Bellator 265 ‘Kongo vs. Kharitonov’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Round 1

Starting the Bellator card, we have a highly unusual 225 pound
catchweight affair between Bailey Schoenfelder (1-0) and Kory
Moegenburg (1-2). Keeping order between the pair will be referee
Bobby Wombacher. Moegenburg begins with a couple of solid leg kicks
and Schoenfelder isn’t quite able to counter either time. Another
leg kick is blocked, and Schoenfelder’s right cross almost finds
the mark. Moegenburg continues to fire leg kicks, but this time
Schoenfelder checks them. Schoenfelder finally finds the mark with
a right cross, as Moegenburg stays around the fence. Finally,
Schoenfelder pasts Moegenburg with a few punches punctuated by an
overhand right. Moegenburg stumbles forward, but Schoenfelder
manages to push over his opponent onto the ground. Once there,
Schoenfelder begins pounding away, and Moegenburg eventually gets
him into side control. As Schoenfelder drops more ground-and-pound,
Moegenburg doesn’t give up and gets to half-guard. With relatively
little activity, Schoenfelder stands all the way up, throwing the
occasional testing punch from his feet. He eventually resettles
back into half-guard, but is unsuccessful with further offense. He
stands up again and quickly gets to side-control. He gets the
crucifix for a short while and lands some short but weak punches
before Moegenburg stops the blows. Schoenfelder keeps working and
gets to the same position, pounding him with more short punches
from crucifix. Moegenburg moves, but in the process, he gives up
mount. Schoenfelder wisely stabilizes his position, and
once firmly on top, he begins landing a storm of punches and brutal
forearms. Moegenburger is largely defenseless here, absorbing blow
after blow. The referee mercifully stops it. A very solid
performance by Bailey Schoenfelder.

The Official Result

Bailey Schoenfelder def. Kory Moegenburg via TKO (Punches and
Elbows) at 4:11 of Round 1

Round 1

Moving along, Duane “The Rock” Johnson (5-2) battles Deven Fisher
(4-8) at middleweight. The third man in the cage will be referee
Jason Herzog. Johnson fires off a head kick, but it’s blocked, and
a follow-up front kick is blocked, but gets Fisher next to the
cage. Fisher fires off two powerful head kicks of his own, but
Johnson blocks himself. They grapple, but soon disengage, with
Fisher throwing a knee on the break. They engage again, and Johnson
gets Fisher in a headlock. He starts setting up a brabo choke, and then snaps
him down onto his back. He traps Fisher’s left leg, and the brabo
choke is fully secure. Fisher has no choice but to tap. Smooth,
easy victory for Duane “The Rock” Johnson, who celebrates with a
backflip off the cage.

The Official Result

Duane Johnson def. Deven Fisher via Submission (Brabo Choke) at
1:04 of Round 1

Round 1

In the third fight of the night, prospect Archie Colgan (2-0) takes
on Sidney Ben Simons (3-2), who is fighting for the first time
since 2018. Large and imposing referee Mike Beltran will make sure
they follow the rules. Simons starts with a leg kick, which Colgan
partially dodges. A second leg kick hits nothing but air. Simons
shoots a nice jab, though, which partially gets through Colgan’s
gloves. Colgan has had enough, shooting in, picking up Simons, and
slamming him to the canvas. Simons is tough, though, and
immediately tries to wall-walk against the cage. Colgan manages to
secure his wrists, though, and gets him back down flat on his back.
Colgan postures up in the guard, and then stands up entirely. He
lands a few kicks to the grounded Simons’ thighs. Suddenly, he
steps to the side and lands a punch from the top. He is now in
half-guard. Simons, however, soon retains full guard. Colgan is
keeping busy, though, and lands a few punches. Colgan stands all
the way back up again, and Simons connects with a nice upkick.
Simons tries to stand up against the cage, but Colgan is all over
him, working for a possible RNC. With half a round elapsed, Colgan
drags Simons back down, landing a few punches in the process.
Colgan spins around and takes the back, but soon gives it up to go
to the mount, hammering Simons with hard elbows. Simons holds him
close to stop the punishment, but Colgan stays calm. When Colgan
postures up to throw more, Simons manages to get to side-control.
Simons sets up a body-choke from the bottom, but
Colgan stands up and slams him with authority to the canvas. Now in
side-control and with Simons stunned, Colgan unleashes a tremendous
whirlwind of punches and elbows, with most of them getting through.
Simons is in serious trouble, briefly giving up his back, but
continuing to eat big punches and elbows. Referee Mike Beltran has
no choice but to halt the contest. Fantastic performance by
Colgan!

