Fighters at opposite ends of their careers shared the Octagon when Alex Hernandez and Francisco Trinaldo met at UFC San Antonio. The 26-year-old Alex Hernandez had impressed in his previous three UFC fights, defeating Beneil Dariush and Olivier Aubin-Mercier, before losing to Donald Cerrone last January. He got another tough test in the 40-year-old Trinaldo, who’s been in the promotion since June of 2012.

Trinaldo is one of the most underrated lightweights in UFC history, once holding a seven-fight winning streak in one of the deepest divisions in the promotion. He had since cooled off, going 2-2 in his most recent four fights ahead of UFC San Antonio. Those losses came to James Vick and Kevin Lee, a couple of other proven veterans. If Hernandez wanted to put himself in that category, he’d have to succeed where many had failed: defeating Trinaldo.

Round 1

Round one got underway between the two lightweights, and Trinaldo was the one to draw first blood with a right hand off the first exchange. Hernandez looped a wide and hanging overhand but ultimately was led astray by Trinaldo. Both men felt each other out for 90 seconds and counting to begin this encounter, Hernandez assuming the role of matador circling around the Octagon. There wasn’t much action throughout the chess match that resembled the opening stanza, and Trinaldo landed a big counter right hand in the middle of the inactivity. He followed up that counter with another one on the heels of a high kick attempt from Hernandez, as the two lightweights approached 30 ticks to go in round one. Trinaldo was given a warning near the end of the round to keep his kicks up above the mid-section, and round one drew to a close shortly thereafter.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Trinaldo

Round 2

The second round got underway with Hernandez opening the festivities with a front kick to no avail for the native Texan. Trinaldo had continued to look for the counter, while Hernandez had been the most stubborn of dance partners in that regard. Hernandez attempted the first takedown of the fight just over two minutes into the round, and he seemed to have a good read on it but Trinaldo ultimately spun out of the interlocked grip of Hernandez. Three minutes came and went in the second round without much of a sequence of the entertaining variety, both guys continuously waved strike after strike towards each other to no greater effect. Hernandez and Trinaldo continued to stalk each other for the remainder of the round, and Hernandez landed so much as a kick to the body if anything to draw the opening 10 minutes into its closing sequence.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Trinaldo

Round 3

Round three continued to unfold more of the same narrative that had been previously imminent throughout. Just over a minute into the round Hernandez got a hold of Trinaldo and locked on to the Brazilian in the clinch against the cage, however, Trinaldo only spent a mere amount of moments in that position before breaking free. Trinaldo came right back with a high kick, and it partially landed, however, the Brazilian slipped as a result leaving Hernandez room to crash in and look for his opening. The 19-fight UFC veteran Trinaldo however, was savvy as ever at 40-years old, as he was able to get back to his feet before Hernandez could capitalize. Hernandez landed a kick to the body just as the 90-second mark passed by, and Trinaldo hunted on the prowl in search of his own string of consistent offense. The two exchanged heavy blows, and Trinaldo got the better of it with a big right hand. In the closing moments, the two lightweights did their best to plant down in the center and end with a bang, but both fighters once again failed to score any significant damage, and UFCSan Antonio headed back to the scorecards as a result.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Alex Hernandez, and the fight 29-28 for Trinaldo

Result: Alex Hernandez def. Francisco Trinaldo by Unanimous Decision (30-27×2, 29-28)

Check out the rest of the results from UFC San Antonio here!

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Sam Alvey’s move to light heavyweight has produced mixed results. The fan-favorite won his first two bouts, but had since lost back-to-back bouts heading into UFC San Antonio. He was TKO’d in the second round by Antonio Rogerio Nogueira last September, and then TKO’d in the first round by Jimmy Crute in February. The 33-year-old has been with the promotion since 2014, but if he couldn’t turn things around in the relatively shallow UFC light heavyweight division, that may change.

Klidson Abreu likely has a bit more rope when it comes to his UFC status, for now. He fought for the second time in the promotion at UFC San Antonio. In his debut in February, Abreu lost a unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev. There’s no shame in that, but earning that first UFC victory is a big deal for every fighter. He was hoping to get that win sooner rather than later on Saturday night.

Round 1

The fight got going at 205-pounds between Sam Alvey and Klidson Abreu, and unsurprisingly enough, Abreu took the center in search of holes in Alvey’s defense. Alvey began to attempt to lure Abreu into a staring contest. But the Brazilian promptly fired a calf kick to let Alvey know he was there to fight. They clinched, and Abreu delivered a knee below the belt of Alvey. Alvey did what he conventionally does in all of his fights thus far, going right back to his matador-esque style circling on the outside while looking to counter.

Alvey initiated the clinch with just north of 90 ticks to go in the opening stanza. Abreu landed a big kick to the body. The Braziilian found a rythym heading into the waning moments of the opening round. Abreu stung Alvey with a right hand. Alvey looked bothered for a moment. Alvey may have truly been dazed by that right hook from Abreu, as he errantly rushed into the pocket and engaged in a furious flurry to draw the round out to a close. Abreu seemingly landed a knee egregiously late. The replay confirmed it indeed did land on Alvey clean after the bell had sounded.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Abreu

Round 2

Round two got underway with more of the same. Abreu however was less aggressive to start that round. Abreu landed a big knee at close range, and a right hand to capitalize off of it. The Brazilian suddenly seemed to be in control of this fight now, making Alvey bring the fight to him. Opposite of the manner in which the fight had unfolded to that point. After a couple of whiffed shots from both parties, and Abreu crashed in to look to get this fight to the mat, which he did.

