
2

Round 1

Opening up the main card, we have undefeated, highly skilled
prospect Johnny Eblen (8-0), who has improved by leaps and bounds
in his Bellator outings, facing Travis Davis (10-4).
Unsurprisingly, Eblen is the biggest favorite on the main card.
Referee Kevin MacDonald will be keeping them honest. After a
friendly glove touch, Eblen throws a few leg kicks that Davis
avoids. Eblen does, however, connect on a 1-2 when Davis wades
forward. Eblen is looking for the big straight right. Eblen lands a
hard leg kick. A follow-up kick is caught by Davis, but his
attempts to take the wrestler down are unsuccessful. Eblen lands a
nice punch on the break. Eblen goes back to his leg kicks, and
throws a left hook into overhand right, both of which Davis avoids.
Davis again wades forward, and Eblen hits him with a straight left
and then an overhand right that catches him behind the ear. Eblen
throws some more big punches, a left hook into an overhand right
that Davis avoids. Davis’ own punches miss. Eblen ducks under
another Davis punch to clinch. He briefly breaks out of it to land
another punch, and then goes right back to the grind, landing some
nice short punches. Eventually Eblen picks Davis up and slams him
down, landing some nice punches. Davis hangs tough, though,
standing right back up against the cage. The pace slows, as Davis
seems to have gained a breather from trhe onslaught. However, with
about 70 seconds left, Eblen disengages and cracks Davis hard with
a left hook into an overhand right, and then drops down for the
takedown. Davis again uses the cage to get back up, as Eblen
continues to grind. Davis eventually manages to push Eblen off, and
avoids his hooks on the break. Davis throws a few punches, but
they’re telegraphed and Eblen easily avoids them. Very dominant
round for Eblen, almost a 10-8 but not quite. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 2

Eblen lands a jab to start the round, and Davis counters with a
hard calf kick, by far his best strike of the fight, leaving Eblen
slightly limping. Eblen goes back to his own leg kicks, one of
which lands solidly. Eblen goes for a left hook, but Davis ducks
underneath and they clinch against the cage. Eblen briefly gets the
takedown, but Davis continues showing his fine wall-walking skills.
Undeterred, Eblen dumps Davis on his posterior with another
takedown and tries to control the legs. It’s to no avail, as Davis
again wall-walks back up. Eblen gets a third takedown, but Davis is
relentless, again rising to his feet against the cage. Eblen holds
onto the waist from behind, and gets two more mat returns. After
the second one, he manages some ground-and-pound with punches from
behind, and finally, Davis isn’t able to get up so quickly. Davis
continues building a base, however, and gradually gets up to his
knees, and then, his feet. Eblen gets yet ANOTHER mat return, with
Davis crashing to the canvas, and yet again Davis gets up. This
repeats several more times. How many takedowns has Eblen had by
now? I lost count, but it has to be at least 50, right? Finally,
Eblen disengages, and lands another hard left hook into overhand
right. He soon clinches again, and this time, Davis offers less
resistance as Eblen puts him solidly on his back. Eblen works with
punches to the body as Davis looks to hip-escape, but with less
energy now. Davis eventually sits up, but Eblen pushes him back
down and later, opens up with some hard punches. As the round ends,
Eblen continues working with the occasional solid punch from the
top. Another dominant round, also close to a 10-8. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 3

Starting the round, Davis points to his chin and dares Eblen to hit
him. A strange strategy given how badly he has been dominated.
Eblen eventually comes forward and catches him with a hook. Davis
is unable to get a receipt. Davis comes forward, and Eblen lands a
solid left hook that puts a temporary stop to Davis’ trash talk,
which is audible. Davis keeps coming forward, frequently with his
hands down, and eats another left hook for his troubles.
Eventually, Eblen decides to wrestle again, and after some
grinding, completes a double-leg agianst the cage. Davis has a
kimura grip, but he is solidly down, not instantly wall-walking
back up. Eblen lands a few punches to the body, and soon
transitions to the back. However, Davis uses the opportunity to
stand back up, but not for long, as Eblen hits a beautiful suplex,
slamming Davis on his head. Davis gets back up though, and Eblen
holds onto his waist, landing the occasional knee to the thigh.
Eblen drops down and gets an ankle pick for yet another takedown.
With 2 minutes remaining, Eblen lands a few punches to Davis’ body.
Davis gives up his back, but posts back up against the cage as
Eblen is unable to get his hooks in. Eventually, Eblen gets yet
another mat return when Davis stands up. He manages to lace a leg
in and with a little over a minute remaining, Eblen is going for
the rear-naked choke. Davis slumps to the canvas, but is going to
fight the choking arm. Eblen gives up on it and starts firing
punches to Davis’ head. With Eblen’s body draped over him, Davis
rises yet again, but is thoroughly exhausted now. With 10 seconds
left, Eblen tries to launch Davis for another suplex, but can’t
quite get it. He settles for yet another takedown. Bizarrely, Davis
raises his hands in victory to end the fight. This was yet another
completely one-sided round, but I can’t quite score this 10-8,
either. Neverthelss, a very one-sided beating administered by
Johnny Eblen. 10-9 Eblen (30-27 Eblen).