The Official Result

Archie Colgan def. Sidney Ben Simons via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
at 4:04 of Round 1

Round 1

Continuing on, tough Bellator veteran “Magic” Mike Hamel (7-5), who
lost by split decision to the excellent Adam Borics, faces the
solid Bryce Logan (12-5), who dropped a split decision to long-time
Bellator contender Georgi Karakhanyan. Referee Bobby Wombacher will
again oversee the action. They touch gloves and Hamel goes for a
big overhand right that misses. After Logan misses a punch of his
own, Hamel initiates a clinch and quickly gets a double-leg. Logan
gets up almost immediately though, though Hamel is draped all over
his back. They stall briefly against the cage, but Logan manages to
get out and they are once again at range. Logan is circling on the
outside, and a leg kick misses. Soon, though, Hamel shoots again,
and gets another double-leg takedown. Yet again, Logan gets up
immediately, as Hamel pushes him against the cage. Hamel briefly
gets him down, but yet again, Logan posts back up. Logan turns
around and gets free. Logan scores with a nice body kick, but this
gives Hamel another chance to wrestle, and he chain-wrestles until
Logan is back to the mat. Logan posts up, but now, Hamel takes his
back, with one hook in. Against the cage, Hamel is threatening with
a RNC with Logan fights hands. Finally, Logan manages to get back
on his feet, as Hamel holds the back and lands several solid knees.
They restart back in the center, with 2 minutes remaining in the
round. Hamel ducks under a missed straight punch to shoot, and
again gets a takedown. This time, Logan is more solidly on his
back, perhaps tired from the breakneck pace and having stood up
multiple times before. Hamel uses a wrestling ride as Logan starts
getting back up. Hamel is trying to take the back, but the cage
blocks him. He does, however, land a good knee to the head. Logan
eventually pushes him off. Hamel lands a few jabs, and Logan
partially scores with a cross. Hamel lands a body kick now, feeling
confident. Hamel drops levels for a takedown, but Logan is ready
now. Hamel partially sneaks through a head kick, feeling very
confident. Logan throws a 1-2 that misses to end the round. 10-9
Hamel.

Round 2

Hamel immediately pounces forward, taking the center of the cage.
They punch, but both miss. Hamel shoots for a double-leg again, but
Logan manages to defend now, and soon disenages. Hamel throws a
telegraphed overhand right that Logan blocks. Hamel throws a front
kick to the body that is also blocked, as Logan is thinking mostly
of defense. Hamel throws a 1-2 and the left cross lands flush.
Logan is backing up before Hamel, who is feeling very confident,
whether striking or grappling. Against the cage, he goes for
another double-leg takedown. Logan briefly defends, but Hamel
manages to lift him up and slam him. Logan again starts building
his base back up against the cage, but Hamel has the back and is
landing knees to the thighs. Logan stands, and Hamel lands a knee
to the head. And then another one as Logan struggles to disengage
again. Halfway through the round, and Hamel is firmly in control.
Logan turns around, and soon after, pushes off to gain separation.
Hamel throws another left cross but Logan dodges this one. Logan,
however, is rarely throwing, only the occasional pawing jab. One
such jab does land against Hamel, though. Logan misses a jab from
southpaw and Hamel misses a hook. Suddenly, Hamel gets a little too
confident and Logan lands a short left hook that stumbles Hamel. He
quickly recovers, but that was easily the biggest blow of the
stanza. Logan tries to get more offense, coming forward but missing
a few straight punches. Logan partially lands a jab and then has a
body kick just barely blocked. Difficult round to score thanks to
Logan’s late connect, but I still think Hamel did just enough. 10-9
Hamel.