A scramble ensued, and Abreu had his hooks in place as he looks to take the back. The Brazilian threatened an arm-triangle before losing grip of the choke and eating a couple of heavy shots from top position from Alvey. The one minute mark of round two passed by, and the two fighters were back up to their feet. Alvey latched on tight and got the clinch where he wanted it. With Abreu’s back to the fence as he ate a thunderous knee to the midsection from Alvey. They broke, and reset in the center of the octagon where a staring contest ultimately ensued for the leftover ten seconds and change of round two.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Abreu

Round 3

Third and final round begian as Alvey got things started with a kick to the lead leg of Abreu. Abreu threatens with a couple more kicks, one to the body that lands, one to the head that Alvey ultimately refuted. Abreu went downstairs to the lead leg instead of Alvey, and Alvey takes yet another minute to continued to look for his countershot. Another kick of near devastating proportion from Abreu was barely blocked by Alvey. As we approached three minutes remaining in the light heavyweight bout. Abreu missed on a flying knee, and ate a right hand as a result before landing one of his own for good measure. They traded power shots again, as they came up on two minutes remaining in the fight.

Alvey landed a big right hand off a blistering exchange. Potentially his biggest punch of the fight to that point. Ninety seconds remained, and Abreu’s errant takedown attempt was reversed into the clinch with Alvey pressed up with Abreu’s back to the fence. Abreu thought about a knee on the break, but thought better of it. Alvey got a right hand to score. Abreu landed a couple of his own on the comeback. In the final ten seconds of the fight, Alvey and Abreu did a lot more of swinging and missing than actually landing, as the card card awaited it’s fifth consecutive judge’s decision.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9, and the fight 30-27 for Abreu

Result: Klidson Abreu def. Sam Alvey by Unanimous Decision (30-27×2, 29-28)

Check out the rest of the results from UFC San Antonio here!

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Bellator MMA held their 224th flagship event on Friday night, live inside the Winstar World Casino Resort from Thackerville, Oklahoma. And when Bellator returns to the WinStar resort, one thing is almost inevitable, and that is Julia Budd as one half of the main event. I’m not exactly sure what it is that causes one who lives, trains, and hails from British Columbia, to become Lake Texhoma’s cage fighter of choice. Regardless, Budd sensationally stopped the oncoming force that is Olga Rubin en route to the third defense of her featherweight title. While the nature in which Budd’s callout of Gabi Garcia was likely to fall upon deaf ears, there’s a matchup for her that makes more than enough sense going forward. That matchup, along with several others Bellator should ponder going forward, are what I bring to you today on this week’s edition of our Cageside Press Bellator Matchmaker.

Julia Budd vs. Leslie Smith for Featherweight Title

Following Julia Budd’s rather quick nature in which she successfully defended her title, it can be understandable why one would immediately arrive to the following hypothetical question:

Who could possibly next for her?

Sure, the Cris Cyborg matchup certainly sounds ideal. It’s been widely believed for some time, before the oncoming wrath of Amanda Nunes, that Budd and Cyborg were far and away the best 145-pound female fighters in the world. Cyborg echoed the sentiment on twitter herself that Bellator’s women’s featherweight division is indeed, the best in the world.

With the one fight left on Cyborg’s contract set to take place next weekend in Toronto, could this be an example of foreshadowing? It’s difficult to know for sure. Without the potential move to Bellator for Cyborg, it realistically leaves former perennial UFC bantamweight contender Leslie Smith as the only one standing in line. Leslie Smith also featured on the Bellator 224 card during its preliminary portion, scoring a majority decision victory in her debut over Sinead Kavanagh.

Olga Rubin vs. Arlene Blencowe

It wasn’t the performance that Bellator’s top Israeli female prospect was hoping for, however, despite turning 30-years-old just over a month ago, Olga Rubin is still extremely young in her fight career. Rubin’s title challenge was only her seventh professional appearance, one which she came into without a loss.

However, it wasn’t Rubin’s night last Friday in Oklahoma, and the Israeli-born fighter training out of England will go back to the proverbial drawing board as a result. Rubin has yet to face any of Bellator’s female featherweight mainstays, and having just failed to capture the title, it would make sense for her to face someone that has been in her shoes before. That fighter could very well be Australia’s Arlene Blencowe, who is the only fighter to take Julia Budd the distance in the champion’s previous five outings, having done it in both of their encounters. Blencowe also fought on Friday’s card, stopping Amanda Bell in just 22 seconds.

Rafael Carvalho vs. John Salter

Former middleweight titleholder Rafael Carvalho bounced himself out of the loss column on Friday, as he narrowly edged out a hard-fought unanimous decision in which the Brazilian took two of three rounds on all judges scorecards. Carvalho, while leaving himself exposed on the feet at times during the fight, was affective in nearly every area of his game over the duration of the 15-minute encounter with Njokuani.

