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Round 1
At lightweight, two Hawaiian natives selected at Bellator tryouts vying for a multi-fight contract are squaring off now, as Diggs (7-0, 0-0 BMMA) meets Hao (4-2, 0-0 BMMA). Referee Jason Herzog will be keeping a watchful eye on the contest. A touch of gloves greets the two men, and the first fight of the night has begun. Hao starts out with a few jabs, and fires a low kick, but Diggs is prepared to counter. One such low kick from Hao gets caught, and Diggs grabs a single and drags Hao down to the canvas. Hao keeps a high guard to tie up Diggs, and employs a rubber guard to pursue an omoplata. Hao pulls his leg underneath the neck of his opponent to consider a rare gogoplata, but Diggs pushes through and takes half guard. The undefeated fighter starts loading up on left hands while on top, and many are scoring. Hao defends himself with his left arm, as his right is trapped behind his body, but he tears himself free and attempts to turn away from danger. As Hao briefly considering two-on-one wrist control, Diggs yanks his hand free and starts to slam down left after left. Hao inches his way towards the cage wall, but in the process eats a constant stream of punches until Diggs hops over to try to take mount. The strikes continue to mount and show visible damage, as the nose of Hao has been bloodied up considerably. Diggs stays heavy as he gets pulled back to full guard, and rides out the round on top.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Diggs
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Diggs
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Diggs
Round 2
The two greet again with a touch of gloves, and Hao opens up with a few body kicks. Diggs has had enough of those, rushing in to a clinch and dragging Hao down to the floor just like the previous round. Diggs keeps heavy and busy enough to keep Herzog away, although now he utilizes his right hand to bust up the nose or eye of his opponent. As Hao tries to buck out of position, Diggs continues his assault of right hands, forcing Hao to turn away and give up his back. This nearly proves to his benefit, as Diggs falls off of him, but Diggs is quick to twist around and search for a guillotine choke. The choke is not there, as Hao slides off the fence to attempt to get free. Diggs is slick, quickly takes the back and hunts for a rear-naked choke. At this point, it is nearly academic, as Hao is unable to break free and taps out. Good way to start the night, and Diggs is now 8-0 with six wins coming inside the distance.
The Official Result
Keoni Diggs def. Scotty Hao R2 2:23 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Round 1
Kamaka (5-2, 1-0 BMMA) will look to make it four wins in a row when he scraps with a Hawaiian compatriot in Higa (7-10, 0-1 BMMA) at featherweight. The Bellator cage will be graced by the presence of referee Chris West for this bout. There is no touch of gloves as we are straight to business, with both men swinging hard. Higa opens up with a big right hand, and then follows with a heavy leg kick. The two go strike-for-strike with one another, as Higa whiffs with a head kick and Kamaka misses the counter. Kamaka fakes for a big overhand right and hits a takedown, where he immediately hops over to half guard. Higa holds on tight from his back, while Kamaka drops down heavy leather and an elbow or two. The strikes from Kamaka come slow and steady, but begin to add up as Higa attempts to latch on to the right wrist of Kamaka to stop the punches. Kamaka postures up to throw a few big right hands, and Higa uses the opportunity to push off and get back to his feet. Kamaka shoots quickly back in for a single, and Higa stuffs it but absorbs an elbow on the break. The round ends with Higa pulling back a kick before it lands after the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Round 2
Higa opens up the round with a few punches to the body and a hard liver kick, and Kamaka wears them well and backs away. Higa fires a heavy body kick, and as soon as he puts his foot back down, Kamaka shoots in and scores a takedown. In half guard, Kamaka throws a few punches to the torso with increasing power, while looking to garner a separation so that he can advance position or posture up to rain down heavy strikes. Higa keeps a left arm wrapped around his opponent’s neck, and does so until Kamaka slams down an elbow. This forces Higa to reevaluate his position so he does not take this methodical punishment, but he goes back to being defensive without looking to get back to his feet. Kamaka places his shots effectively, with left hands to the head and a stern knee to the body while looking to pursue a crucifix position. Higa times the opportunity to get back to a better place, and gets back full guard while tying up Kamaka again. Kamaka grabs hold of his opponent’s arm to rain down strikes with his other arm, and Higa escapes this position by strategically grabbing the fence repeatedly, without warning from West. The commentary team has drifted off to a discussion about ring and cage walkouts, as the action has slowed with Higa clinging tightly to protect himself from harm. We hear the bell, and the round is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Round 3