The Official Result

Johnny Eblen def. Travis Davis via Unanimous Decision (30-27,
30-26, 30-26)

Round 1

Two-time Bellator women’s featherweight title challenger Arlene
Blencowe (13-8), who arguably deserved the decision in her first
attempt, against Julia Budd, faces Dayana Silva (9-6), who lost a
split decision to that very same Budd a couple of months ago.
Referee Dan Miragliotta will be keeping a keen eye on the
proceedings. They begin the fight cautiously, and Blencowe lands a
leg kick to start the hostilities. Not long after, she lands a
second. And then, a third, which bothers Silva. Blencowe then
scores with another leg kick, and Silva’s attempt to counter misses
the mark. Silva tries a 1-2, but Blencowe calmly steps back out of
range. Blencowe goes upstairs with a head kick, but it’s blocked.
Silva manages to catch Blencowe’s leg kick, and Silva lands her
first strike, a right cross to the head. A few Blencowe punches
miss the mark, as Silva retreats. Blencowe lands another leg kick,
this one less effective, and Silva’s counter, while it misses, is
closer. Both fighters go for straight punches, but manag to evade
those of the opponent. Silva now lands a leg kick of her own.
Blencowe comes forward with punches halfway through the round, and
a straight right partially gets through. Silva lands another leg
kick soon after. Silva throws an aggressive 1-2 that Blencowe just
barely avoids, and Blencowe comes back with one of her own, only
one of which touches Silva slightly. Blencowe has more success with
a left uppercut to the body followed by a straight right. Silva
throws a 1-2, with the cross having soome effect. They trade
punches, and Blencowe lands another leg kick afterwards. Silva
lands a couple of her own, but they’re less solid. They are going
strike-for-strike a lot, but Blencowe’s punches are more technical
and harder. Blencowe comes forward, landing a left hook to the head
and a right cross that is blocked. Blencowe lands a leg kick. Silva
shoots a double-leg, but Blencowe easily defends and knees the
Brazilian to the body. Competitive round, but one clearly won by
the Australian veteran. 10-9 Blencowe.

Round 2

Silva starts the round with a leg kick, but Blencowe avoids it.
Silva tries a few more with no success. However, a 1-2 has the
cross partially land. Blencowe then starts her own offense, landing
a solid leg kick, and then partially landing with a left hook.
Blencowe starts landing some straight rights now, and gets more
aggressive, with Silva looking flustered. Blencowe jumps forward
with a left hook, and Silva retreats straight back, with no thought
to her own offense. Silva tries a 1-2, but it’s slow and Blencowe
easily evades just by stepping back a little. Blencowe comes
forward with her own punches, but Silva manages to partially
counter with a straight right. Blencowe throws a left hook, and
Silva ducks down for a takedown attempt. Silva tries to lift
Blencowe, but can’t quite finish it, with Silva settling for
pushing Blencowe into the fence. Blencowe fights for underhooks,
and after getting some separation, spins off the cage. She soon
lands a right cross for good measure. Blencowe throws a head kick,
but Silva happened to be coming forward, with it hitting her side.
Silva lands a leg kick, but a follow-up one is solidly checked.
Blencowe throws a few 1-2s, but Silva largely avoids them. Silva
lands a straight right to Blencowe’s stomach. Blencowe lands a few
solid leg kicks. Silva tries another double-leg late in the round,
but Blencowe stuffs it with ease and punishes Silva with a knee to
the body. Undeterred, Silva gets a takedown with 10 seconds left in
the round and goes for punches, although none land solidly. 10-9
Blencowe.