The former champion now puts himself in position to climb his way back up to a title shot, and a quick way to get there would be to earn a victory over top contender John salter. Salter is also coming off a win over Njokuani, submitting him inside of one round at Bellator 210 last November.

Chidi Njokuani vs. Chris Honeycutt

It’s amazing what can happen to one’s stock in only two fights. By that, I’m regarding the way in which Chidi Njokuani could have pegged himself a middleweight contender with a win over John Salter last November in the main event slot at Bellator 210.

Unfortunately for Njokuani, he not only fell short in that contest but in his latest one as well on Friday opposite former champion Rafael Carvalho.

Juliana Velasquez vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane for Flyweight Title

If we’re being honest here, the fact that Velasquez has not already been granted a title shot at 125 pounds is somewhat of an absurdity. The Brazilian continued to show why that is exactly the case on Friday, stopping an incredibly tough and gritty fighter in Kristina Williams, and only needed a little bit under two rounds to make it happen.

Velasquez is now 9-0 as a pro, and has really put her skills on the feet together as of late stopping two of her last three opponents by way of knockout. Unless Bellator is clamoring for a Veta Arteaga rematch for Ilima-Lei, I think there’s no question who deserves the next shot.

Kristina Williams vs. Veta Arteaga

Coming into her fight Juliana Velasquez, Williams had some good voodoo whilst fighting in her home state of Oklahoma posting a perfect 2-0 record on WinStar property.

Unfortunately, that short-lived streak came to an abrupt end on Friday as Williams was peppered on the feet and wobbled on more than one occasion until she finally succumbed to strikes in the latter part of round number two. Williams is still very green, and only five fights into her tenure as a professional. With the division as thin as it is, and Velasquez (hopefully) on her way to a title shot next, why not pit Williams up with a woman that creates a fresh matchup, and is on a somewhat similar trajectory?

That fighter could very well be Veta Arteaga, who was defeated due to a doctor stoppage in her own shot at the belt back in April.

Ed Ruth vs. Erick Silva

Blue-chip prospect Ed Ruth returned to the realm of familiarity known as the winner’s circle on Friday night, landing a picture-perfect knee before following up with strikes on the ground to defeat former RIZIN competitor Kiichi Kunimoto in the second round.

Kiichi Kunimoto vs. Fighter Outside Bellator

Kiichi Kunimoto held his own for the near nine-minute duration of his contest with Ed Ruth. However, not many welterweights on the planet could withstand a knee to the jaw in the fashion Ruth landed on Friday. Kunimoto was making his Bellator debut, and unless he ends up being a part of the rumored Bellator-RIZIN co-promotional event at the end of the year, we might not be seeing him again inside the Bellator cage any time soon.

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If you’re somehow needing more proof that the UFC’s strawweight division is loaded, look no further than Lívía Renata Souza. Despite having a 13-1 professional record, a 2-0 record in the UFC, and being a former Invicta FC 115-pound champ, Souza wasn’t ranked in the top-15 in the division going into UFC Sacramento. She joined the promotion last fall, and has back-to-back wins to begin her UFC run. The Brazilian was originally slated to fight 11th-ranked Cynthia Calvillo at UFC Sacramento. But, Calvillo was forced to pull out of the fight after breaking her foot in early-June.

Stepping-in to face Lívía Renata Souza was another former Invicta FC strawweight champ: Brianna Van Buren. Van Buren caught the attention of the UFC (and everyone else) in May during Invcita’s Phoenix Rising 1 card. That night the California-native won three fights, taking home the vacant 115-pound title. Now, she’s turned that opportunity into another, taking the first UFC fight of her career on short-notice agaisnt a tough opponent in Sacramento.

Round 1

Brianna Van Buren got things started with a kick to the body, followed by a knee to the same general region. Van Buren looked to work the clinch, with Souza backed up against the fence, having given away the left underhook by Van Buren. Van Buren went to take the fight down, but was to no avail as the Brazilian gets back to her fight almost immediately. They broke, and Souza scored a huge right hand in the transition.

Van Buren continued to stay agressive, backing Souza up to the fence before landing a hard elbow for good measure. Back to the center they reset, Souza taking the center, with just south of 90 seconds to go in the opening stanza. Van Buren fired a head kick. But Souza wisely blocked it. Souza came straight at Van Buren off the break, and landed a huge right straight before Van Buren tried to capitalize on Souza’s errant aggressiveness. Souza transitioned to top position. But, the round comes to an end before she can capitalize.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Van Buren

Round 2

Both strawweights continued to show their persistent aggresion throughout. Neither had shown any sign of letting up through the opening six and a half minutes. Van Buren closed the distance beautifully, and scored another combination. Van Buren then reset, and landed another solid combination, wobbling Souza against the cage. The debutant swarmed the Brazilian, but Souza ultimately escaped out of danger to reset back in the center of the octagon.