Higa races out of the corner aggressively like the previous round, even going after a flying knee that he pulls back from to not put himself in bad position. Higa weaves back, throws a right, ducks the counter and throws another. Kamaka throws a high kick that is blocked, and the two men club each other with big right hands. A powerful right from Higa scores, and Kamaka has had enough of the standup, changing levels and taking the fight back down to the ground. Higa fires a few elbows from his back that surprise his adversary, leading to Kamaka jumping over to side control. Unable to make anything of the position, Kamaka returns to half guard, so Higa continues to throw heavy elbows. Kamaka sits up to reset, and Higa nearly kicks him off, so Kamaka dives back down in to his foe’s guard. Higa aims a few of those elbows, and in the process Kamaka advances to half guard, perhaps considering an arm-triangle choke. He bails on the attempt and opts to throw a few punches from on top, before taking full mount. Kamaka places his forearm on Higa’s throat, and Higa flails to get out of danger, and in doing so gives up his back. Kamaka immediately snatches up a rear-naked choke, but Higa guts it out and breaks free. With around 30 seconds left, Higa bursts to his feet and immediately starts throwing wild strikes. A jump knee, spinning back fist, and some looping hooks partially land, but Kamaka dives in and hits one final takedown as we hear the final bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (30-27 Kamaka)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (30-27 Kamaka)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (30-27 Kamaka)
The Official Result
Kai Kamaka III def. Spencer Higa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Round 1
Up next at lightweight, the third of seven matches pitting local fighters against one another will see Barca (3-0, 1-0 BMMA) lock horns with Pieper (11-13, 0-1 BMMA), with the latter seeking to bring his record closer to .500. Referee Frank Trigg is the third man inside the cage. A touch of gloves clocks this fight in, and Barca opens up with a leg kick. Seeing the success from it, Barca fires another in rapid succession, forcing Pieper to charge forward with punches. Attempting to clinch up with his opponent, Pieper leans heavy against the fence, Barca breaks free and sneaks around to take Pieper’s back in the process. Barca gets his hooks in and wraps his arms around his opponent’s neck, hunting for the rear-naked choke. Pieper fights with all his might to break out of the position, but as he starts to change colors, he taps out lest he go out. That is four up, four down for Barca, who earns the first submission of his young career, doing so in less than 60 seconds.
The Official Result
Dustin Barca def. Brandon Pieper R1 0:58 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Round 1
Wilhelm (3-0, 0-0 BMMA) will be looking to keep his record intact and score a Bellator contract as he collides with short-notice replacement and fellow Hawaiian Kanekoa (2-2, 0-0 BMMA) at welterweight. The referee is the mightily mustachioed Mike Beltran. There is no touch of gloves, and Kanekoa quickly goes up high with a head kick. Wilhelm swarms his opponent with a knee and several punches, leading Kanekoa to try to take the fight down. Wilhelm ends up on top, and one or both men are cut early on. Wilhelm slams a few knees home for good measure, and Kanekoa grabs hold of his leg. As Kanekoa tries to take advantage of this, Wilhelm hops in the air and drills him on the chin with his other knee, so Kanekoa wisely sets the leg back down. The clinch battle continues for both men, who hammer knees to the body and jaw. Wilhelm stings him with a few uppercuts, forcing Kanekoa to try to take the fight down. Wilhelm spins around and takes his opponent’s back, setting up the body lock and fishing for a choke. Wrenching for a rear-naked choke, Kanekoa is frantic to get himself free but he cannot. Kanekoa taps out, awarding Wilhelm the exciting win, and Wilhelm has now won all four of his career bouts by submission including three with this type of choke.
The Official Result
Benjamin Wilhelm def. Kealii Kanekoa R1 2:24 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Round 1
Two MMA neophytes from Hawaii go head-to-head next, as Lunasco (0-0, 0-0 BMMA) takes on Gorospe (0-0, 0-0 BMMA) in a bout previously scheduled at bantamweight. Lunasco came in heavy by nearly seven pounds, so the bout will be contested at a 143-pound catchweight, and serving as the referee is Chris West. The two touch gloves, and after a tentative period, Gorospe throws a light kick to the knee. He backs away, throws another, and Lunasco fires a much heavier one back in his direction. Lunasco sinks in another, and then chases his man down with a left hook. As Gorospe comes forward, Lunasco catches him with a body kick, and then rushes in to hit a takedown and promptly lands in side control. Lunasco begins to drop down punches, but Gorospe turns away and surrenders his back. As Gorospe stands up, Lunasco attempts to become a human backpack, but Gorospe shucks him off and pushes him away when Lunasco drops down for a low single leg takedown. The two come together as Gorospe lands a leg kick, but they back away before any major strikes land. From halfway across the cage, Lunasco dashes in for a takedown, and Gorospe is unable to defend it and falls to his back. Lunasco thumps down a few strong punches, and Gorospe pushes hard to get back to his feet. Lunasco sits down on a guillotine choke, and as Gorospe tries to protect himself he lands square on his back, where Lunasco is quick to hop into mount. Lunasco pushes heavy and seeks out an arm-triangle choke, before jumping to the side control to squeeze the choke with the entirety of his body weight. Gorospe has an arm in to defend himself, so Lunasco wrenches harder to secure it and Gorospe pops out. As Gorospe turns to his back, the bell sounds to end the round with Lunasco on top.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lunasco
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lunasco
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lunasco
Round 2
