The first of two back-to-back cards from Bellator this weekend, Friday’s Bellator 245 was a fun affair on paper. Names like Lyoto Machida (taking on Phil Davis for the second time), Ed Ruth, and Cat Zingano, in her promotional debut, dotted the main card.
The preliminary card was no less compelling. A former champion, a couple of noteworthy prospects, and a key women’s featherweight fight comprised the four early bouts at Bellator 245.
The former champ in question, Rafael Carvalho, was Bellator’s middleweight kingpin from 2015 to 2018, when he was defeated by Gegard Mousasi. Since then, Carvalho has gone 1-2, losing to Machida and the man who just recently became light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov. Now established as a 205lb’er, Carvalho was looking to pick up a win over prospect Alex Polizzi.
Another prospect, heavyweight Tyrell Fortune, was looking to shake off the first loss of his career, which came earlier in 2020 against Tim Johnson. He was paired up with Jack May, a veteran journeyman who had competed for BAMMA, the UFC, and PFL, among others.
Keith Lee, brother of UFC star Kevin Lee, was also in action Friday. As was Leslie Smith, looking to bounce back from a loss to Arlene Blencowe against Amanda Bell.
The preliminary card kicks off at 8:15PM ET. Check back for results — an embed of the official Bellator 245 preliminary card live stream can be found above.
Bellator 245 Preliminary Card Results
Alex Polizzi def. Rafael Carvalho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Leslie Smith def. Amanda Bell by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Tyrell Fortune vs. Jack May ends in a No Contest (accidental groin strike), Round 1, 2:42
Keith Lee def. Vinicius Zani by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