Another combination punctuated by Van Buren, stunned Souza before she circled out yet again. Van Buren was in no rush, remaining patient throughout. Thirty seconds to go in the second round, Van Buren continued to go for the high kick. A last second exchange saw Van Buren kick out Souza’s right leg from underneath her, however referee Jason Herzog may have had something to do with that when he stepped in to signal the end of the round. Souza almost certainly will need a finish in the final round.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Van Buren

Round 3

The third and final round began with Souza getting off on the right foot with a leg kick to the inside leg of Van Buren. Souza threw a spinning back kick that lands flush to the body. Van Buren miraculously seems unphased. Then, an inside leg kick scored for Van Buren just past the opening minute mark of round three. Souza remained at the comfortable distance. Souza mixed it up a lot better in this round, and that became evident by a takedown that scored. However, Van Buren immediately threatened omoplata. But Souza was privy to it and escapes back to her feet.

Van Buren scooped Souza up away from the fence, and Souza momentarily attempted a guillotine. Van Buren was able to get her neck free of the choke, and looked to work on top as the two minute mark in the final round came and went. They got back to their feet, with Van Buren familiarly controlling the clinch once again. Souza broke the clinch, and threw a spinning wheel kick that may have just knocked Van Buren out had it landed flush. It caught nothing but air, however, and Brianna Van Buren punctuated her UFC debut performance with another takedown, sealing what should be a certain victory over a very skilled opponent in Livia Renata Souza.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9, and the fight 30-27 for Van Buren

Result: Brianna Van Buren def. Livia Renata Souza by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Maurice Greene has one of the more interesting nicknames in combat sports. That being “The Crochet Boss.” While his knitting skills are impeccable, he’s definitely at home in the cage. Greene is 7-2 in mixed martial arts and an undefeated 2-0 in the Octagon heading into UFC Minneapolis. Of the TUF 28 veteran’s seven wins, five have come via stoppage, including a triangle choke in his promotional debut.

Junior Albini came into the UFC at 13-2 and made a big statement in his debut with a first-round knockout against Timothy Johnson. However, he’s winless in three fights since then, falling to Andrei Arlovski, Aleksei Oleinik, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. “Baby” has 12 stoppages in his 19-fight career, half by knockout and half by submission.

Round 1

The two heavyweights touched gloves and traded leg kicks in the center of the octagon. Albini comes in seemingly unphased by the dimensions in which his adversary had the advantage in, darting inside the distance to make up for the lack in reach and look for openings. Greene barely missed with a front kick and Albini swarmed him immediately, eventually putting Greene up against the fence.

The Brazilian dug in both underhooks and subsequenty landed a left hand on the break, before they reset back to the center. With three minutes to go in the round Greene put a nice combo together before getting cracked with a left hand by Albini on the comeback. A left jab came out of nowhere for Greene, and it hurt Albini badly. Right after that, another straight left hand flattened the Brazilian. Greene came crashing in looking for the finish, but to no avail. Momentarily, Greene looked to set up a north-south choke but he gives up on it quickly and the two get back up to their feet once again.

Greene landed another clean shot. Then, Albini gets a big punch to find the mark himself. Greene momentarily looks stunned, but was ultimately still there. He then landed another beautiful one-two combination, and Albini went down once again before follow up shots provoked referee Jason Herzog to intervene and wave it off.

Maurice Greene def. Junior Albini by TKO (punches) at 3:38 in Round 1

Like a BOSS!

Tune in now on @ESPN! @TheCrochetBoss #UFCMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/bixk4C3yr7

— UFC (@ufc) June 29, 2019

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Many people this side of the pond may be confused as to how we got there, but we eventually did arrive at the conclusion of a wacky and wild Bellator 223 in London. A new middleweight champion now reigns supreme in Bellator’s 185-pound division, and plenty of other fighters picked up critical wins for their careers as well. Here’s who I would match each Bellator 223 main card fighter with, next.

Raphael Lovato Jr. vs. Lyoto Machida

The culmination of a mere five years work beautifully blossomed from a world Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion’s determination to be a world champion in another discipline on Saturday, as Raphael Lovato Jr. carefully went about his gameplan to stun Gegard Mousasi and capture Bellator gold. 

Lovato’s next challenge solely depends on how the landscape shifts for the fire-breathing one waiting in the wings, and by that, I speak of Lyoto Machida’s decision to stay or move back down from his last contracted weight of 205 pounds. Should he opt to move down, I’m sure Bellator would be itching to get him a title shot as soon as possible given his track record.

Gegard Mousasi vs. John Salter

In what some would coin as a relatively underwhelming stint with Bellator thus far, Gegard Mousasi took his first defeat under the promotional banner thus relinquishing his middleweight title to new champion Raphael Lovato Jr. Mousasi could be considered for an immediate rematch year, however, if he is not, he can stamp himself right back amongst the division’s elite by holding off surging contender John Salter. 

Melvin Manhoef vs. Phil Davis

The living legend in the form of a Dutch mixed martial artist in Bellator’s light heavyweight division got his first win in nearly four years on Saturday, outgunning the hometown favorite in Kent Kauppinen.

Manhoef’s win did not go unnoticed, as Kauppinen’s stock as a fighter had never been higher than it was coming into this contest. If the legendary figure opts to remain at 205, Phil Davis is a guy who is also coming off a win, and has practically fought everybody else there is for him to possibly fight in that division. This would be a fun matchup, and one Bellator could use in just about any capacity.