Once again the two touch gloves, and Lunasco stings his opponent with a body kick before shooting in deep for a takedown. Gorospe stuffs it and scores a massive knee right up the middle, sending Lunasco tumbling forward. Gorospe scampers away with his opponent stunned, allowing for Lunasco to return to his feet. Once again Lunasco pursues a takedown from a great distance, and like the previous round, he lands it. Gorospe turns out of the bad position and gets back to his feet. Lunasco scrambles to try to take the back but falls over, allowing Gorospe to drop down a few punches before backing away to get the fight back up. Lunasco leaps forward and secures a wide takedown, and in half guard he starts to throw some sporadic punches. Instead, Lunasco is more interested in advancing position, where he hops over to side control and smashes down a short elbow. From there, Lunasco easily takes mount, where he is interested in going after the arm-triangle choke once more. As he cannot quite get the right angle, Lunasco briefly flirts with side control before returning to mount, all while Gorospe tries to buck him off like a bronco. Lunasco postures up and drops down a vicious elbow, bouncing his opponent’s head off the canvas. The volume increases significantly from Lunasco, who swings elbows and fierce punches while on top. Gorospe defends a few but absorbs a majority of them, and Lunasco busts him up with elbow after elbow. Lunasco captures a very high mount, and with the 10-second clapper sounding, Lunasco throws a barrage of punches that lead West to take a hard look at the action. As the punches continue to land, they appear to get lighter and more about quantity than quality, so the round comes to an end with Lunasco on top.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Lunasco
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Lunasco
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Lunasco
Round 3
One last touch of gloves and a quick embrace opens the round, before Lunasco guns for a takedown and briefly scores it. As Gorospe scrambles, Lunasco doggedly continues the attempt, and gets his man down. In half guard, Lunasco throws light punches and a shoulder strike for good measure, while primarily concerned with advancing position. Lunasco stings Gorospe with a short elbow, and then leaps into side control before swiping mount once more. Gorospe flails but he is stuck on his back, and Lunasco works him over with slashing elbows and thudding punches. Like the previous two rounds, Lunasco considers an arm-triangle choke, but abandons it to instead drop down heavy elbows. Lunasco sits up and throws punch after punch while on top, and Gorospe is completely trapped and barely defending himself. Lunasco continues to pour it on, bloodying up the mouth of his opponent, and West has seen enough and waves off the contest. This is an emphatic statement for the newcomer of the sport, who wins in front of a home crowd — although both were from Hawaii — in dominant fashion.
The Official Result
Swayne Makana Lunasco def. Kaylan Gorospe R3 3:29 via TKO (Punches)
Round 1
Kicking off the main card is a lightweight matchup between Hawaiians — a theme throughout the night — Dung (3-0, 2-0 BMMA) and Zane (13-9, 0-0 BMMA). Announcer Michael C. Williams greets the audience with an “Aloha,” and informs us that our cage commander for this bout will be referee Mike Beltran. The two men touch gloves and nod at one another, and Zane is quick to pounce with a slapping leg kick. Zane rushes in with a bevy of strikes that fall short, but uses the position to take the fight down. Zane cracks Dung with a loud elbow, and is comfortable sitting in his opponent’s guard while throwing punches on top. Dung looks to kick off, but Zane stays heavy and patient to not allow for Dung to pursue a submission or break away. He briefly sits up and then slams down a thumping right hand, all while Dung maintains a butterfly guard. Zane tries to posture up but Dung has his feet on his opponent’s hips to shove him off, and Zane looks to set up some ground-and-pound. Dung hits a sweep and tosses Zane aside, but Zane is relentless with his efforts and yanks Dung back down to the ground. As Dung looks to push off, Zane pursues a guillotine choke, so Dung pulls his head out to get free. Zane, an experienced veteran who has seen a lot of earlier fight footage, wrenches on a can opener, so Dung struggles and twists to get his head free, and he does. Zane remains heavy, lifting up Dung and dropping him down in the guard, and ends the round on top with a few punches.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zane
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zane
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zane
Round 2
This round begins with Dung keeping his distance, so Zane fires up a head kick, and Dung is able to block it. Zane crashes forward to land a takedown, and Dung stuffs it, but “The Hurricane” is not rebuffed as he switches to a single and hits it. Dung keeps up a butterfly guard to defend himself and try to sweep Zane, and he does again, but Zane is on him tight and bull rushes him back down to the canvas. In half guard, Zane looks at setting up an arm-triangle choke, but Dung defends it so Zane changes his tactics to start raining down some strikes. Dung reverses the position and nearly escapes, but Zane is relentless and takes his back before opting to snag mount. Dung scrambles wildly, and manages to swing around on top but gets leveraged over with Zane back on top again. Zane steps into half guard, and Dung holds on tight and hits another sweep, but like many previous attempts, the maneuver is only partially successful. Zane is pushed off, but dives back on top before Dung can get free. Beltran calls for more action, and Zane lays heavy to grind out the round. Dung kicks off and stands back up, so Zane pulls for a guillotine but cannot secure it. Dung rips his head free and starts winging punches until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zane
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zane
