McKee had moved to lightweight since losing his Bellator title back to Patricio Pitbull, the man he had won it from. As a 155’er, after years of teasing a move up in weight, McKee was unbeaten through four fights, including a win over RIZIN champ Roberto de Souza.

Hughes had earned his first win under the PFL/Bellator banner in June, finishing Bobby King.

This was a major step up in competition for the young Irish standout, but one he proved to be ready for.

From the opening bell Hughes walked McKee down, forcing the former Bellator champion to fight of his back foot against the cage. McKee desperately attempted to get the fight to the ground, but Hughes showed impressive takedown defense throughout the contest. In the final thirty seconds of round one, Hughes landed a massive right hand that almost finished the fight. The first five minutes were clearly in favor of Hughes.

In round two McKee again tried for takedowns but was unsuccessful, Hughes showed patience not entering into the guard of the former champion. On the feet it was all Hughes, stalking forward with big punches. On my scorecard Hughes was ahead 2-0 entering the final round.

McKee pushed Hughes to the cage and tried to land takedowns in the clinch but was again unsuccessful. For the first time in his career McKee looked tired and stiff on the feet. Hughes out landed McKee again in the third round, finishing off an impressive performance and the biggest win of his career.

When the fight went to the scorecards most watching believed a 30-27 victory for Hughes was a forgone conclusion. To everyone’s surprise the judges in attendance scored the fight a split decision. Hughes had to overcome a scare on the cards but likely propelled himself into a title opportunity opposite Usman Nurmagomedov with this victory.

Official Result: Paul Hughes def. AJ McKee by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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If that pairing feels like an odd choice for a main event of a card this size, it’s key to note that it wasn’t truly a choice. Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards for Eblen’s middleweight title had been planned, but often as is the case in fighting, those plans took a detour, with the bout pushed back.

Instead, it’s McCourt vs. Collins, the night’s co-main event originally, topping the bill at the OVO Arena at Wembley, with the specter of Cris Cyborg looming in the distance. The Bellator women’s featherweight champ is set to face her PFL counterpart, Larissa Pacheco, later this year, but win or lose she will emerge still holding her title.

McCourt, coming off a win over Sara McMann, has been billed as a future title challenger for some time now, though upstart Collins, a perfect 5-0, will look to steal her spot on Saturday.

Where to Watch Bellator Champions Series 5

Bellator London (Bellator Champions Series 5) takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the OVO Arena at Wembley in London, England. The card airs live on streaming service MAX in the U.S., DAZN in the U.K., and Fight Network in Canada. Full results can be found below.

Bellator London: McCourt vs. Collins Results

Main Card

Sara Collins def. Leah McCourt by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:25
Simeon Powell def. Rafael Xavier by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
Luke Trainer def. Laurynas Urbonavicius by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:15
Marc Diakiese def. Tim Wilde by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Preliminary Card

Archie Colgan def. Manoel Sousa by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Mike Shipman def. Eslam Abdul Baset by KO (knee and punches), Round 2, 2:32
Joseph Luciano def. Steven Hill by submission (anaconda choke), Round 2, 1:22
Ciaran Clarke def. Tuomas Grönvall by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Darragh Kelly def. Dmytrii Hrytsenko by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

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While it’s no longer officially the grand prix final, as new owners PFL chose not to continue the tournament, it is closure for the fighters who advanced to the finals, including champ Nurmagomedov. The lightweight title holder is coming back from a doping suspension due to a tainted supplement, which saw the promotion opt to keep the belt on him rather than strip him for the infraction.

In the co-main event, veteran Lorenz Larkin found himself in a welterweight title eliminator with Georgian standout Levan Chokheli. Larkin, who had jumped to Bellator as a free agent following a successful UFC stint, had fought for gold once previously in Bellator MMA, and arguably may have been looking at his last shot at the belt – though staying active appeared to mean more to the vet.

