Bellator Champions Series Dublin Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Nate Kelly (126.0) vs. Paul Nolan (125.0)

Round 1

John English will be the referee for this amateur flyweight contest, which is essentially a showcase for the 19-year-old SBG Ireland prospect Kelly, who already has appearances in Bellator and PFL under his belt. They touch gloves and the card is underway. Kelly moves forward behind a pair of kicks, and a lead high kick slips through. Kelly has another kick caught and dives on a leg and a furious scramble ensues. Kelly assumes top position and moves to full mount, grapevining the legs of his opponent. Kelly smacks Nolan with some annoying open palm strikes before transitioning to the back when his Irish foe attempts to scramble. Nolan controls the wrists well, but another scramble is underway in short order. Once again, Kelly is one step ahead, and he locks in an armbar as the combatants roll on the canvas. Kelly goes belly down near the fence and applies the pressure. Nolan taps frantically and this one is over.

The Official Result

Nate Kelly def. Paul Nolan via Submission (Armbar) R1 1:49

Michelle Montague (143.7) vs. Karolina Sobek (145.9)

Round 1

Montague will make her Bellator debut after picking up a pair of wins under the PFL banner last year. Sobek is also making her first Bellator appearance after going 0-2 during the 2023 PFL season. John English will oversee the featherweights. Sobek takes the center and counters a leg kick. Montague lands a right but Sobek tags her in return. Montague ducks under a punch and briefly gets the Pole down. Sobek works her way up, but Montague is attached to the back and powers her to the floor. Sobek stands again and looks to separate the hands. Montague brings a knee up to the face while keeping her grip. Another knee up high for “The Wild One” before she drags Sobek back down. This time, Montague gets one hook in. She remains patient, gets the second hook in and lands some ground-and-pound before locking in the rear-naked choke. It’s deep pretty quickly, and Sobek has no choice but to tap. Montague is perfect in five professional outings, with all of those victories coming via rear-naked choke.

The Official Result

Michelle Montague def. Karolina Sobek via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:41

Shinobu Ota (135.6) vs. Roger Blanque (132.9)

Round 1

Japan’s Ota makes his first Bellator foray after compiling a 6-3 mark in Rizin. Spain’s Blanque had an 0-3 stint in Combate Global before picking up a win on the regional scene in his last outing. Michael Bell will be the third man in the cage. They touch gloves and get to work. Ota catches a kick and dumps his man to the canvas. Ota finds an opening and dive’s into Blanque’s guard. Ota slides his man to the fence and Blanque works his legs up. Blanque doesn’t have space to do anything. Ota stands, lands a right and then clears his opponent’s legs. Ota is hunting for a brabo choke. Blanque rolls to his back, and he’s now ensnared in a north-south choke. The Spaniard is struggling, desperately walking his legs from side to side as the squeeze tightens. Blanque fights the maneuver for as long as he can before tapping emphatically. Ota has his third consecutive triumph, and he punctuates it with a backflip in the cage.

The Official Result

Shinobu Ota def. Roger Blanque via Submission (North-South Choke) R1 2:18

Sarvarjon Khamidov (136.0) vs. Marcirley Alves da Silva (135.1)

Round 1

Tajikstan’s Khamidov takes a 15-0 mark — including two finishes in Bellator — into this matchup against da Silva, a former Jungle Fight champion on a three-bout knockout streak. Dan Miragliotta gets his first assignment of the evening for this clash. They touch gloves and Khamidov opens with a low kick. Khamidov follows a left hook with a shot, but da Silva denies it. They clin in the center of the cage, and Khamidov lands a knee before shoving his foe to the fence. Khamidov stays busy with knees to the thighs. Not much else happening from this position, as Khamidov maintains control. Da Silva is able to use an underhook and turn his man into the fence. Khamidov powers his man down and works to the back as the Brazilian stands. Khamidov with knees to the thighs as he holds on to a body lock. Khamidov is content to keep grinding away, kneeing the thighs and keeping the body lock while burning clock. Khamidov grapevines da Silva’s leg, but the fence is preventing Khamidov from getting his other hook in. Stiil, he gradually works da Silva to the mat and settles into half guard with 15 seconds to go. The round ends with Khamidov on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov

Round 2

Da Silva stalks and lands a left in an exchange. The Brazilian denies a takedown from Khamidov. Undeterred, Khamidov shoots again and puts da Silva on his back. Khamidov floats over his opponent’s guard, but da Silva scrambles up. However, Khamidov bowls him over near the fence in a matter of seconds. Khamidov is in half guard, looking to work his way to the back as da Silva attempts to stand near the fence. Khamidov has one hook in, making the Brazilian carry his weight. He gets both hooks in and drags da Silva to the floor. Khamidov is now on the back with a little less than two minutes with which to work. Khamidov transitions to a body triangle and drives some chopping blows to the ribs. Khamidov continues to pepper his foe with strikes, hoping to create an opening for a choke. Da Silva avoids getting submitted, but he ends the frame absorbing punches to the head and body.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov

Round 3

Da Silva fires off a couple probing jabs. Khamidov goes upstairs with a head kick, but da Silva’s guard is in place. Khamidov fires off a right hand. After another exchange, Khamidov drops low for a single leg and da Silva is on his back once again, a little more than a minute into the round. Khamidov utilizes heavy shoulder pressure while working in the Brazilian’s guard. Khamidov works methodically from above, maintaining position while navigating da Silva’s guard. Da Silva briefly threatens with a kimura, but Khamidov shuts it down in a hurry. Khamidov isn’t attempting to pass guard or threaten with submissions, but he’s negating any offense from his opponent as time ticks off the clock. Da Silva tries to stay active with punches from his back, but none are particularly damaging as Khamidov rides out what should be a clear-cut victory from top position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov (30-27 Khamidov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov (30-27 Khamidov)
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Khamidov (30-27 Khamidov)

The Official Result

Sarvarjon Khamidov def. Marcirley Alves da Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Khasan Magomedsharipov (145.8) vs. Tyler Mathison (146.0)

Round 1

Russia’s Magomedsharipov is perfect across nine professional outings, including four in Bellator MMA. He’s a heavy favorite against journeyman Mathison, who has appearances in LFA, Fury FC and CFFC to his credit. Jacob Montalvo will officiate the proceedings. Magomedsharipov opens up with a spinning back kick to the body and he follows up with a quick overhand right. Magomedsharipov changes levels and pushes Mathison into the fence. Magomedsharipov with a shoulder strike against the cage as Mathison fights to keep his feet. Magomedsharipov has a body lock and looks to drag down Mathison, who gets away with a cage grab. Mathison looks to separate the hands, but Magomedsharipov dumps him. Mathison is back up to a knee. Magomedsharipov lands a couple lefts to the head as he continues his grinding approach. Magomedsharipov lands some knees to the thigh and rear of his opponent. The Russian gets Mathison’s attention with a short elbow. Magomedsharipov pulls Mathison away from the fence and executes a mat return. The American gets up, but Magomedsharipov is just weighing on him. Magomedsharipov gets one hook in and lands a couple left to the head. Magomedsharipov gets the other hook in momentarily, and looks for a Suloev stretch, but Mathison defends nicely. Mathison finally turns to face Magomedsharipov, but there’s only 15 seconds left. They end the frame in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov

Round 2

Mathison pressures early. Magomedsharipov feints a knee and Mathison lands a right before they engage. Magomedsharipov turns Mathison around and shoves him into the fence. Mathison reverses position as they battle in the clinch against the cage. Mathison throws some knees to the midsection. Magomedsharipov separates and Mathison wades forward with punches. Another spinning back kick to the body lands for Magomedsharipov and Mathison nods in acknowledgement. Moments later he takes Mathison down and transitions to his back. Magomedsharipov has a body triangle secured and half a round with which to work. Mathison is fighting off Magomedsharipov’s hands, but he’s stuck in a defensive position. Magomedsharipov stays busy enough with short punches to the head and body while also covering his opponent’s mouth on occasion. The round ends with the Russian in complete control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov

Round 3

Mathison will have to get to work if he’s to shift momentum. Magomedsharipov denies a takedown and turns his man into the fence. They separate and Magomedsharipov lands a right. Another spinning back kick to the body from the Russian. Magomedsharipov closes the distance and shoves Mathison to the fence. Mathison turns his foe around and lands short punches to the thighs and body. Mathison with a nice uppercut in close quarters before they return to space. Magomedsharipov moves fowward behind front kicks to the body, an elbow and a hook to the body. Mathison might’ve been hurt by the body work and he clinches with Magomedsharipov against the fence. Mathison throws some short knees but it’s mostly a stalemate here, and Montalvo wants to see more action. Mathison keeps Magomedsharipov’s back to the fence, and the Russian lands a couple knees. The featherweights continue to jockey for position and Montalvo orders them to break with 45 seconds to go. Magomedsharipov gets flashy in the waning seconds, launching multiple spinning attacks, including a jumping spinning kick that draws a smile from his opponent. Magomedsharipov closes out the performance with one final takedown to end the fight on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov (30-27 Magomedsharipov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov (30-27 Magomedsharipov)
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov (30-27 Magomedsharipov)

The Official Result

Khasan Magomedsharipov def. Tyler Mathison via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Nathan Kelly (145) vs. Jose Sanchez (148.8)

Round 1

SBG Ireland’s Kelly has won 10 fights in a row, finishing all but two of those. Spain’s Sanchez will be making his second Bellator appearance after falling to Khasan Magomedsharipov in February 2022. Michael Bell will be the third man in the cage. The crowd is into this one, cheering and chanting for the hometown favorite. Sanchez pressures and partially lands an overhand. Kelly counters a kick with a jab and then lands a leg kick. Kelly walks Sanchez down, denies a level change and shoves Sanchez into the fence. Kelly is able to twist Sanchez to the canvas and he lands in half guard. Kelly maintains heavy pressure from above. Sanchez turns and looks for a kimura, but nothing is there. Sanchez tries to push off the fence, and that allows Kelly to quickly transition to his back. Sanchez defends the rear-naked choke nicely, but Kelly transitions to top position and drops a series of elbows. Sanchez creates space with his legs looks for a takedown of his own. Kelly defends but Sanchez keeps the pressure on. Just when it looks like Sanchez has turned the tide, he leaves his neck exposed. Kelly capitalizes, securing a ninja choke. It’s tight, and Sanchez taps in a matter of moments. Kelly has won 11 straight fights.

The Official Result

Nathan Kelly def. Jose Sanchez via Submission (Ninja Choke) R1 3:42

Kasum Kasumov (135.9) vs. Matheus Mattos (136.0)

Round 1

Russia’s Kasumov has won five straight, including a split-decision triumph over Josh Hill in his Bellator debut. Mattos’ only two defeats in 17 pro outings came against Magomed Magomedov and Petr Yan, but he’s currently on a two-fight winning streak. Jacob Montalvo is the referee. Kasumov makes Mattos stumble with a low kick. Mattos wings heavy punches. The Brazilian stuffs a takedown and shoves his man away. Mattos clinches behind a right hand and pushes Kasumov into the cage. Kasumov turns him around and drops for a single leg. Mattos defends, keeping his hips heavy. Mattos tries to jump on the back, but he is out of position and slides off the top. Mattos gets off the fence and they’re at striking range. Mattos wings a couple heavy punches before Kasumov forces the clinch and gets the Brazilian down near the fence. Mattos threatens with a triangle from his back. Kasumov defends and draws blood with a short elbow inside his foe’s guard. Mattos gives up his back in order to stand. It’s short-lived, as Kasumov executes a mat return and drops some punches. Mattos is framing a triangle again, but he might be too close to the fence. He lets it go and tries to work his way up. They scramble up and Mattos lands a jumping knee in space. Both men are cut. They trade and both men land some heavy shots. They trade in the closing seconds, with both men landing their share.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Mattos
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Mattos