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zane
Round 3
The two men slap hands to open the round, and Zane stomps the ground to make Dung flinch. Dung stings him with a right, but does not capitalize on it with a head kick that is well short of the target. Zane regains his composure and backs away, avoiding a front kick and faking a takedown that forces Dung to charge at him. Zane stays firm and lands a right, so Dung backs away to reset and look for an opening. Zane drops his hands and stomps the floor once more to fake for a takedown, and Dung whips a head kick that comes up shy. Dung loads up with a big body kick that lands with a resounding thud, and Zane doubles over. Sensing he has his opponent hurt, Dung races forward, wraps his arm around Zane’s neck and pulls guard to hunt for a guillotine choke. Dung takes mount to secure the choke, but Zane survives the attempt and spins out, much to the chagrin of the fighter likely down on the scorecards. Zane lays on top in half guard, and Dung signals to Beltran to stand the fight up, but Beltran is uninterested. Dung takes it upon himself to get back up, pushing Zane away and unleashing a storm of kicks. Dung wings a head kick that is partly blocked, and Zane appears visibly fatigued. Zane eats a heavy body kick, and like before, Dung goes after the same guillotine choke as he pulls guard. Zane grits it out and breaks free, where he turns Dung over and shoves away a triangle choke attempt as he advances to north-south position. In the ensuing scramble, Dung lands what could be an illegal upkick on a grounded Zane to push him away, but Zane is not concerned and wrestles him back down. With one final effort, Dung attempts to get into a slugfest from his back, but Zane ignores it and rides out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dung (29-28 Zane)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dung (29-28 Zane)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dung (29-28 Zane)
The Official Result
Zach Zane def. Nainoa Dung via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Round 1
Next up at bantamweight, promotional newcomer and Legacy Fighting Alliance vet Stots (12-1, 0-0 BMMA) will meet Bellator tryout participant Leialoha (7-1, 0-0 BMMA). Referee Chris West will oversee the action for this one. There is a brief touch of gloves, and Leialoha throws up a body kick. Stots does not want to bother, and crashes in to clinch up with his opponent. Leialoha briefly turns out, but Stots stays heavy with pressure and knees to the body, and “Supa” eats a knee to the jaw for good measure. The two jockey for position against the fence, trading short knees with one another as they stay practically attached to the cage wall. Stots considers a takedown, changing levels and trying to pull the leg out from beneath his adversary. He succeeds, where he lands in Leialoha’s butterfly guard, but Leialoha springs back up with his back against the fence. The two men start whipping body kicks at each other, and Leialoha ducks down for a takedown but Stots turns him about and ends up on top. In half guard, Stots tries to pass guard, and when halted, throws a few left hands that make Leialoha splay his legs out. Stots ignores the movement and tries again to take mount, but changes direction to capture side control as the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Round 2
The second round begins with a whiffing head kick from Stots, and a return fire that also falls shy of the mark. Leialoha throws another high kick in his opponent’s direction, but Stots is quick to block it. Leialoha briefly considers a takedown, and Stots backs up and throws a head kick that Leialoha protects himself from taking on the chin. Leialoha covers the distance and rushes in for a takedown, lifts his man up and slamming him down. The Texan scrambles, and Leialoha circles around to take his back. Stots pulls hard for a wrist, and as he drags Leialoha off of him, “Steadfast” calmly sets up a kimura. Leialoha falls to his back to lock up the maneuver, but Stots pulls his arm free and regains position on top, where he sits in half guard until Leialoha returns to a closed guard. Stots looks to posture up and rain down punches, but Leialoha clings on to an arm and holds on tight. The Hawaiian attempts to sit up to reverse the position, so Stots starts putting punches together, forcing Leialoha to open his guard up. Stots nearly passes guard, but Leialoha recovers position, pushes off and makes Stots stand up. Stots lowers himself back down on top to end the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Round 3
Commentator Mauro Ranallo brags about deleting his Twitter account between rounds, and the two competitors greet one another with some wide punches to start off the round in exciting fashion. Leialoha sneaks up a head kick that Stots blocks, and uses that moment to rush in and clinch up. Leialoha, sensing he may be down on the scorecards, throws a thumping knee that makes Stots let off for a moment, so Leialoha stings him with an elbow on the break. Stots leaps in the air with a knee and Leialoha backs away, so Stots dives forward to hit a takedown. With his back against the fence, the Hawaiian tries to stand up, but Stots drags him down to the cage floor into half guard. Leialoha attempts to kick off the fence, so Stots turns him away, tries to pass but ends up in full guard. Leialoha latches on to an arm off his back, and Stots patiently rolls out of the position to free it. “Supa” staves off another potential submission setup, and steps over to half guard, where he leans on a possible arm-triangle choke. Leialoha nearly bucks him off to get out of danger, so Stots takes half guard on the other leg in the scramble. Stots hops over to side mount, forcing Leialoha to turn away, and although the Hawaiian nearly gives up his back, he gives it one last burst to get back up. Stots tries to tag him with a flying knee, but Leialoha avoids it and wades forward with punches to end the round. The crowd is not thrilled that its hometown fighter likely lost against his opponent from Texas.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stots (30-27 Stots)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Stots (30-27 Stots)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stots (30-27 Stots)