Round 3

Hamel is bouncing on his feet, and throws a right hook that barely
misses. Hamel changes levels to wrestle, but Logan sniffs it out
and defends. Logan lands a nice uppercut as Hamel leans too far
forward. Logan then lands a right cross after Hamel misses a punch,
as he is doing much better now. Hamel throws a big body kick, but
Logan sidesteps nicely. Logan lands a punch to the body, and a
follow-up double-leg is defended. Logan scores on another straight
to the head. However, as he is gaining more confidence, Logan
clinches with him against the cage and gets the takedown. Logan
turns around to build the base around the cage, but Hamel has his
back. Ignoring this, Logan still wall-walks back up. Soon after, he
disenages and we are back to the striking. Hamel partially gets a
right hook through. He soon lands a nice leg kick. Both men land
punches, and Hamel gets slightly the better o fit. Logan misses a
jab and Hamel lands a knee to the body. Hamel returns to the grind,
clinching, but it’s a stalemate, and they soon push off one
another. Logan lands a right cross to the body and dodges the hook
that comes back. With a minute remaining, both men are tired but
still throwing. Hamel lands a jab, but there is little power in it.
Logan summons up his remaining energy and connects with a hard body
kick. Hamel comes forward and lands a right hand. Another right
hook partially connects, too. With 10 seconds left, Hamel shoots,
but Logan is up to it and defends. Logan fires a series of straight
punches to end the fight and a straight right finds the target.
Very fun, entertaining bout. 10-9 Logan (29-28 Hamel).

The Official Result

Mike Hamel def. Bryce Logan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28,
29-28)

Round 1

Finishing up the prelims, DWTNCS veteran Taylor “Tombstone” Johnson
(7-2), best known for a shocking upset of Ed Ruth via inverted heel
hook, faces a stern test in Fabio Aguiar (17-2). Referee Jason
Herzog receives the final preliminary assignment. Aguiar begins
pumping out a jab, though none land. Johnson spins around on a
missed leg kick. Aguiar partially connects on a jab as he barrels
forward, perhaps looking for a takedown. Aguiar scores ona leg
kick. Johnson scores on one of his own and then partially gets a
head kick through that stuns Aguiar. Aguiar clinches, but Johnson
works a guillotine choke. He forces Aguiar back and lands a couple
of big knees to the Brazilian’s head. Finally, Aguiar manages to
get out agianst the cage, as Johnson continues pushing forward.
Johnson lands a few knees to the thigh. Aguiar turns him around
against the cage, and appears to have the better position, with
Johnson lazily holding on to a whizzer. There is little activity
besides a few small short punches by Johnson. Johnson tries to
frame off, but Aguiar moves with him and keeps the clinch. Halfway
through the round, and the pace has slowed. Johnson lands a few
more short punches, some of them decent. Aguiar tries to force a
takedown, but Johnson hits the whizzer. They both get up from their
knees and resume clinching. They stay in this position for a while,
but eventually, Johnson wins the underhook battle and spins him
around. Suddenly, they break and Johnson lands a knee to the head
and then throwing a head kick that is barely blocked. They
separate, but not for long, as Aguiar clinches again. Johnson spins
around nicely and again switches positions. Johnson workes for a
leg-lock, and drops down in a bad position, with Aguiar in no
position to be submitted, and on top. As Johnson wall-walks, Aguiar
lands a few punches. Aguiar throws a head kick that partially gets
through, but then Johnson counters with an even better one of his
own that effects Aguiar. Johnson misses a wild overhand right
haymaker as the round ends. 10-9 Johnson.