Round 2

Kasumov takes out Mattos’ leg and follows him to the canvas. Mattos is hunting for a leg lock, but Kasumov spins around to take the back. Mattos rolls and Kasumov moves inside his foe’s full guard. Mattos appears to be holding on to a guillotine, but Kasumov in turn applies shoulder pressure for a potential Von Flue. Both men give up on that, but Kasumov drops a hard elbow from above. Kasumov stays busy with short punches from top position, mixing in the occasional elbow. Mattos’ guard is not as active as it was a round ago. Kasumov tries to pass to side control, but Mattos regains guard. Mattos fishes for a guillotine, but Kasumov isn’t in any serious danger. Mattos gets a little more urgent with about a minute to go. Kasumov is able to regain top position, though, and he drives his shoulder into Mattos’ neck. Kasumov lands some more ground-and-pound as Mattos scrambles before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov

Round 3

Kasumov with a couple lead hooks and Mattos whiffs on some heavy hooks. Kasumov shifts gears and takes Mattos down near the fence. Kasumov has a body lock, making Mattos carry his weight. Mattos stands and tries to step over to the back, but Kasumov slams him down instead. Kasumov is working from half guard, looking for openings to land punches. Mattos scoots to a seated posiiton and get to a knee before standing. Kasumov still has the body lock, however, and he executes a mat return, pulling him away from the fence. Kasumov grinds away , landing periodic ground-and-pound while keeping heavy top pressure. Once again, Mattos is struggling to initiate scrambles as well as he did in the opening round. More ground-and-pound lands for the Russian, who mixes up his strikes to the head and body. With about a minute left, Mattos kicks his man off of him, but he is unable to explode to his feet, and Kasumov assumes top position again. Mattos stands against the fence, and Kasumov pulls the Brazilian on top of him for a moment. Mattos’ attempt to transition to the back fails, and Kasumov ends the fight on top. It's a victory that will, at least in theory, assure Kasumov of the No. 1 contender spot in Bellator at bantamweight.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov (30-27 Kasumov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov (29-28 Kasumov)
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Kasumov (29-28 Kasumov)

The Official Result

Kasum Kasumov def. Matheus Mattos via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Darragh Kelly (155.7) vs. Mathias Poiron (155.1)

Round 1

SBG Ireland product Kelly will have the crowd behind him as he looks to improve to 6-0. The Frenchman Poiron is coming off his first professional defeat on the regional scene in January. Dan Miragliotta will officiate the first main card bout of the evening. Kelly moves forward behind a left hook. Poiron misses on a combination. They clinch and trade knees, but it doesn’t take long for Kelly to lock up a guillotine when Poiron leaves his neck exposed. Poiron is safe for now as he drives Kelly into the fence for a takedown. However, Poiron is still leaving his neck exposed, and Kelly takes advantage. They stand and Kelly jumps guard. Poiron attempts to slam his way out of the choke, but it’s still tight as they go to the canvas. Poiron is hanging on to consciousness, at least momentarily. After a few half-hearted punches, the Frenchman goes limp and Miragliotta waves off the contest.

The Official Result

Darragh Kelly def. Mathias Poiron via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 1:29

Norbert Novenyi Jr. (185.8) vs. Dalton Rosta (185.1)

Round 1

The unbeaten Hungarian Novenyi, known for his karate style, has finished his last three Bellator outings. The American Top Team-trained Rosta, meanwhile, will attempt to rebound from his first career defeat — a decision loss to Aaron Jeffery at Bellator 298. Bryan Miner gets the referee assignment for this middleweight tilt. Novenyi rushes out from his corner and attacks. Rosta drives Novenyi into the fence and digs an uppercut to the body. Novenyi turns off the fence and separates. He circles on the outside and leaps in with a punch. Rosta catches him and powers him into the fence, briefly dumping Novenyi down. Rosta lands a knee to the gut when his foe stands. Novenyi is able to separate and quickly launches a flying knee. He’s caught in midair and Rosta plants him on the canvas again. Novenyi works his way up and Rosta gets the mat return. Rosta defends against a kneebar, but Novenyi is active with his guard, offering threats of a triangle and an armbar. Rosta powers through it all and gets to half guard. A short elbow lands for the American. Rosta adds a few right hands. Novenyi is up to a knee as Rosta drives him into the cage. Novenyi is up, but Rosta still has his hands connected. Rosta lifts and slams Novenyi, who rolls through. In the ensuing scramble, Rosta’s power wins out and he’s in half guard dropping elbows and punches. The round ends with a few more shots from Rosta from above.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosta
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Rosta
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Rosta