The Official Result
Raufeon Stots def. Cheyden Leialoha via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Round 1
The first of two women’s flyweight bouts is up now, in an all-Brazil matchup between the undefeated Velasquez (9-0, 4-0 BMMA) and Ellen (5-2, 3-2 BMMA). The cage steward will be referee Jason Herzog. The two women touch gloves, and neither women come out with much aggression. Ellen opens up with a right straight and a low kick, but neither connect, and Velasquez whiffs with a low kick reply. Ellen commits to an inside leg kick, and Velasquez walks her down to land a straight left. The crowd starts to air its disapproval, and Velasquez perfectly times a huge straight left that sends Ellen crashing to the canvas. Velasquez leaps after her and begins to slam down heavy elbows and punches. Ellen wraps her up in the closed guard, so Velasquez pushes off and stands back up, allowing Ellen to return to her feet. Ellen tries to fire a looping right hand, but Velasquez dances out of the way without concern. Velasquez continues to stalk down Ellen, avoiding any offerings from her opponent and chasing after her. Velasquez does not take advantage of her opponent backing away, with a few jabs that fall short and some pump fake kicks from Ellen. Ellen slaps her opponent with an audible leg kick, and then tries to put a combination together, but Velasquez shrugs it off and strings a few punches together to end the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Round 2
They touch gloves once more, and right where she left off, Velasquez puts the pressure on Ellen. Ellen throws out a few punches but none are remotely close to her intended target, so Velasquez is able to dodge if needed and walk her opponent down. Ellen fires off another loud leg kick, and whiffs with a big right hook, but Velasquez is not waiting to counter. Ellen tries to leap in with punches, and Velasquez is out of the way in time as she flicks out a jab. Velasquez comes in to load up on a left, and Ellen attempts to counter but cannot score. This exchange happens again, almost exactly like the first, with Velasquez landing with a single strike and evading the return volley. A left from Velasquez is nearly followed by a windmilling right, but Ellen darts away. The two try to load up on some heavy shots and neither connect effectively, until Velasquez snaps her adversary’s head back with a powerful left. Ellen throws a body kick and Velasquez is prepared to fire back at her with two punches. Velasquez lunges in with a body kick, and Ellen is constantly circling away and trying to avoid any strikes. Velasquez flings a head kick up, and then catches Ellen with a few stiff punches to end the round in relatively dramatic fashion.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Round 3
The doctor comes in to check on Ellen, as she shows some marking around her left eye, and she is cleared to begin the final round. One last touch of gloves kicks off the third frame, and Ellen sits down on a body kick early on. Velasquez makes her pay with a left hand, but before Velasquez can add to it, Ellen is moving away. Velasquez throws up a head kick, and Ellen catches it, but she cannot do it anything with it so she sets it down. Velasquez has timed her opponent, as she sends a one-two straight down the pipe that land flush on the chin. The two have finally begun to exchange, with Velasquez catching her with a potent right hand while Ellen responds with a body kick. Another left hand from Velasquez scores well, so Ellen aims for a takedown but is stuffed easily. The punches from Velasquez are starting to cause some major swelling and discoloration of Ellen, so Velasquez targets her punches on that spot that is growing by the second. Velasquez flicks her right jab, and noticing the success of it, throws another and another to back away Ellen. Velasquez stings her with a one-two, and then follows it up with two more before Ellen can throw back at her. The left hand is by far Velasquez’ best weapon, as she leans on that strike to do some damage and bounce Ellen off the face. Ellen is hurt, and Velasquez loads up with several more before digging to the body. Velasquez’ left is landing at will, and Ellen is stumbling out of the way to avoid further harm. Velasquez pours it on by clinching up, throwing a bevy of body shots from close range before varying her attack with elbows and knees. One final big elbow scores from Velasquez to ring in the final bell, who has likely taken a one-sided decision over her tough but lumped up fellow countrywoman.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez (30-27 Velasquez)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez (30-27 Velasquez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez (30-27 Velasquez)
The Official Result
Juliana Velasquez def. Bruna Ellen via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Round 1