Round 2

Aguiar comes forward to begin the round, but it’s Johnson who lands
a jab. Aguiar misses a reaching right cross. Johnson circles on the
outside well. A 1-2 by Aguiar just barely touches him, though.
Johnson lands a huge leg kick that stumbles Aguiar as he retreats
back. Aguiar lands a straight punch to the body. Aguiar clinches on
the hips and Johnson lands several big elbows to the side of the
head. Aguiar, however, does get Johnson to his knees. Johnson
slowly works back up, as Aguiar clinches on to him. Aguiar takes
him down, but his head is too low, as Johnson is sitting up above
him. They stay in this stalemate position for a while, and Johnson
manages to slide onto the back, looking for a possible crucifix.
Aguiar tries to throw back elbows, but he can’t get anything solid.
Aguiar starts to turn into Johnson, but his left leg is stuck. He
gets the leg out, but Johnson moves and still has Aguiar’s back,
albeit without any hooks. It’s loose, and Aguiar turns into him,
with Johnson having him in full guard. Aguiar lands a few small
punches to the body, and Johnson lands a few short blows from his
back. Aguiar lands a short forearm and a few punches to the body,
though none of them are hard. Johnson lands a solid elbows from his
back. Aguiar lands a few weak hammerfists. As the round ends,
Aguiar lands a few more significant punches, but Johnson uses the
opportunity to scramble to his feet. 10-9 Aguiar.

Round 3

They hug to begin the round, at Aguiar’s insistence. Not a few
seconds later, Johnson goes forward and lands a big right hand that
gets Aguiar’s attention. Aguiar recovers, and then, against the
cage, lands a nice leg kick that causes Johnson to fall. Aguiar
gets top position, but Johnson works up and uses a whizzer to get
up. Suddenly, it’s him pushing Aguiar and working for a takedown
against the fence. He has the back as Aguiar himself rises. After
the Brazilian does so, Johnson sells out for a single-leg attempt,
but Aguiar pancake sprawls on him. Aguiar lands a few small punches
to the body as they stalemate in the position. Johnson appears to
clearly be tired, holding on to a single-leg while absorbing small
blows. Halfway through the round, he tries to stand, but soon gets
back down on his knees. Aguiar continues landing little, short
blows. Aguiar gets a front headlock, and Johnson starts posting up
from the canvas. Aguiar tries to turn, and Johnson is content to
merely keep him in place. Aguiar continues punching to the body and
head when he has a chance. Johnson tries to push through, but he is
unsuccessful. Aguiar decides to move to the back, as Johnson stands
up to the cage. Aguiar lands knees to the thighs, as he works for a
takedown. Johnson does a Granby roll, going for Aguiar’s feet, but
Aguiar is wise to it, and he returns to the same headlock position,
with Johnson grasping for a single-leg. He moves forward, but the
Brazilian moves with him, keeping him there. As the fight ends,
Aguiar opens up with a few more solid punches. A grueling,
exhausting fight, and it appears that Aguiar has won a comeback
triumph. 10-9 Aguiar (29-28 Aguiar).