Kent Kauppinen vs. James Mulheron

Failing to capitalize on the momentum that brought him as high as the next-to-last fight on a card as massive as this one was, Kent Kauppinen just didn’t quite muster enough offense to get by Melvin Manhoef on Saturday. 

Kauppinen’s local heritage makes him a prime target for billings on their European Series shows, one role fellow British light heavyweight James Mulheron has taken on as of late himself. Mulheron is coming off a decision loss to Lee Chadwick.

Aaron Chalmers vs. Promotional Newcomer

Aaron Chalmers bounced back into the win column in style Saturday night, and the ‘Geordie Shore’ cast sat front and center to witness his second-round submission victory over the 2-1 Fred Freeman in his sophomore campaign for the promotion.

Until we see Corey Browning fight again, I’d say we should hold off on gauging just how high the ceiling is for Aaron Chalmers, or ‘Baby Slice’ for that matter. 

Lob him another softball, Scott.

Fred Freeman: Fight outside the promotion

Fred Freeman entered his Bellator debut as a sacrificial lamb with a winning record, at least. However, he was clearly outmatched by a relatively green fighter himself in Aaron Chalmers. Freeman was brought in as a ‘sacrificial lamb’ per say against ‘Baby slice’ in 2017, and was choked out inside of two minutes. This time around, he was choked out inside of two rounds. I doubt Bellator brings him back on an immediate basis.

Paul Daley vs. Andrey Koreshkov

Paul Daley did just about everything he could to win, except finish his opponent through fifteen minutes of his main event (I think?) slot opposite former UFC welterweight Erick Silva. Daley swarmed the Brazilian in the second round, nearly scoring the finish of the relative promotional newcomer. 

Think about this; Daley and Koreshkov combine for 85 professional fights, with 27 of them coming under the Bellator promotional banner. And these two haven’t fought yet? 

Erick Silva vs. Lorenz Larkin

Erick Silva failed once again on Saturday to re-gather the momentum that saw him emerge as a top welterweight prospect once upon a time, losing a fairly one-sided decision to Paul Daley.

Silva drops to 0-2 in Bellator, has lost four of his last five and six of his last eight spanning back to 2015. Silva and Larkin were originally booked to fight at Bellator 207 last October.

James Gallagher vs. Patrick Mix

Bellator’s favorite Irish firecracker outworked a game opponent in the form of a natural featherweight in Jeremiah Labiano. Gallagher now makes it back-to-back wins since his first professional defeat to Ricky Bandejas last August.

Call me crazy, and call it unlikely, but I found Patrick Mix’s callout of James Gallagher just over a week ago inside Madison Square Garden as an admirable move from the blue-chip prospect. It appears to be an evenly-matched fight, between two grappling specialists. Bellator has been rumored to be returning to Dublin in September, where Gallagher will all but surely be one half of the main event. So my question is, why not?

Jeremiah Labiano vs. Adil Benjilany

In what was a valiant effort, Jeremiah Labiano ultimately came up short in his bid to play spoiler and rain on James Gallagher’s parade. Labiano fell to an unflattering mark of 12-7, and is now all square at 3-3 inside of the Bellator cage.

I’m not very supportive of the notion that includes Labiano in the featherweight tournament, unless he’s serving some sort of alternate role. Adil Benjilany is another Bellator featherweight I believe fits that mold, and is also coming off a loss, a submission loss to Cris Lencioni back in May at Bellator 221.

Fabian Edwards vs. Leo Leite

Fabian Edwards once again looked fantastic against a grossly overmatched opponent on Saturday, and looked impressive despite failing to secure the finish. Brother of UFC welterweight contender Leon, Edwards is now 8-0 as a professional pushing his record to 4-0 inside the Bellator cage.

I’m not sure whether or not they’ll actually serve him up a true test in his next fight, but I’m willing to meet squarely in the middle between expectation and necessity. Leo Leite is 10-2 as a professional, but 0-2 inside the Bellator cage and has not fought since dropping a decision to Chris Honeycutt last July.

Jonathan Bosuku: Fight outside the promotion

Bosuku was largely outclassed, and rarely in control of a fight he was likely brought in to lose in the first place.

Despite entering the weekend on a five-fight win streak, Bosuku was outmatched from the start and is unlikely to get a call to return.

Costello van Steenis: Rafael Carvalho/Chidi Njokuani Winner

Outside of our new middleweight champion, the Dutch prospect Costello van Steenis was the only underdog on the card to score a victory across the pond Saturday night. Van Steenis has now won six fights in a row, and all four of them under the Bellator banner. 

This was a massive win for the 26-year old, as he officially stamps himself as a legitimate threat in this middleweight division. Testing him with whoever comes out of the Carvalho-Njokuani matchup would be the perfect measuring stick to determine whether or not ‘The Spaniard’ is ready for his shot at the title.

Mike Shipman vs. Charlie Ward

Mike Shipman was riding a 13-fight win streak heading into his fight with Costello van Steenis, all of those wins coming by way of finish, and was certainly on the doorstep of a middleweight title shot. 

Unfortunately, one elbow in the clinch during round two was the beginning of the end, and the British middleweight upstart now heads back to the drawing board.