Stepping up on short notice to replace Neiman Gracie, “The Ass-Kicking Machine” Jackson (10-4, 1-1 BMMA) takes on Japan’s Kunimoto (20-8-2, 1 NC; 0-1 BMMA) at welterweight. Referee Frank Trigg is in charge of the cage. There is no touch of gloves, as Jackson rushes towards his opponent and launches a head kick. Kunimoto blocks it and circles away, before swinging and missing with a leg kick. A crisp right hand from Jackson puts Kunimoto down on the canvas, and after thinking about going into his opponent’s guard, he backs off to allow the Japanese fighter back to his feet. Kunimoto tries to clinch up, but Jackson pushes off and cracks him with a right elbow. A near eye poke lands on Kunimoto, but the action does not pause, so Jackson fires a looping right hand that misses, followed by an uppercut that Kunimoto dodges. “Strasser” runs at his man and scoops up a takedown, where he transitions rapidly into a back take. Jackson fights off the arms from Kunimoto, as he is trying to pull off a submission, but Jackson times the maneuver perfectly to reverse position and end up on top. Kunimoto fishes for two-on-one wrist control, and snatches up a kimura, but Jackson rolls multiple times to get out of danger, landing once more on top in guard. After dabbling in more of the ground game from Kunimoto, Jackson pushes off and forces the standup. Kunimoto closes the distance, allowing Jackson to rip the body with an uppercut and fire off a head kick that Kunimoto blocks but stumbles after defending it. Jackson picks up Kunimoto into the air like Matt Hughes, walks him to the center of the cage and slams him down hard to the canvas, where he lands in side control to end the round loudly.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Round 2
Kunimoto opens the round with a pair of low kicks from each leg, and as Jackson lands a right hand, Kunimoto smiles. Jackson pops him with a left, so Kunimoto waves him on, but Jackson does not fall for the trap. Kunimoto wings a hard leg kick that takes the base out from beneath his opponent, but Jackson pops back up quickly as he grins. Kunimoto wades forward with punches, and Jackson is calm and prepared to counter, as he sets up a jab and then a solid left hook. Another stiff jab cracks Kunimoto, and Jackson follows it with a right, leading Kunimoto to rush in and get countered with another right. Kunimoto looks for a single leg takedown attempt, and Jackson shoves it off and blasts him with an uppercut. Kunimoto wobbles, and then leaps in to try for a takedown, but Jackson is well out of the way, so Kunimoto falls to his back. Jackson tells him to stand back up, so he does, and proceeds to catch the Japanese fighter on the end of a looping right. Jackson fires off a few punches, and then a head kick that even blocked, sends Kunimoto backpedaling. Jackson sits down on two monster right hands, and Kunimoto eats them like sandwiches. Kunimoto puts on the pressure, walking through punches and wrestling Jackson down. Kunimoto tries to sneak around and take his back, but he slides off, so Jackson poses while “Strasser” attempts a few heel stomps while on his back. He stands up, and the two swing and miss to end the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Round 3
The two men embrace in the center of the cage before the round begins, and when the round begins, Jackson walks forward confidently. Kunimoto attempts to land a quick takedown, and when he cannot land it, he pulls guard. Jackson stands up almost without effort, walking away to make Trigg stand him up. Jackson tags him with a hook, and then a short left as Kunimoto hops forward to try to string a combination together. Jackson nearly overextends with a punch, and Kunimoto looks to time a takedown but is easily shoved aside. A loud head kick is blocked by Kunimoto, who then eats a left-right and laughs in Jackson’s face. Kunimoto connects with a lunging right, and Jackson responds with two punches of his own. Kunimoto barely misses with a harsh right hook, and as he tries to follow it up with more punches, Jackson circles away and lands a right up the middle. When Kunimoto wades forward, Jackson sits back and lets a right hand fly, and Kunimoto takes it square on the chin. The commentary team has now decided to break down the main event of UFC 245 from the previous weekend as the two men continue trading punches, with John McCarthy praising the performance of (losing fighter) Colby Covington. Meanwhile, Kunimoto pursues a takedown but is practically shoved over, and Jackson engages by lowering himself on top. Kunimoto goes for desperation submission and Jackson tosses him aside. The two stand up, and Jackson soars through the air with a flying knee that partially connects to wrap up this relatively one-sided performance in style. When they embrace after the fight ends, Jackson thanks his former foe for giving him the opportunity to fight him, as Jackson stepped up on relatively short notice.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-27 Jackson)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-27 Jackson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-27 Jackson)
The Official Result
Jason Jackson def. Kiichi Kunimoto via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Round 1
The first featherweight tournament quarterfinal is upon us, as McKee (15-0, 15-0 BMMA) puts his undefeated record on the line against the hard-hitting Campos (20-9, 9-7 BMMA). Referee Mike Beltran will keep a watchful eye — and mustache — on this five-round fight, they touch gloves, and we are underway! McKee bounds out of the gate and tries to land a flying knee like Jorge Masvidal over Ben Askren, and Campos blocks it. The two trade furiously, McKee throws himself off balance and falls over, so Campos chases him and jumps on top. After some strikes on top, McKee bursts out of the position and gets to his feet, where he rips a vicious body kick. McKee rushes in to take his opponent down, and Campos scrambles but gives up his back. McKee nearly catches a rear-naked choke, but Campos stays poised and pulls the arm free. McKee switches up the position and goes palm-to-palm, and again Campos breaks free, but this time forces a separation. “The Mercenary” is quick to dive back down on top, and is willing to get into Campos’ guard. Campos tries to sweep him, but in doing so gives up his back once more, and this time, McKee secures the body lock. McKee pursues the choke again, but Campos defends himself well as he scoots his way towards the fence. The Californian stretches him out as he goes after the choke, so Campos kicks off the fence and peels the arm away from his face. Campos twists and turns to protect his neck, and rides out the back mount to end the round as McKee goes after it one last time.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McKee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McKee