The Official Result

Fabio Aguiar def. Taylor Johnson via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29,
29-28)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card, we have the lightest contest of the
card, as Keith Lee (7-4), younger brother of the UFC’s Kevin Lee,
takes on undefeated Jornel Lugo (6-0) in a 140 pound catchweight
contest. Referee Bobby Wombacher will be eyeing them closely. Lugo
tests early with the jab, and Lee partially counters with one of
his own. Lee throws a head kick, but Lugo is out of range. Lee
throws a left hook, which Lugo blocks, but a little gets through.
Lugo touches Lee with a jab twice in a row. Lee shoots, but Lugo
easily stuffs him. Back at range, Lugo continues to work the jab,
and then fires a nice, technical cross that partially gets through.
Lugo lands a beautiful jab. Lee tries a right hook from southpaw
and a haead kick, but they miss. Lugo lands a leg kick, and then a
couple of nice jabs. Lee partially counters with an overhand right,
however. Lee lands a leg kick, but then Lugo pops him with a jab
three times in a row. Lugo now connects solidly on a jab to the
body. Lee comes forward with punches, but Lugo easily retreats,
with the punches only hitting air. Lee scores with an outside leg
kick. Lugo continues to work his fine jab, and Lee has seemingly no
response, with his counters falling short time and again. Suddenly,
Lee comes forward, and Lugo drops him with a hard straight right.
Lugo instantly goes for a brabo choke. Lee defends well, however,
and the manages to scramble back up. Lugo continues jabbing, but
Lee comes forward and partially lands an overhand right, perhaps
his best of the round. Lugo switches to southpaw and blasts Lee
with a hard right jab. Lee shoots for a takedown, but Lugo
scrambles beautifully with it and takes Lee’s back. He has a rear-naked choke fully locked in, but
there are only a few seconds left in the round. As the round ends,
Lee appears to go out. The bell rings, and Lee continues to lie
unconscious on the floor. He wakes up after a few seconds and goes
to his corner, but the ref correctly waves it off. Absolutely
fantastic, dominant performance by Lugo. He looks like a possible
future world champion.

The Official Result

Jornel Lugo def. Keith Lee via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked
Choke) at 5:00 of Round 1

Round 1

Right after the lightest fight, we have the heaviest, as UFC
veteran Marcelo Golm (8-3), originally slated to face Kelvin
Tiller, instead battles late replacement Billy “Big Sexy” Swanson
(4-1), who just barely managed to make the heavyweight limit.
Logically, keeping both men honest is equally big referee Mike
Beltran. Swanson fires a leg kick but it misses. An overhand left
partially connects by him, though. Golm gets a Thai clinch and he
lands a knee followed by two right hands. Swanson partially lands
one of his own on the break. Swanson lands 3 light leg kicks in a
row, but Golm finally counters with a right hand. Golm scores with
a leg kick of his own, and then, a right straight to the body.
Swanson keeps firing kicks, but they lack power. A head kick misses
by a foot. Golm lands a straight right ot the body. Swanson scores
with a left cross to the chin, but it’s light. Golm throws a series
of 1-2s that hurts Swanson, and he has no choice but to clinch.
Golm lands a huge knee to Swanson’s body. The pace slows, as they
both throw short punches, with Golm getting the better of the
exchanges. Golm is keeping Swanson against the cage with just one
overhook. Golm lands another big knee, this one closer to the chin.
Swanson pushes him back into the center of the cage, and even lands
a knee to the body of his own. Golm partially lands a nice 1-2 that
draws appreciation from the crowd. Golm lands a series of right
hands, as he tees off against Swanson against the cage. Golm oddly
goes back into the clinch, despite how badly he is hurting Swanson
at range. He does, however, record another knee to the body in the
clinch, and soon after, another, this one even harder. Swanson
prefers this position, though, as he isn’t eating punches to the
head. Golm lands a short elbow and then a powerful knee
that blasts Swanson’s head. Golm then disengages completely and
throws a series of 1-2s that Swanson covers up against, but is
still nailed by. Swanson is floored, as Golm swarms over him with
punches. Mike Beltran calls the contest. Good win for Golm,
showing improvement to his striking, and it will be interesting to
see how he does in Bellator.