Round 2

Novenyi stalks Rosta at the outset, but Rosta backs him up with heavy punches. Novenyi misses an overhand and Rosta taunts him. Rosta changes levels under a punch and shoves Novenyi into the cage. Novenyi breaks free quickly and throws a jab before Rosta forces the clinch. He pushes the Hungarian back into the wire. Rosta drops low and switches to a single leg to drag his foe off the fence. Novenyi breaks free and returns to center cage. This time it’s Novenyi who ducks under a punch and tries for a takedown. He’s got a body lock, as Rosta peppers him with punches and elbows with his free arm. Rosta breaks the grip and shoves Novenyi into the cage. They separate again and Rosta is stalking his opponent. Rosta rocks Novenyi with a three-punch combination before shooting for another takedown. Novenyi defends against the fence and circles away. Novenyi feints a knee and moves in behind an elbow over the top. They clinch briefly and separate again before Rosta shoots under a spinning attack. Rosta connects his hands and gets Novenyi down near the fence. Novenyi stands quickly and circles out. Rosta ducks under an overhand from Novenyi, who sprawls on a takedown at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosta
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Rosta
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Rosta

Round 3

Novenyi moves in behind a straight right and a jab. Rosta pressures and sneaks an uppercut through. Rosta throws a high kick and slips to his back. Novenyi tries to take advantage, but Rosta is up in a hurry. Novenyi appears to hurt Rosta with an elbow in close quarters and Novenyi secures a rear body lock. Novenyi tees off with an elbow and more punches, prompting Rosta to shoot out of desperation. Novenyi is teeing off with punches and elbows from top position. He can sense that Rosta is fading. Rosta clings to a leg, but there’s three minutes remaining for Novenyi to work. Novenyi frees himself and fires more punches. Novenyi fires a jab with Rosta on his knees, knocking his foe back to the canvas. Novenyi urges Rosta to his feet, and the American is labored as he stands. Novenyi sprawls on a takedown and tags Rosta with more punches. Rosta stands and is wobbled by an elbow behind the ear. Rosta clings to a leg on another desperation takedown. Novenyi shoves him down and dives into Rosta’s guard. Novenyi drops some big elbows before standing up. Rosta eats a knee and they clinch. Rosta is somehow able to dig deep to shove Novenyi into the fence. They separate, and Rosta ducks under a wild punch from Novenyi. Rosta drops low and Novenyi tries to free himself from his adversary's grip. Novenyi lands an elbow on the break. Rosta stumbles forward in the waning seconds with a combination, but Novenyi elects not to counter as time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Novenyi (29-28 Rosta)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Novenyi (29-28 Rosta)
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Novenyi (29-28 Rosta)

The Official Result

Dalton Rosta def. Norbert Novenyi Jr. via Majority Decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Sinead Kavanagh (146.0) vs. Arlene Blencowe (145.4)

Round 1

This is a rematch of a Bellator 182 clash in August 2017, which Blencowe won via split decision. Jacob Montalvo will oversee the rematch. Blencowe lands an inside leg kick. Both featherweights land heavy punches in an exchange. Kavanagh with a jab. Blencowe lands a right and Kavanagh misses a massive left hook. A right gets through for “Angerfist” and Kavanagh resets. Kavanagh with a leg kick. Both women swing big and miss. Kavanagh works behind her jab. Kavanagh connects with an inside leg kick. A left hook lands from Kavanagh at the end of a combination. Kavanagh fires off multiple jabs to keep Blencowe at bay. Blencowe with a push kick to the knee. Kavanagh lands a low kick. Just when Kavanagh seems to be on her way to banking the round, Blencowe drops the Irishwoman with a right hand as she backs away. Blencowe dives into top position but can’t capitalize before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Blencowe
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Blencowe
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Blencowe

