Bellator 252 marked the return of the promotion’s featherweight grand prix. A very welcome sight, as the tournament, with a million dollars awaiting the winner, was a big part of Bellator’s year. Or would have been, had the coronavirus not thrown the proverbial wrench in the works.
With the grand prix returning, a three-fight main card sat atop Bellator 252. Which meant that the evening’s preliminary action was just a little bit deeper. Among the names to appear, top prospect Aaron Pico was up against John De Jesus. Despite some of Pico’s early stumbles,he was working toward a three-fight win streak, with De Jesus a good test of where the Jackson-Wink MMA fighter was at.
Also on the preliminary card Thursday was former UFC lightweight Devin Powell. In his second trip to the Bellator cage, Powell was looking to make a statement, and earner a multi-fight contract.
Khonry Gracie, son of the legendary Royce Gracie, also returned to action Thursday.
The Bellator 252 preliminary card kicks off at 3:45PM ET. The live stream can be viewed above; results are below.
Bellator 252: Pitbull vs. Carvalho Preliminary Card Results:
Aaron Pico def. John de Jesus by knockout, Round 2, 4:12
Keri Taylor-Melendez def. Emilee King by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:02
Manny Muro def. Devin Powell by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Jornel Lugo def. Schyler Sootho by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan def. Andrew Salas by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–26, 30–26)
Roman Faraldo def. Pat Casey by knockout, Round 2, 2:30
Trevor Gudde def. Khonry Gracie by TKO, Round 3, 3:28