The Official Result

Marcelo Golm def. Billy Swanson via TKO (Knee and Punches) at 4:57
of Round 1

Round 1

In the co-main event, one of the very best wrestlers in all of MMA,
Logan Storley (11-1), whose lone blemish was a split decision loss
to current Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov, looks to
get back on track against Dante Schiro (8-2). Recognizing Storley’s
abilities, he is as much as a Kayla Harrisonesque -4000 favorite on
some books. Looking closely at how much resistance Schiro will
offer is Jason Herzog. Storley immediately dips down for a
double-leg. He briefly lifts Schiro, Schiro seems to stabilize, but
Storley chain-wrestles and snaps him down. That was quick! Schiro
has an open full guard, but Storley is agile from the top. He seen
manages to move to side-control, a position he loves to work.
Schiro is tough and regains guard, before Storley moves to
half-guard. They’re jockeying for position like crazy. There has
been relatively little struggling, although Storley lands a few
short, small punches. Storley begins to posture up, but Schiro
keeps a close grip on him. Schiro goes for the butterfly hooks, but
Storley stays on top. Storley starts throwing right hands that land
well to the body. Schiro continues spinning and gets full guard,
landing an elbow from his back. Storley is working too, with a few
more punches to the body and head. Storley then moves into
half-guard. He postures up again, and lands a few short punches.
Schiro regains full guard and lands a few slaps from his back.
Storley continues to work the body a little. Storley goes back into
the half-guard. If nothing else, Schiro has shown himself to be
very tough and quite agile off his back. Storley tries to get into
crucifix, and with his knee on Schiro’s wrist, blasts him with the
hardest punch of the round as the crowd cheers. Schiro soon regains
full guard, though, and keeps working for butterfly hooks. Every
attempt to elevate is blocked by Storley, who is presumably very
heavy from the top. The round ends. 10-9 Storley.

Round 2

Storley fires a right cross, but it’s merely a pretext for a
clinch, as he pushes Schiro against the cage. He gets a neat inside
trip, and while Schiro gets up instantly, he gets a nice waistlock
now. Storley continues breaking down the base of Schiro, and slowly
drags him to the bottom, controlling his hips well. Schiro tries to
rise, but Storley switches to wrist-control. Schiro is tough,
however, and does indeed wall-walk back up. Storley goes for a
lateral drop, but Schiro blocks it. However, in the ensuing
scramble, Storley is just too good, and gets Schiro on to his back.
Storley finds himself back in half-guard now, trying to posture up.
Storley postures all the way up, and Schiro tries to go for a heel
hook. Storley gets out and immediately lands back on top of Schiro,
now looking for a potential arm triangle. Schiro defends, however,
and gets Storley back into full guard. The pace slows, as Storley
lands a few punches to the body. Jason Herzog tries to stand them
up with 20 seconds left, but struggles to get them to do so.
Storley partially lands a right cross and Schiro partially connects
with a body kick. 10-9 Storley.

Round 3

Storley scores with a leg kick to begin the final stanza. Schiro
goes for a front-kick, but it misses. A body kick partially gets
through, though. Schiro lands a leg kick soon after. A second one,
however, is evaded by Storley, who retreats in time. An overhand
right by Schiro is blocked by Storley. Storley shoots for a
takedown, and then gets a nice pick-up and slam. Schiro gets back
up almost instantly, however, and leans against the cage as Storley
is draped all over him. Schiro manages to get to a neutral 50/50
position, with each man having an underhook apiece. A double-leg
attempt by Storley is defended by Schiro. Storley works a
single-leg, but Schiro has good balance, and Storley soon gives up
on it. Midway through the round, and there is a relative stalemate
in the action. Storley goes for a single-leg, and Schiro pushes
forward, pancake sprawling on him. He postures up and lands a few
elbows to the side of the head. Storley pushes and they rise
against the cage, before going back to their knees. Rinse and
repeat, as Storley pushes him into the cage again. They then jockey
for position off the cage, as Storley is showing signs of fatigue.
He goes for another single-leg, but Schiro again stays upright.
With a minute left, Storley continues to grind against the cage.
Schiro pushes off, but storley follows him and continues grabbing
him. The crowd is booing as the fight winds down. As Storley
desperately tries for a takedown, Schiro lands some nice elbows to
the head. With a few seconds remaining, he gains some separation
and lands a few solid punches. Impressive performance by Schiro,
who won the last round against a -4000 favorite, but it wasn’t
enough. 10-9 Schiro (29-28 Storley).