Round 3

Blencowe starts the final stanza pumping her jab, though none of
them land. Silva is aggressive, throwing some punches and chaining
a body kick to the end that lands. Blencowe lands a leg kick, but
Silva lands a straight right as a counter. Blencowe paws with a
jab, and Silva tries a leg kick that gets checked. Suddenly, Blencowe lands a left hook that wobbles
Silva. Blencowe seizes the opportunity, creaming her with a
straight right that floors her. Blencowe jumps on her with
hammerfists, and Dan Miragliotta has no choice but to stop the
contest. A very nice performance by Arlene Blencowe, who at 38,
is as good as ever.

The Official Result

Arlene Blencowe def. Dayana Silva via TKO (Punches) at 1:00 of
Round 3

Round 1

Talented Brazilian martial artist Mattheus Mattos (12-2) faces Cee
Jay Hamilton (15-8), curiously nicknamed “The Autobot”, in the
middle of the main card. Yet again, our referee is Kerry Hatley.
Hamilton tries a leg kick to start, and Mattos dodges it neatly.
Hamilton tries a crazy spinning back kick, but it misses. Hamilton
continues being aggressive, but Mattos floors him with a flush left
hook connect. Mattos takes the opportunity to go for a guillotine
choke attempt, but it’s the wrong choice, as Hamilton fights it off
and gets back to range. Hamilton is more cautious now. He
eventually goes for a head kick, but Mattos’ block causes Hamilton
to stumble. Hamilton is now circling along the perimeter of the
cage as Mattos stalks him, looking for an opening. Mattos lands a
leg kick and Hamilton clinches, although Mattos is the one to push
him against the fence. Hamilton eventually disengages. Mattos goes
for a huge overhand right that Hamilton ducks under just in time,
but Hamilton’s attempts to punish it with straight punches are
blocked. A Mattos kick is blocked, and not long after, Hamilton’s
head kicks is again blocked. Mattos goes for a huge head kick that
Hamilton ducks under. Mattos pressures and Hamilton throws out a
punch combination, but every single strike only connects with air.
Mattos lands a thudding body kick as Hamilton is against the cage.
He decides to go back to the strike and is rewarded with an even
harder connect. Suddenly, Mattos connects with another had left
hook and unleashes a barrage of punches, with many getting through
and hurting Hamilton. To Hamilton’s credit, he manages to recover
and get away. They clinch, and Hamilton lands his best strikes of
the round, a series of knees to the body. Near the end of the
round, Mattos lands another huge body kick. And then he ends the
stanza with one more. Utterly dominant and damaging round for the
Brazilian. 10-8 Mattos.

Round 2

Mattos calmly stalks his prey, Hamilton, to begin the round, and
eventually fires with the body kick that has been so successful
thus far. Hamilton tries a front kick, but Mattos avoids it. He
tries a spinning back kick, but that is avoided by many feet.
Hamilton tries punches now, a combination, but Mattos avoids all of
them with ease. Mattos scores with an absolutely gorgeous front
kick straight to the chin that causes Hamilton to retreat. Hamilton
tries a side kick, but Mattos keeps advancing. With Hamilton against the cage, Mattos lands a
straight right to the body, causing Hamilton to drop his hands,
then follows it up with a right uppercut to the chin, and then a
left hook that utterly plasters Hamilton onto the canvas. Hamilton
covers up desperately as Mattos hammers away, and Hatley is forced
to cause a halt to the contest. Fantastic performance by
Mattos!