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McKee
Round 2
This round, McKee opts not to fly through the air with the greatest of ease, so Campos decides that it is his turn to do so. He misses, and McKee dances away and lands a huge right hand that sends Campos down to the ground. McKee chases him into his guard and starts to put together some ground-and-pound, but Campos regains his composure and clears out the cobwebs to get out of danger. As he spins out, McKee rolls for a brabo choke, and Campos spins and escapes. McKee cracks him with two punches, and as he is going to continue his attack, Campos rushes in to clip him with a left, and bowls him over. McKee may have pulled guard, but regardless of how they reached that point, Campos in on top trying to get some punches going on top. McKee maintains a tight closed guard, so Campos tries to posture up and rain down punches, doing so every so often with a punch or an elbow. Campos stays busy with short punches, but not to be outdone, McKee looks to land elbows off his back as well as heel strikes to the kidney. As the pace from Campos slows, McKee throws up his legs to search for an armbar, but Campos plows through it and lands a few strong elbows to end the round. After the bell sounds, Campos helps McKee back to his feet.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McKee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McKee
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Campos
Round 3
This round, McKee leads off with a flying knee, but Campos is ready for it and puts up his guard. McKee’s arms are loose, but he lands a right to the body as Campos comes forward, followed by a stiff right. Campos walks through these punches, so McKee changes levels and hits a takedown. Campos tries to kick him off, and does so, leading McKee to leap down with a punch. He falls over Campos, and Campos winds up on top. In doing so, Campos leaves his arm outstretched, and McKee latches on to it. McKee loops his legs around the shoulder of Campos and sets up the armbar, and Campos is trapped and in a bad way. McKee nearly hyperextends the arm of “The Stallion” before getting the tap, but he gets it! “The Mercenary” is now 16-0, with all 16 wins coming inside the Bellator cage, although perhaps none more emphatic and meaningful than this one that catapults him into the featherweight semifinals. In no uncertain terms, McKee exclaims loudly “I don’t give a f**k!” when asked which fighter he would prefer to face next in the tournament.
The Official Result
A.J. McKee def. Derek Campos R3 1:08 via Submission (Armbar)
Round 1
We have now reached the main event of the evening, where Macfarlane (10-0, 9-0 BMMA) USA will put both her unblemished record and flyweight strap on the line against British striker Jackson (11-3-1, 3-1 BMMA). After a lengthy walkout from Macfarlane filled with singing, this headliner draws the referee assignment of Jason Herzog. With a touch of the gloves, it’s time to rock and roll. Macfarlane rushes out to take the center of the cage, and the two swing hard at one another but do not land. Jackson sinks in a body kick and backs away as Macfarlane throws a one-two her direction. Macfarlane shoots in for a takedown, and Jackson stuffs it and nearly lands a counter throw, but the Hawaiian stays upright. Macfarlane is unrelenting for this takedown, pushing Jackson against the fence, circling off and then landing the trip to get the Brit down. The crowd starts chanting loudly for Macfarlane as she takes top position and bloodies up the nose of her adversary, although Jackson lands several powerful hammerfists from her back and an upkick for good measure. Macfarlane brushes past them and hops into half guard, where she pops her opponent on the jaw with a sharp elbow. Macfarlane tries to pass guard, and Jackson postures up but is in a dangerous position as Macfarlane seeks out an anaconda choke. Jackson appears to be defending the choke but is taking knees on the chin while trying to break the grip of the choke. Jackson returns upright and fires a short elbow across the bow, and Macfarlane turns away and gives up her back. Jackson holds on tight and throws a few knees high and low before Macfarlane circles out and reverses position with Jackson’s back against the cage. The two women tag one another with vicious elbows, and a push kick from Macfarlane punctuates the round for the champion.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Round 2