Where to Watch Bellator Champions Series 4

Bellator San Diego (BCS 4) takes place at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The card streams live on MAX in the U.S., and DAZN elsewhere. Full results can be found below.

Bellator San Diego: Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy Results

Main card

The post Bellator San Diego: Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

“The Ass-Kicking Machine” was paired up with a credible threat in Ramazan Kuramagomedov, and it wasn’t long before the Russian had the fight to the ground, with Jackson seated against the fence. Kuramagomedov tied up the champ’s legs, leaving Jackson unable to do much more than sit up and throw short, ineffective punches. It wouldn’t be until the end of the ground that Jackson could return to his feet, and Kuramagomedov was right back on him- if Jackson’s night was to continue like that, it was going to be a long one.

Round two found Jackson showing some improvements in his takedown defense. Any time Kuramagomedov looked to change levels, Jackson retreated at an angle, rather than moving straight back. He still had to contend with the Russian’s leg kicks, however. Action was then briefly halted when Jackson’s hair tie came loose, though it was quickly rectified. Kuramagomedov turned up the heat as the round wore on, and despite champ Jackson having a better showing in the second frame, there was a big question as to whether he had done enough to win the round.

In the third round, Kuramagomedov’s inside leg kicks continued to hit their mark. While Jackson had adjusted to stymie Kuramagomedov’s takedowns for the time being, he didn’t seem to have a solution to those kicks. Jackson, meanwhile, moved forward, hands high, looking to work his jab and combos. The Russian challenger’s movement, however, meant he often wasn’t there to be hit. In a clinch with roughly 2:45 on the clock, Jackson was able to fight off another takedown attempt. Defense, however, does not score points, and Jackson soon had to scramble and use a whizzer to keep Kuramagomedov from landing his next attempt.

Jackson, who had won his title off the previously perfect Yaroslav Amosov, appeared to be getting flat-footed, struggling with range and the movement of his challenger. He would have just two rounds to solve the puzzle the Russian presented.

Jason Jackson went to the body with a punch early in round four. Kuramagomedov had his back to the fence, circling, with Jackson working to cut him off. Flipping the script, Jackson shot in for a takedown, driving Kuramagomedov into the fence. The champ tied up a leg with his own, trapping Ramazan there. If nothing else, Jackson was perhaps boosting his morale, proving he could control a fighter known for his own grappling prowess. With over two minutes on the clock, Jackson looked to grab the neck, but wasn’t in position for a guillotine. A bit of readjusting, however, and Jackson had it in, but not for long. A tired-looking Ramazan Kuramagomedov appeared to be fading just a little, however, as Jackson made a second attempt on the choke. When that didn’t work, Jackson pushed Kuramagomedov back, getting on top for a bit of ground n’ pound. Another loose guillotine attempt followed.

In round five, it was Kuramagomedov’s turn to try for a guillotine, jumping the gilly (h/t Dusin Poirier) but losing it. That allowed Jackson to get some more time on top, pursuing a d’arce choke. Jackson let go of the choke in a scramble, and Kuramgomedov got back in the driver’s seat, with half the round remaining. Another scramble, and Jackson freed himself, stuffing a takedown in the process. Jackson might have been eyeing another guillotine, and as time wore down, he may have done enough to win another round- though even with four and five in his pocket, there was a big question as to whether he had done enough to win any of the first three rounds. Jackson’s corner, at the very least, were urging him to find a finish. A final guillotine attempt in response to a Kuramagomedov takedown closed out the action, with the judges in wait.

No surprises there: as expected, all three sided with Ramazan Kuramagomedov, the new Bellator MMA welterweight champion.

Official Result: Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Jason Jackson by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

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Hughes was a big free agent pickup for the PFL (and as a result, Bellator) after the UFC’s own offer failed to impress. And while his debut wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, in the end Hughes did not fail to impress.

Bobby King chose to take the fight right to Hughes once the opening bell rang, but his first kick, a spinning attack, sailed wide. A Hughes calf kick did not, tripping up King. A moment later, a King jab sat Hughes down momentarily, though he was right back to his feet, attacking with low kicks.