The Official Result

Mattheus Mattos def. Cee Jay Hamilton via TKO (Punches) at 1:33 of
Round 2

Round 1

In the co-main event, long-time UFC mainstay Matt Mitrione (13-8),
whose career highlights including a 41 second knockout of Derrick
Lewis and a 74 second knockout of Fedor Emelianenko, will look to
upset heavyweight prospect Tyrell Fortune (10-1). Keeping the big
men in line will, logically, be “Big” Dan Miragliotta. No glove
touch starts this one, despite the two being friends and training
partners. It’s cautious to start, with Fortune circling on the
outside. However, 35 seconds in, Fortune shoots in with a
double-leg and easily gets it. Fortune throws a series of
hammerfists, all of them landing, as Mitrione finally manages to
turn away. Mitrione gets on his knees to try to get up, but Fortune
uses a wrestling ride to control him, all while continuing to jaw
off. Fortune eventually starts throwing punches from the
wrestling ride position as Mitrione is unable to get up from his
knees and continues eating blows. Mitrione then taps out. A
disappointing fight, to say the least. After the fight, Mitrione is
screaming and cursing like crazy about a headbutt that occurred
when Fortune shot in for the takedown, but one that Mitrione
initiated by ducking down at the wrong time. I wish Mitrione had
that same fire and energy for the actual fight.

The Official Result

Tyrell Fortune def. Matt Mitrione via TKO (Submission to Punches)
at 1:45 of Round 1

Round 1

In the main event, undefeated Bellator women’s flyweight champion
Juliana Velasquez (11-0), an excellent fighter who doesn’t get
enough credit for her skills, takes on Denise Kielholtz (6-2), a
top women’s kickboxer who has made huge strides in MMA, finishing
all four of her last opponents, two via submission. Getting the
final assignment of the night is referee Kevin MacDonald. They
begin cautiously, with Kielholtz scoring on an inside leg kick to
start the championship bout. She soon scores with an outside leg
kick. A third attempt, however, is checked and Velasquez partially
counters with a straight right. Kielholtz charges forward with a
barrage of punches, but Velasquez retreats and turns the corner,
avoiding them. Kielholtz again comes forward, throwing punches
punctuated by an overhand left, but Velasquez calmly avoids it.
Kielholtz goes back to her leg kicks, but they’re largely checked
by the champion. Kielholtz throws another punch flurry, and this
time, a left hook partially connects. Velasquez shoots out the
occasional jab, but it’s missing and Kielholtz uses it as an
opportunity to explode forward with punches. Another Velasquez
right jab is firmly blocked by Kielholtz. The challenger then
scores with another leg kick, this one not checked. Kielholtz fires
a 1-2, and the straight right touches Velasquez. Both fighters have
held steady with solid defense thus far, though. Kielholtz tests
Velasquez with a head kick, but the Brazilian blocks it. Kielholtz
now goes for a 1-2, aiming the straight right to the body, but
Velasquez evades that, too. Another 1-2 is more successful, with
the 2 touching the Brazilian. With 30 seconds left, Kielholtz
throws another punch combination, and this time, several land hard
and flush on the Brazilian’s chin, backing her up. It’s easily the
best damage of the round, and Velasquez’s nose is slightly bloody.
Nothing significant happens for the rest of the round. A clear
stanza for the challenger. 10-9 Kielholtz.

Round 2

Velasquez begins the round with a solid leg kick. Kielholtz tries
to counter, but is unable to reach the mark with her punches.
Kielholtz touches Velasquez with her own leg kicks, trying to bait
her forward more than hurting her. Velasquez lands her first jab,
and when Kielholtz comes forward, lands a cross. Velasquez than
lands another stiff jab soon after. Kielholtz reaches badly with a
straight right, and Velasquez avoids it. Velasquez avoids another
Kielholtz right cross. Kielholtz throws a flurry, but not only does
Velasquez avoid it, but she lands a right hook for good measure,
too. Kielholtz continues to struggle reaching the champ in this
second round, missing with jabs and right crosses. However, halfway
through the round, she finally has some success with another
flurry, landing a left hook that causes Velasquez to fall back.
Velasquez forces a nice jab through after they reset. Finally, with
less than 2 minutes into the round, Velasquez tries to grapple.
Kielholtz easily stuffs it, although Velasquez scores with a knee
to the body on the break. Kielholtz tries a few more flurries, but
Velasquez is ready and avoids the blows retreating back. Kielholtz
throws a 1-2 and the cross partially lands on the body. They tangle
with 30 seconds left, and while Velasquez partially lands a jab,
Kielholtz partially connects with a left hook twice. As the round
ends, Kielholtz lands a right cross to the body, and then, for good
measure, another left hook. Much closer round, but I think
Kielholtz just barely stole it at the end. 10-9 Kielholtz.

