Women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg returned atop Bellator 259, looking to defend her 145lb title in a rare rematch.
In a callback to their UFC days, Cyborg was paired up with Leslie Smith. Smith entered the fight off a win over Amanda Bell, and 2-1 overall in the promotion. Cyborg, meanwhile, had won three straight, and defended her title once — a submission win over Arlene Blencowe back in October.
Also on the card Friday, former bantamweight champ Darrion Caldwell returned to 135lbs to take on Leandro Higo, while top-ranked middleweights Austin Vanderford and Fabian Edwards threw down in a fight with clear title implications.
Bellator 259 takes place live on Friday, May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The event airs on Showtime in the U.S. A live stream of the prelim action can be found above, Canadian viewers can watch the main card below.
Bellator 259: Cyborg vs. Smith II Results
Main Card
Cris Cyborg def. Leslie Smith by TKO, Round 5, 4:51 – for the Bellator women’s featherweight title
Leandro Higo def. Darrion Caldwell by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Austin Vanderford def. Fabian Edwards by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jaleel Willis def. Maycon Mendonça by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Hannah Guy def. Valerie Loureda by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Saad Awad def. Nate Andrews by knockout (punch), Round 1, 3:16
Grant Neal def. Tyree Fortune by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:20
Sumiko Inaba def. Kristina Katsikis by TKO (body kick and strikes), Round 3, 3:35
Aviv Gozali def. Sean Felton by submission (verbal – heel hook), Round 1, 1:17
Davion Franklin def. Tyler King by knockout (punch), Round 1, 2:02
Leah McCourt def. Janay Harding by submission (triangle choke), Round 2, 2:42
Danny Sabatello def. Brett Johns by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alexander Shabliy def. Alfie Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