With Bellator’s return to Ireland looming this Fall, Shipman could easily get a call to be featured on that card. A fun fight in which we can see what we could learn about both guys, a Charlie Ward matchup in Ireland makes all the sense in the world.

Charlie Ward vs. Mike Shipman

It’s crazy to imagine that just under two years ago, Charlie Ward was a member of the UFC’s middleweight roster. Four knockouts later, Ward’s stock is as high as it’s ever been as a fighter. The only problem is, with a combined record of 22-21, those four opponents his knockout streak spans across tell us that we’re not sure just yet how good he’s really become.

In what would certainly be a fun fight for the local, and international fans, a matchup with Mike Shipman would be an ideal measuring tool as to just how good Charlie Ward can be.

Taylor Moore: Fight outside the promotion

While it wasn’t all downhill all the time for the promotional newcomer, Taylor Moore ultimately succumbed to strikes on the ground to the SBG centerfold Charlie Ward in round two.

Moore is 34, and has now lost his last two fights, being finished in the second round of both. Unless Bellator needs a short-notice replacement on a European card prelim, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Moore’s next appearance inside the Bellator cage.

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Bellator 221 marked the promotion’s return to the outskirts of the Windy City (to be exact) on Saturday night, bringing a massive card to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

In the main event of the evening, pundits far and wide put a certain level of expectation on the fight to the extent in which we would ultimately find out who is the greatest Bellator fighter of all time. We were treated with a conclusive ending, to some degree. Many fans took exception to the stoppage that saw Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire take the lightweight title from three-time titleholder Michael Chander, however that remains the reality. That being said, certain situations involved have created a somewhat easier task for the matchmaker. That is the very role I have taken upon myself today, as I give you my take on which fights make sense going forward for Bellator 221’s main card fighters.

Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire: AJ McKee in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix

Patricio Freire became the second man to achieve two division supremacy on Saturday night, finishing off Michael Chandler in just over 60 seconds. Now with the younger of the two pitbull brothers a dual-champ, the waters will subsequently become murky in one of those two divisions. My guess is it’s the lightweight division, as the Featherweight grand prix is set to open for business later this year. If it’s constructed the same way as the Welterweight one is (with the exception being 16 entrants) Pitbull’s belt is on the line. McKee is the only worthy first challenger at this point in time.

Michael Chandler: Adam Piccolotti

Michael Chandler’s third title reign came to an abrupt ending on Saturday, as he fell to Patricio Pitbull in his first defense since reclaiming the belt from Brent Primus in December. Chandler has pretty much fought everyone you can possibly fight in the Bellator lightweight division, including Piccolotti’s last opponent, Benson Henderson. Chandler and Piccolotti are each coming off losses, and would provide a fresh matchup for this division.

Douglas Lima: Rory MacDonald/Neiman Gracie Winner for the Bellator Welterweight Championship

Douglas Lima arguably scored the highlight of the night, starching Michael ‘Venom’ Page in the second frame of their welterweight grand prix encounter. Lima will face the winner of the June 14 collision between Rory MacDonald and Neiman Gracie, which takes place as a part of Bellator 222.

Michael Page: Andrey Koreshkov

The days in which Michael ‘Venom’ Page crushes the cans of today is now a thing of the past. Lima’s stunning knockout of Page surely instills that sentiment at this point, as Page will surely be given matchups more suited for his overall skill level. Lima’s victim one fight prior? Former champion Andrey Koreshkov. That’s a fight I would certainly like to see.

A.J. McKee: Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix

A.J. McKee continues to do what he’s done to his 13 opponents prior. Kick ass, take names, and remain undefeated. McKee should undoubtedly be next for the champion, and is ready to make the leap.

Pat Curran: Fighter in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix

Former two-time champion Pat Curran was bested by the young prospect McKee on Saturday, that fight being his 18th with the promotion. Curran had his moments, and might have needed this type of test before the tournament later this year given the lengthy layoff Curran was on the heels of.

Jake Hager: Promotional Newcomer

Former WWE star and current MMA fighter Jake Hager continued his transition inside of the Bellator cage by getting his second tap from an arm-triangle choke in as many professional outings. Hager has stated he wants to fight twice more this year, which would ultimately make him 4-0 in his first year as a professional fighter. If my read on this situation is on target, I’m going to assume they continue to lob him some more softballs.

T.J. Jones: Fight Outside The Promotion

Do I really need to explain this one in depth? I’m glad that he got some exposure, and I’m happy for him given the payday he and his family will be the beneficiary of. Whatever. That’s all good and fine. But, let’s be honest. The Jack Black stuff on social media was there for a reason. He seems like a really nice dude and all, but he has no business inside of a cage with a guy that holds the 285-pound record for pins at the University of Oklahoma. That’s just how the cookie crumbles here.

Tywan Claxton: Fighter in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix

It’s time to get some of these prospects to step up to higher quality competition. That may have been what Bellator was aiming for when they gave blue-chip prospect Tywan Claxton the Wisconsin-bred James Bennett, who entering the fight had four wins all by way of finish inside of two rounds. The fight though, was rather one-sided as Claxton imposed his will and took Bennett down repeatedly and bashed him on the ground. Claxton is ready for a step up. Let’s get him in this tournament.