Round 3

Kielholtz beings the round with a 1-2, with the straight right
landing nicely to Velasquez’s body. Some follow-up punches from the
challenger all miss, however. Kielholtz is getting a little
undisciplined, with her flurries getting less technical. After one
such flurry, Velasquez lands a nice right hook. Velasquez gets back
to her jab a little, and has some success with it. Velasquez throws
a calf kick that partially lands, but Kielholtz counters with a
much more meaningful right cross. Velasquez starts circling at
range and lands a nice jab for her efforts. Velasquez throws a 1-2,
but Kielholtz retreats out of range. Velasquez is working the jab
mroe now, and she gets some nice connects. Kielholtz partially
sneaks a left hook through. Kielholtz evades a Velasquez jab and
goes for a spinning backfist, but it doesn’t work. Kielholtz is a
little too aggressive coming forward and runs into a Velasquez jab,
as she is noticeably bleeding from her nose. Velasquez keeps
pot-shotting with her jab, and Kielholtz lands a few leg kicks, but
none with any heft. Kielholtz closes the distance, but Velasquez
lands a knee to the body to get her to back up. Kielholtz’s
flurries are wilder and slower now, and are having little effect.
With 20 seconds left, Velasquez shoots in and this time, easily
gets the takedown. She doesn’t do anything with it as time runs
out. A clear round for the champion. 10-9 Velasquez.

Round 4

Kielholtz throws a 1-2 to begin the round, but it misses. She does,
however, land a leg kick. She manages to slip a Velasquez jab, but
is ineffective with her own straight punch. Kielholtz blocks a
Velasquez cross and lands a leg kick. Kielholtz then partially
connects with a cross of her own. A flurry is more technical and
does touch Velasquez as well. The Brazilian is being awfully
passive so far this round, possibly due to some fatigue. Kielholtz
connects with a leg kick and Velasquez hits her with a jab,
possibly her first connect of the round. Velasquez follows it up
with several more straight connects, as she is starting to open a
little more this stanza. A 1-2 from Velasquez touches Kielholtz,
and a short while later, she connects solidly with a jab.
Kielholtz, for her part, throws a few solitary crosses that are all
either blocked or avoided. Kielholtz comes forward with another
flurry, but Velasquez moves her head well and avoids them or takes
the blows on her shoulders. Kielholtz lands a leg kick. They then
exchange punches, and Velasquez gets slightly the better of it.
Velasquez dodges a leg kick, and then, a series of Kielholtz
punches, before engaging with her own, that partially land. With 30
seconds left, Velasquez goes for another shot, but she is stuffed
this time and eats a punch on her way up. With a few seconds left,
Velasquez and Kielholtz both land with straight punches. Another
very, very close round. This one I will give to the champion, and I
have it all tied up going in the final, 5th round. 10-9
Velasquez

Round 5

Velasquez goes for a kick to begin the round, and Kielholtz tags
her with a right cross counter that lands flush and stumbles
Velasquez back, possibly the best connect of the entire fight.
Velasquez lands a jab and then avoids return fire from Kielholtz.
Kielholtz lands a leg kick, and when Velasquez answers with one of
her own, Kielholtz scores with a second one. Kielholtz lands
another leg kick, but this time Velasquez partially counters with
her punches. Kielholtz lands a nice overhand left as Velasquez
can’t pull her head away in time. Kielholtz lands a leg kick but
then slips, as Velasquez tries to take advantage. She overextends,
however, as Kielholtz scores with another solid right cross. They
clinch soon after, but soon break free from one another. Kielholtz
tries a few 1-2s, but none land. An overhand right misses, too.
However, a left hook from Kielholtz lands this time. Velasquez
lands a nice straight left, by far her best connect of the round,
although not as good as several Kielholtz lands. Kielholtz keeps
coming forward and lands several left hooks. With 40 seconds left,
Velasquez shoots again, but Kielholtz sensed it and easily stuffs
the atempt. They trade a couple of crosses in the center of the
ring. Kielholtz then comes forward and scores with several straight
rights, as Velasquez is retreating as the round ends. Impressive
performance by the challenger Kielholtz, and I have her taking this
one. 10-9 Kielholtz (48-47 Kielholtz).

The Official Result

Juliana Velasquez def. Denise Kielholtz via Split Decision (48-47,
47-48, 48-47)