Macfarlane takes the center of the cage like the previous round, and backs away when Jackson whiffs on a few kicks. The Hawaiian charges forward to land a potent one-two, and then dodges the kick coming her way before returning fire with another right over the top. Jackson aims a leg kick on the inside, and then one the outside, before throwing a kick up the middle. Macfarlane has had enough eating those kicks at range, so she nearly tramples Jackson while trying to go after a takedown, but Jackson stands her up. A few strikes from Macfarlane bloody the nose up of the Brit a bit more, and when she gets a brief separation, Macfarlane lands an elbow, but Jackson holds tight. A few strikes in the exchange have now bloodied up the nose of the championship as well, and Jackson leans heavily on her opponent while lifting up some knees to moderate effect. Jackson frames her up with an elbow, and Macfarlane drops down to go after a double and scores it loudly. The crowd erupts in approval of its hometown fighter getting an advantageous position, and starts chanting her name. “The Iliminator” steps over her opponent’s guard and starts to unleash a slow, methodical barrage of elbows that all seem to land flush. Jackson attempts to kick off, and even throws a few elbows off of her back before attempting an upkick. Macfarlane jumps over Jackson to get in north-south position, but slides over and Jackson tries to twist on top. Macfarlane pulls hard to seek out a straight armlock with Jackson’s arms outstretched, but she cannot finish it before the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Round 3
The third frame opens with Macfarlane throws two looping punches, while Jackson tries to set up a jab and follow it with a body kick. The Brit sits down on another body kick, and Macfarlane responds with an uppercut. They crash together and both try to trip the other down, but neither are able to retain dominant position so they both pull their arms free and stand up. Jackson considers a single leg takedown but bails on it when she is stuffed outright. Jackson is now aiming more consistently at the body, with a few body kicks as well as a combination of a left to the body, right to the head. Jackson bullies Macfarlane against the fence, but is unable to land anything of significance as Macfarlane muscles her way out of the position. Jackson lands a jab and then a right, but Macfarlane responds with a heavy right hook and an uppercut. Macfarlane blitzes forward with a salvo of punches that make Jackson bounce off the fence, appearing somewhat weary. She shakes this off, and rushes in with a punch combination ending with a body kick. Three punches land for Macfarlane, who gets the British fighter’s attention, and she follows it with a right hook before pressing Jackson against the fence. Macfarlane scoops the legs out from beneath the challenger and drags her down with 30 seconds left in the round, and she starts throwing elbows to the body. Jackson avoids the brunt of the strikes that follow to end the round, but as the bell rings, she is on her back.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Round 4
Macfarlane kicks off the round with big uppercuts before landing a takedown, although Jackson scrambles and nearly pushes her off. Macfarlane stays heavy and regains top position, while Jackson tries to do something, anything to get off of her back. The volume from Macfarlane has dwindled significantly, as the Hawaiian lays heavy on top while in half guard. “The Iliminator” briefly sits up to land a couple shots, but is pulled back down as Herzog warns them to work. Jackson rolls out to try to escape, and nearly gives up her back, but Macfarlane holds on in a near-head lock position before stepping to the side to hammer the Brit’s torso with a knee. Macfarlane does step over to take her back, and instead of pursuing a neck, is more leaning towards an armbar if anything. Jackson stays tight so that Macfarlane cannot extend the arm, and Jackson is trying to escape but rolls to her back. The Hawaiian pulls with all her might to break the grip and hit the armbar, but Jackson rolls to her stomach and above Macfarlane to survive. Jackson makes it to the bell, but that is about all going into the fifth and final round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Round 5
Sensing she is five minutes away at most to winning in her home state of Hawaii, Macfarlane applauds to start the round off. Jackson fires off a low kick and then one to the body, although Macfarlane chases her with a body kick that is much more emphatic. Missing two low kicks, Jackson darts out of the way to avoid a looping right hand from Macfarlane. Jackson steps in with a knee, and avoids the counter before scoring a left kick to the midsection. Three stiff punches snap the head back of Jackson, and she ties up to try to drag Macfarlane down. Although she throws an elbow, she is mostly holding on to Macfarlane as precious seconds tick off the clock. Macfarlane lifts her leg up to defend knees coming her way, so Jackson tries to throw some with the other leg, but is caught on the break with Macfarlane nails her with an uppercut. Macfarlane digs to the body with a left hand, and this time the Hawaiian clinches up before landing a few knees. The challenger throws a few light knees to the stomach, and scores an elbow up top, but Macfarlane pulls her into a Thai clinch and works her with knees. Macfarlane changes levels and pulls the legs out from underneath the Brit, before advancing directly to mount. Jackson sits up to get out of the position, and takes a few fierce punches as Macfarlane seeks the last-second finish. “The Iliminator” throws everything she has into this last frenzied wave of strikes, but is unable to get the stoppage as Jackson manages to make it to the final bell. Perhaps the only question remaining is how many rounds, if any, were scored as 10-8 rounds. Taking a victory lap around the cage, Macfarlane bestows leis on every person standing within other than Herzog, including Bellator President Scott Coker and announcer Michael C. Williams. Macfarlane is all smiles in her post-fight interview, admitting that this was the first bout where she “had fun” and thanked Jackson for punching her in the face.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane (50-45 Macfarlane)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane (50-45 Macfarlane)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane (50-45 Macfarlane)
The Official Result
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane def. Kate Jackson via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44)