From there, the pair clinched up, with Hughes putting King on the fence. King landed off the break, but Hughes returned to the clinch, driving King back. Hughes fired a knee to the body, while controlling the wrists. He fired a nasty-looking elbow off the break, but that didn’t connect, luckily for King. From there, a bit of a firefight erupted, before Hughes again tied things up.

Round two started out a little better for newcomer Hughes, as just over a minute in, he landed a key takedown. Hughes quickly looked to improve position, while landing a nasty elbow or two from the top. King couldn’t seem to find the space necessary to scramble or wall walk out.

More elbows were delivered by Hughes, who was working in half-guard looking to pass into mount. King would briefly get full guard back, but couldn’t hold on; Hughes was soon threatening to pull his leg through and more to mount, while adding more ground n’ pound. Hughes then got into side control, roughly a minute still on the clock. More smashing elbows rained down, and Bobby King was badly bloodied. Hughes let loose with a final torrent, smashing his way to victory as the ref moved in!

Official Result: Paul Hughes def. Bobby King by TKO, Round 2, 4:50

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And so it was the PFL bringing Bellator Dublin to town, with a welterweight title fight in the main event, where Jason Jackson would look to defend his belt against unbeaten Dagestani Ramazad Kuramagomedov.

Also on the card, the debut of free agent signing Paul Hughes, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champ looking to make an impact on a bigger stand. For his coming out party, he’d been booked against the always reliable Bobby King.

Sinead Kavanagh, meanwhile, found herself in a rematch with Arlene Blencowe, looking to avenge a loss and possibly secure a title shot against women’s featherweight powerhouse Cris Cyborg.

Where to Watch Bellator Dublin

Saturday, June 22, 2024 finds Bellator MMA once again at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, with the card airing on HBO MAX in the U.S., and on Fight Network in Canada. Full results can be found below. The action gets underway at 12PM ET, 9AM PT.

Bellator Dublin: Jackson vs. Kuramagomedov Results

Main Card

Welterweight: Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Jason Jackson (c) by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) – for the Bellator MMA welterweight championship
Lightweight: Paul Hughes def. Bobby King by TKO, Round 2, 4:50
Women’s Featherweight: Arlene Blencowe def. Sinead Kavanagh by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 3:02
Middleweight: Dalton Rosta def. Norbert Növényi Jr. by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight: Darragh Kelly def. Mathias Poiron by technical submission (guillotine choke), Round 1, 1:29
Bantamweight: Kasum Kasumov def. Matheus Mattos by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) – Number one contender’s bout

Preliminary Card

Featherweight: Nathan Kelly def. Jose Sanchez by submission (front choke), Round 1, 3:42
Featherweight: Khasan Magomedsharipov vs. Tyler Mathison by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Sarvarjon Khamidov vs. Marcirley Alves by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Shinobu Ota def. Roger Blanque by submission (north-south choke), Round 1, 2:18
Women’s Featherweight: Michelle Montague def. Karolina Sobek by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:41
Flyweight: Nate Kelly def. Paul Nolan by submission (arm-bar), Round 1, 1:49 – Amateur bout

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A strong showing from @jaleelwillis1. #Bellator289 @MonsterEnergy Prelims LIVE now 👇
🔗 https://t.co/Jk8YoAvXBr pic.twitter.com/r1c5uTEV4o

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 10, 2022

While the French fans were ecstatic to hear that their native star Cedric Doumbe would be competing at home once again in May, perhaps one of the most unexpectedly happy to hear the news was upcoming foe Jaleel Willis.

