For the first time in the promotion’s history, an interim title would be awarded at Bellator 261.
With heavyweight champion Ryan Bader tied up in the light heavyweight grand prix, Timothy Johnson and Valentin Moldavsky got the nod to throw down for interim gold on Friday. The event, taking place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, would have fans in attendance, and shape the heavyweight division for months to come.
The co-main event would also play a big part in the title picture of its respective division. Liz Carmouche and Kana Watanabe were set to throw down in women’s flyweight action, with a title shot promised to the winner by Bellator President Scott Coker.
Full results from the event can be found below. A live stream of the preliminary card action is available above, as well as the main card for Canadian viewers.
Bellator 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Results
Main Card
Valentin Moldavsky def. Timothy Johnson by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) – for the Bellator interim heavyweight championship
Liz Carmouche def. Kana Watanabe by TKO, Round 1, 0:35
Sidney Outlaw def. Myles Jury by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 4:44
Daniel Weichel def. Keoni Diggs by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Christian Edwards def. Simon Biyong by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Preliminary card
John de Jesus def. John Macapá by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Taylor Johnson def. Lance Wright by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:58
Jaylon Bates def. Cody Matthews by submission (arm-bar), Round 2, 4:04
Corey Samuels def. Isaiah Hokit by knockout, Round 1, 0:10
Søren Bak def. Bobby Lee by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