James Bennett: Fight Outside The Promotion

James Bennett was not ready for a step up in competition this big. Bennett was probably expected to do at least a little better too, given a fast-finishing track record that he had himself. It’s probably not a bad idea to let him gain some more experience before considering booking him again.

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Aiemann Zahabi, the brother of great trainer Firas Zahabi, is looking to rebound from his first professional loss at UFC Ottawa. He signed with the promotion after three first-round submissions and three first-round knockouts in his first six fights. After winning in his Octagon debut by decision, Zahabi was knocked out by a spinning back elbow and did not fight in 2018.

Vince Morales was 7-1 with a five-fight stoppage streak when he got a shot on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. He was unsuccessful, losing by second-round submission. So, he fought for Bellator next time out and won. Two months later, he replaced Frankie Saenz against Yadong Song at UFC Shanghai in November. He lost by unanimous decision.

Round 1

Round one begins in this bantamweight clash as Zahabi takes the center initially, but Morales settles in with his back foot planted in the center. Zahabi lands a right hand, and circles out shortly thereafter in an attempt to pick some more shots.

Right hand lands from Morales, as the two bantamweights continue to attempt to figure the other one out. Right hand partially finds home from Morales, and a good kick to the midsection comes from Zahabi that’s punctuated with a right hand to finish off the combination.

A lot of feinting, ducking, and head movement being used by both guys here as we approach one minute to go in the opening round. More of the same follows in the final minute. The judges will have a tough time scoring this opening round. Morales looked to be the busier party by setting up more combinations. But Zahabi landed a little more efficiently.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Morales

Round 2

Round number two commences with a low kick from Zahabi starting things off. Morales takes the role of aggessor here early as he walks the Canadian down to begin things in round two. Zahabi backs the American up with a kick to the body, and Zahabi shoots but ultimately fails on a takedown attempt early in the round.

Front kick from Morales, followed by a combination that sees him land a right uppercut through the guard of Zahabi. Solid right hand lands from Morales now as the American looks to be finding a little more success converting his strikes in round two. Another uppercut lands from Morales, and Zahabi uses Morales’ attempt to close the distance shortly thereafter to his advantage and gets his first takedown of the contest.

Zahabi fails to take the back and fires a kick that partially lands as Morales scrambles back to the center to reset. Under thirty seconds to go in the round as both men look content to ride another round out without landing an effective shot. Another close round here, as it could be anyone’s fight going into the third.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Zahabi (20-18 Zahabi)

Round 3

Third and final round underway as both guys need to surmount effective offense here to stand out. Spinning back fist lands flush from Zahabi. But Morales eats it and gives a smile back to the Tri-star product. Uppercut finds home from Morales, followed by a combination that backs up Zahabi. Morales continues to be active as he fires another combination Zahabi’s way.

Zahabi wings a looping right hook that narrowly misses Morales. We are past the two minute mark in this fight. Right hand to the body from Morales. He’s consistently taken the role of aggressor for the majority of these past two rounds. Morales getting busy as he continues to land and backs Zahabi up, who temporarily had a takedown secured but lost it at the last second with Morales scrambling back up to his feet.

Morales is coming on strong here. Thirty seconds to go in the fight. Morales continues to move forward but finds no luck in finding that fight-changing shot as the horn sounds in this 135 pound contest.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Morales and scores the fight 29-28 for Morales

Vince Morales def. Aiemann Zahabi by unanimous decision (29-28×3)

Agree? #UFCOttawa pic.twitter.com/TXH6mZbmVw

— UFC (@ufc) May 4, 2019

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Bellator MMA’s frequent visitation to what many know as “The Shark Tank” is almost always synonomous with highly-anticipated fight cards. This past weekend, the SAP Center saw no different as Bellator 220 took place in San Jose, California. The fight card delivered a frenzy of finishes throughout most of the night, however, ultimately failed to deliver a climactic ending with it’s main and co-main event results leaving a lot left to be desired. That being said, certain situations involved have created a somewhat easier task for the matchmaker. That is the very role I have taken upon myself today, as I give you my take on which fights make sense gong forward for Bellator 220’s main card fighters.

Rory MacDonald: Neiman Gracie for the Bellator Welterweight Championship

Some moments were more exciting than others, but the back-and-forth nature in which Rory MacDonald and Jon Fitch fought on Saturday night ultimately materialized in a majority draw. Despite Fitch being the only one seen as a clear winner by any of the three judges, MacDonald’s status as welterweight champion of the promotion sees him propelled into the semifinals of the grand prix. MacDonald’s semifinal bout is already booked for June 14 at Madison Square Garden, where he’ll meet the undefeated jiu-jitsu prodigy Neiman Gracie.

Jon Fitch: Lorenz Larkin

Jon Fitch’s current situation is, well, just a flat out bummer. Fitch’s winning scorecard was overruled by the majority of the three on Saturday, and the fight was scored a majority draw. The fight’s overall excitement didn’t leave fans screaming for a rematch, but the championship stakes that came with it surely result in several unanswered questions. Unfortunately for Fitch, the tournament format leaves this option off the table. Fitch has lobbed the idea of retirement into open existence, however, should he opt to continue his career Lorenz Larkin makes plenty of sense for him next. Larkin currently serves as the Bellator welterweight tournament alternate after defeating Ion Pascu at Bellator 207 last November.