“The Realest” is a longtime pro with a 16-5 record that includes six fights under the Bellator banner and a handful of LFA bouts to his credit as well.  A prospect out of Tennessee, Willis made a name for himself before getting his break in late 2020 when he was signed to Bellator.  While he was immediately thrown into the deep end of the proverbial pool with fights against fellow vets Sabah Homasi, Mukhamed Berkhamov, Kyle Crutchmer, and upcoming title challenger Ramazan Kuramagomedov, the opportunity to go overseas to fight a star like Doumbe is another level entirely.

“I’m blessed up one hundred percent. I’m happy to have this opportunity. I’m trying to see what it’s like over there in Paris straight up. I am going to see the Louvre. I am going to see the Mona Lisa and everything over there. A young brother like me, we’ve never been out there. I would never have had to have gone to Paris for any reason so it’s good to go out to Paris to smash this man and I get to have a reason to go see the Louvre and take my family to go see some good **** too, know what I mean?”

To be sure, a victory over kickboxing veteran turned breakout MMA star Doumbe would be the kind of career elevating moment that would change the conversation for Willis in terms of his place in the global welterweight pecking order.  But outside of that, Willis acknowledges that this moment in elevating his career from fighting domestically to being granted the opportunity to be flown around the world is an accomplishment in itself.

“When you’re from Memphis, yeah one hundred percent.  I didn’t even think I’d get a chance to see what’s going on outside of Tennessee. My first time on an airplane was 2018.  Imagine how I’m feeling, they’re flying me to Paris to whoop some ***.  Too clutch.  I feel like I’m hitting the biggest lick of all-time.”

Jaleel Willis takes on Cedric Doumbe at Bellator Paris on May 17, 2024.

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After losing in his bid for two belts in Cage Warriors, Moore moved to Bellator and reeled off four straight wins at his usual weight of 205-lbs, earning him this title opportunity at the right time to headline in his birth city. In beating fellow UFC alumnus Phil Davis, Anderson bounced back from his duology with Vadim Nemkov, where he lost the second fight after being on his way to winning the first bout before an accidental foul resulted in a no-contest. With Nemkov vacating the belt to move up to heavyweight just as PFL bought Bellator, he too got his opportunity to fight for the belt, which he won on this third chance and became Bellator light-heavyweight champion.

When the bout began, Anderson immediately got to pressuring and putting his hands to work. The threat of the takedown helped him get an early lead in strikes, but Moore landed a few big shots that turned the tides and got the Irish faithful cheering two minutes into the first round. However the veteran turned those cheers to boos by taking down their countryman with a powerful shot. Anderson pinned Karl in half-guard for much of the rest of the round and landed short punches to secure a 10-9 on the scorecards in his favor for the first of five rounds.

Much of the second round involves Anderson holding Moore against the fence and attempting takedowns with little success. However, Moore had even less success getting offense off as his back was constantly scraping against the links of the cage.

The third round began with Anderson catching an ill-advised Karl Moore head-kick and taking down the Irishman. Moore almost finished the fight when he snatched an armbar and forced Corey to scramble out of it, but Anderson did just that and then settled back in Karl’s full-guard for most of the round. Moore got back up and got trapped in the clinch but broke free with seconds left and landed a few good strikes before the bell rang.

The championship rounds began with another early takedown from Anderson. He smushed Moore into the fence for half the round once more until Karl stood back up with the help of the fence. Little happened in the striking before Anderson got another takedown and the pattern repeated again until the round ended.

Anderson began the final round with a stunning right hand into a double leg. Moore tried to throw up subs from guard but with no success. Eventually he got back up and the pattern of the entire fight went around again. The only interesting moment of the round was the referee standing Corey up because he felt Anderson was using his head to strike Moore illegally from on top. Of course, after that he just clinched Karl again to stifle him for the rest of the fight.

The Irish crowd booed, loyal to the end despite the knowledge that their man had lost even before the scorecards were read, making Corey Anderson a champion of a major MMA promotion at long last.

Official Result: Corey Anderson def. Karl Moore by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)

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The bout had been a long time in the making, with Kennedy undertaking multiple fight camps to prepare for the Brazilian legend.