The Official Result

Logan Storley def. Dante Schiro via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29,
29-28)

Round 1

In the main event, two heavyweights in their 40’s with great
careers clash, as former PRIDE contender Sergei Kharitonov (32-8)
clashes with former UFC contender Cheick Kongo (30-11-2). As with
the previous heavyweight match, this battle of the big men will
rightly be reffed by Mike Beltran. Kharitonov immediately begins
the fight with a jab, though it misses. He continues stalking Kongo
with jabs, although the Frenchman avoids them. A Kharitonov jab to
the body finally lands, as Kongo continues circling around the
cage. A Kongo 1-2 misses. Kharitonov lands a leg kick and then, a
jab to the body. Both men are testing the distance, and Kongo lands
a jab of his own. Kharitonov lands a leg kick. Kongo lands a few
jabs, Kharitonov lands a leg kick, and then Kongo lands a solid
cross. No feeling-out process here. Kharitonov lands another leg
kick. He then follows it up with another jab to the body.
Kharitonov touches Kongo with a jab to the body, and then partially
gets a cross to the head through. Kongo starts opening up, and
lands several jabs, and then again the right cross. Kharitonov then
comes forward and touches him with the cross. Kharitonov stalks
Kongo against the cage and misses a jab. Kongo is trying to counter
off the fence, but Kharitonov is avoiding most of his punches now,
too. Kharitonov misses a few jabs, but Kongo’s aren’t quite
connecting, either. Another Kharitonov leg kick lands, but it’s not
hard. After some more missed punches, Kharitonov goes back with
another leg kick, this one harder. Kharitonov suddenly clips Kongo
with a punch, and the Frenchman stumbles to his knees. He quickly
recovers, though. Kharitonov continues stalking Kongo along the
fence, and he lands a solid right hand that hurts Kongo. He then
pops him with a hard jab. As the round ends, Kharitonov again hurts
Kongo, this time with a head kick that might have hit Kongo’s eye.
Kharitonov follows it up with a series of hard punches as Kongo
desperately covers up. 10-9 Kharitonov.

Round 2

Kharitonov lands a hard jab that causes Kongo to fall back into the
cage. Not long after, he lands another jab that hurts the
Frenchman. Kharitonov lands a right hand to the body. Suddenly,
Kongo explodes forward with a knee to the body that gets
Kharitonov’s attention and causes him to retreat. Kharitonov
recovers and begins picking Kongo apart, including a hard jab that
makes Kongo clinch for dear life. Kharitonov defends the takedown
and goes back to punishing Kongo. Kongo tries for a double-leg, but
it’s easily stuffed. Kharitonov is picking him off with the jab and
occasional right cross now. Kongo isn’t completely done, though,
partially connecting with his own 1-2. Kharitonov is undeterred,
landing a jab to the body, and then, the head. Kongo lands another
nice knee to the body, but this one isn’t as flush, and Kharitonov
soon comes back with another hard jab. Kongo lands a hard jab of
his own, but Kharitonov is simply throwing more, as another jab of
his lands to the head. AKharitonov lands a hard jab to the body.
Kongo goes back to the well with the knee, but this one is blocked.
Suddenly, Kongo lands hard right cross that clearly hurts
Kharitonov, who is now clearly hurt! Kharitonov stumbles to the
fence, and Kongo throws powerful short right hands. Kharitonov
seems to have recovered, but then Kongo blasts him with a powerful
knee to the head. Kharitonov is looking to survive, and Kongo
changes levels, and gets a double-leg takedown. Kharitonov is a
turle off his back, as Kongo pounds away with punches, facing
little resistance. Kharitonov has no choice but to turn his back, and
Kongo uses the opportunity to lock in a tight rear-naked choke! The
round is almost over, but with perhaps a second remaining,
Kharitonov taps! What an incredible comeback win for Cheick
Kongo. He was being badly dominated before he suddenly turned it
around.

The Official Result

Cheick Kongo def. Sergei Kharitonov via Submission (Rear-Naked
Choke) at 4:59 of Round 2