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane: Veta Arteaga

Bellator’s favorite Hawaiian sweetheart seemed to have met her match Saturday, as Veta Arteaga appeared to be an incredibly game opponent for Ilima-Lei Macfarlane through two rounds. In round three, Macfarlane ended up in Arteaga’s guard and landed an absolutely thunderous elbow that split her forehead wide open. The fight was stopped just moments later, and by reccomendation of the doctor Macfarlane had defended her title for the third time. An immediate rematch for Arteaga makes a lot of sense here, as she gave Macfarlane one of, if not the toughest challenge so far throughout her reign as champion.

Veta Arteaga: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane

Arteaga looked to have amounted some solid work against the champ at the beginning of the fight, making the way it had to end even more disappointing. The cut on Arteaga’s forehead was so severe, that once the referee saw an opportunity he paused the action before the doctor ultimately called the bout moments later. Macfarlane herself, as well as Scott Coker have already hinted at the notion of a rematch. In addition, astonishingly 13 of 18 women’s Flyweights on Bellator’s roster are coming off a loss, which means Bellator needs to buy some more time to develop the next worthy contender. Booking the rematch does just that.

Benson Henderson: Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire

In a high-paced, action-packed 15 minute teeter-totter of momentum, Benson Henderson ultimately reigned victorious over Adam Piccolotti by split decision. Henderson stretches a personal best win streak for the promotion to three, nearly three and a half years since his first encounter with current lightweight champion Michael Chandler. Henderson lost that fight by split decision, as well as his next fight against Patricky Pitbull. With Michael Chandler set to handle his dispute with Patricio Pitbull in just over ten days time, having Henderson and the older of the two Pitbull brothers run it back seems to make sense to determine the de facto number one contender.

Adam Piccolotti: Brent Primus-Tim Wilde Winner

Many fans were unsure of the exact level of development Adam Piccolotti had experienced coming into this fight with Henderson. Piccolotti more than held his own, having multiple opportunities to finish the fight throughout. Though many fans were calling the decision the incorrect one, Piccolotti’s failure to secure submissions throughout ultimately cost him the result he so desperately desired. Piccolotti may or may not have been on the verge of a title opportunity, and Brent Primus as a former champion of the promotion gives a good measuring stick for Piccolotti should he get past Tim Wilde this weekend in Birmingham.

Phil Davis: Lyoto Machida-Chael Sonnen Winner

Phil Davis made sure he had a quicker night at the office against Liam McGeary this time around, really showing off just how far his striking has ultimately come en route to a third round TKO of Liam McGeary. Their first bout took place in November 2016, and the improvements in Davis’ game on the feet are very noticeable at this point. The situation with Ryan Bader is light heavyweight champion is somewhat of a slippery slope, with President Scott Coker stating on the record that Bader’s next fight will take place against Cheick Kongo at Heavyweight. This division is as thin as any on Bellator’s roster and doesn’t have many options for Davis going forward. The winner of this Madison Square Garden headliner will make a lot of sense for Davis regardless if it’s the Lyoto Machida rematch or Chael Sonnen.

Liam McGeary: Melvin Manhoef-Kent Kauppinen Winner

Former champion Liam McGeary finally got back in the win column for the first time in nearly two years last December when he put Muhammed ‘King Mo’ Lawal away with strikes less than a minute into round three. Unfortunately for McGeary, he could not continue his momentum as he dropped his second in as many fights to fellow former champ Phil Davis. McGeary, like Davis, is short on options for his next fight with 205 pounds having very little depth on Bellator’s roster. A couple of fresh matchups for McGeary can be found in Melvin Manhoef and british upstart Kent Kauppinen are set to throw down on the main card of Bellator 223 on June 22 in London.

Gaston Bolaños: Promotional newcomer

Gaston Bolaños once again showed his supreme level of power at 145 pounds, scoring yet another first-round stoppage by defeating Nathan Stolen by TKO on Saturday night. The win prolonged Bolanos’ stretch to open his career with a 100% finish rate, and was his fourth finish inside the opening stanza of his six pro victories. It’s obvious the promotion sees something in Bolaños, as this fight made it back-to-back main card billings for the Peruvian-American prospect. The promotion is taking their sweet time building him up, giving him exclusively promotional newcomers up until the Stolen fight, with Stolen being 0-1 for the promotion. Bolaños is still in the early stages of his career, so I’m prompted to believe that trend will continue into his next appearance.

Nathan Stolen: Fight Outside the Promotion

Nathan Stolen seemed to find some sort of success in the initial exchanges, but ultimately fell to a left hook before being saved just moments later by the referee to avoid further damage. This was Stolen’s second fight for the promotion, and was on the heels of an opening-round submission loss to Andrew Cruz at Bellator 205 last summer. Stolen’s placement on the card was clearly predicated to Bolaños being his opponent, and having lost four of his last five you’d think Bellator might lean towards severing ties with him going forward.

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