Early on there was a fair amount of feeling out, with Pitbull holding center and walking Surrey, B.C.’s Kennedy down. Kennedy fired kicks in response, while towering over the multi-time champ. Pitbull went low with a kick of his own, drawing a combination in response from Kennedy. More of those Pitbull low kicks would follow, with the champ chewing up the lead leg of the Canadian.

Round two was another patient, at times plodding round, with champ Pitbull conserving energy, picking his spots with low kicks and his right hand. Kennedy stayed on the outside, trying to avoid the leg kicks of the champion with minimal success. When Kennedy attempted to close the distance, Pitbull would quickly retreat. By the midway mark of the second, the redness on Kennedy’s lead leg was practically glowing. And when the challenger went after a takedown with just over a minute left in the frame, Pitbull briefly defended with a guillotine before grounding himself and moving back to his feet.

With just 12 seconds on the clock, a low blow would land on Pitbull, leading to a rest spot for both men.

With a solid break for both men between the low blow and time between rounds, the third felt like a fresh start. Kennedy fired a leg kick, then fired another to the body. Kennedy’s left hand followed, while the champ looked to counter. About 90 seconds in, Kennedy went on the attack as Pitbull stumbled. The champ wound up cut off an elbow, and Kennedy pressed him into the cage, looking for a takedown and firing knees.

To that point, it was the most significant moment of the fight, and had Pitbull on his heels while Kennedy continued to press. The champ did fire a right hand back that connected, which had Kennedy taking his foot off the gas; Pitbull followed with a body shot then went on the attack, firing wild before unleashing a flurry of strikes, body and head as Kennedy covered up! Pitbull continued to piece up the challenger, mixing in knees, more body work, lefts and rights up top, and finally Kennedy slumped to the floor, signaling the end!

The win snaps a two-fight skid suffered by Patricio Pitbull, the word of his career.

Official Result: Patricio Pitbull def. Jeremy Kennedy by TKO, Round 3, 4:07

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There was no need to point out the importance of the fight for these two, with a shot at champ Johnny Eblen hanging in the balance.

Early on, the pair went to work along the fence, jockeying for position. While Fabian would get his opponent to a knee, the takedown wasn’t completed, and Jeffery stood back up, getting back in the driver’s seat.

Not a lot of action through the first ninety seconds, with the ref taking a good look at the pair but allowing them to continue. Jeffery would briefly get double underhooks, and fire shoulder strikes and knees, drawing a complaint of a low blow, though the referee had them fight on.

The bit of action the did play out off the fence saw Edwards land a left, which Jeffery answered back with elbows.

Round two started off in similar fashion, but when they came off the fence, Edwards stumbled off a Jeffery kick. Fabian then changed levels to pursue a takedown, but couldn’t land it; Aaron Jeffery instead reversed position and pressed Edwards against the cage. Edwards did manage to reverse the position, but was warned for grabbing the fence.

Edwards then wisely broke, found some distance and landed his left jab once, then twice. A cut opened up on the Canadian. But Jeffery soon re-engaged, clinching up once more. Late in the round, however, Edwards managed to scale the back, getting a body lock in place and briefly riding his opponent before sliding off. Jeffery then walked forward, only to be hit with another Edwards left hand, not to mention an uppercut.

Round three saw a couple of early exchanges with Edwards once again landing his left, while Jeffery tried to tie things up. The Canadian then smashed Edwards with an upwards elbow as he closed the distance, but Edwards reversed position along the fence and landed a throw. Jeffery, however, reversed position immediately and the pair went right back to the feet.

Much of the remaining time was spent in a grinding, grappling heavy affair along the fence. With about 25 seconds left on the clock, Edwards escaped, but was quickly pressed back up into the cage once again, with Jeffery landing more knees.

The judges sided with Fabian Edwards unanimously, two rounds to one. That books him a rematch with Eblen later in the year.

Official Result: Fabian Edwards def. Aaron Jeffery by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 

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