Round 2

Kavanagh lands a right early. Blencowe with an inside leg kick. Kavanagh lands a right. Blencowe checks a low kick. Both women land lead hooks in an exchange. A left hook for Kavanagh connects. Blencowe just misses a counter right. Blencowe with a lead left hook that partially lands. Blencowe counters a Kavanagh combo with a left hand. Moments later, a big right hand to the chin sends Kavanagh crashing to the canvas. Blencowe follows her to the canvas and unleashes ground-and-pound from side control. When Kavanagh stands, Blencowe secures a guillotine choke. “Angerfist” runs her foe into the fence and applies the squeeze, forcing Kavanagh to tap. Blencowe is now 2-0 against her Irish rival.

The Official Result

Arlene Blencowe def. Sinead Kavanagh via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 3:02

Paul Hughes (155.7) vs. Bobby King (156.0)

Round 1

Hughes was one of the hottest free agents in the sport before electing to sign with PFL/Bellator, and the former Cage Warriors champion will get to make his debut in front of a raucous Irish crowd. He’ll face 40-year-old Hawaiian veteran Bobby King, who hasn’t been finished under the Bellator banner. Bryan Miner will be the referee for this lightweight affair. King leaps in with a push kick to begin the fight. Hughes makes King stumble with a low kick. A counter punch scores a flash knockdown for King. Hughes pops right back up and seems to be OK. Another calf kick lands for Hughes. King lands a nice left hook counter to a low kick. Hughes closes the distance and pushes King into the fence. Hughes lands a knee and a combination on the break. Another calf kick nearly makes King lose his balance. They’re trading in the pocket. Hughes with a high kick before forcing the clinch. Hughes lands a knee to the midsection. Hughes just misses an elbow on the break and then King lands a combination in the pocket. King goes on the offensive and lands a combination before Hughes forces another clinch. Hughes with some short shots to the face in the clinch. King lands a knee with his back to the fence. Hughes answers with an elbow on the break. King lands a right. King ends the competitive frame with a three-punch combination.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Hughes

Round 2

King lands a straight right hand. The Hawaiian follows with a combination, then a jab to the body. King is pressuring with volume, but Hughes answers with a high kick. Hughes grabs a leg and forces King to the fence. He transitions to a body lock and gets a relatively easy takedown against the cage. Hughes is in half guard, where he’s looking to find openings for elbows. King tries to create space with his legs, but Hughes hovers and then dives back into half guard. The Irish prospect drops another hard elbow before briefly considering an arm triangle. King defends, but Hughes is able to pass to side control. Hughes continues to drop elbows from side control. Hughes opens up with more elbows and punches, this time increasing the intensity of the attack, and King is badly cut. Sensing the end is near, “Big News” continues his assault, teeing off with more punches and elbows until Miner steps in to save King. Hughes has his sixth consecutive triumph and his first under the Bellator banner.

The Official Result

Paul Hughes def. Bobby King via TKO (Punches and Elbows) R2 4:50

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight:
Jason Jackson (169.9) vs. Ramazan Kuramagomedov (169.8)

Round 1

After an uneven start to his professional career, Jackson is at his peak: The reigning welterweight king has won eight straight fights dating back to December 2019. Dagestan’s Kuramagomedov is the next man up, bringing a perfect 12-0 mark into his championship opportunity. Dan Miragliotta will be the referee for this main event bout. Jackson lands a few uppercuts in close during an exchange before clinching with his opponent. Jackson knees the thighs, but Kuramagomedov lands a short elbow on the break. An inside low kick lands for Kuramagomedov. Jackson looks for a body shot, then backs off and fires a long 1-2. Kuramagomedov shoots for a takedown against the fence and puts Jackson on his seat. He grapevines his legs around Jackson’s, whose back is against the cage. Kuramagomedov keeps the pressure on and lands a right hand. Jackson is neutralized in this position. “The Ass Kicking Machine” briefly clears his legs, but Kuramagomedov quickly regains the position. Heavy head pressure from Kuramagomedov, but he’s not landing a lot of offense from this position. With 15 seconds left, Jackson finally stands. Kuramagomedov shoots and Jackson defends until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov

Round 2

Jackson moves forward behind a 1-2, and Kuramagomedov answers with a right hand. Jackson can’t find the range on a right. Jackson is attacking with straight punches early. Kuramagomedov answers and then shoots, but Jackson is able to sprawl and disengage. Kuramagomedov has a body kick blocked. Kuramagomedov with a pair of low kicks. Kuramagomedov changes levels but Jackson is able to turn the Dagestani into the fence. They separate and go back to the center of the cage. A hard inside low kick lands for Kuramagomedov. Jackson struggles to find his range, and they crash into the clinch. Time is called after Jackson loses his hair tie. Kuramagomedov lands a front kick up the middle. Kuramagomedov fires off a couple standing side kicks. A low kick from Kuramagomedov makes Jackson stumble into his takedown, and the Dagestani defends. Jackson moves in and connects with a left hook. Another inside low kick lands for Kuramagomedov. Jackson can’t find the range on his right hand. Kuramagomedov again lands the inside low kick. Kuramagomedov closes the frame with a side kick to the face.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov

Round 3

Jackson comes out with aggression, looking to land his right hand. Jackson connects with a right as Kuramagomedov moves into range. Kuramagomedov goes back to the inside leg kick and it’s still effective. Kuramagomedov switches stances and lands another leg kick. The welterweights clinch and Jackson lands a knee in close. Kuramagomedov answers with one of his own. They separate and Jackson rushes forward with a combination. Kuramagomedov eludes it and briefly shoves Jackson into the cage. Kuramagomedov continues to land well with the inside leg kick. Kuramagomedov follows a low kick with a two punch combination. A counter left catches Jackson coming in. Jackson is struggling to find openings to land offense. Kuramagomedov backs his foe up with a push kick. Kuramagomedov tes off with hooks as Jackson backs up against the fence. Jackson is cut near the eye, and that’s further hindering his approach. Kuramagomedov ends the round on cruise control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Kuramagomedov

Round 4

Jackson has some work to do in the championship rounds if he’s going to retain his title. Kuramagomedov goes back to the well with an inside low kick. Jackson sticks a jab and backs Kuramagomedov into the fence. Jackson pressures and lands a glancing right. Jackson shoots for a takedown and he drives Kuramagomedov into the fence. The Dagestani is on a knee against the fence. Jackson, with his opponent’s right leg wrapped up, lands some short right hands from this position. Jackson stays busy with more short shots here. Kuramagomedov is now bleeding from the nose. Jackson is thinking about a guillotine, but Kuramagomedov is not in danger. Suddenly, Jackson gets his hips in and squeezes on the choke. Kuramagomedov is fine, so Jackson wisely lets go. He’s still in a dominant position. He adjusts his grip and tries the choke again. It’s not there, so Jackson powers his foe to his back. Kuramagomedov is back to a seated position, and Jackson digs the body with a punch. Jackson again goes back to the choke. Kuramagomedov scrambles and recovers guard. The Dagestani eats some elbows to the side of the head before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Jackson

Round 5

Kuramagomedov opens the round with more inside leg kicks. Jackson whiffs on a right and the welterweights clinch. Jackson shoves his main into the fence and lands a takedown. Kuramagomedov tries a guillotine but he doesn’t have Jackson in his guard so he relents. Now we’re back in the same position as the previous round, with Jackson wrapping up one of his foes legs against the fence. Jackson is threatening with a brabo choke as Kuramagomedov is on a knee near the fence. Jackson lets it go in hopes of spinning around to the back. Instead, Kuramagomedov escapes and they struggle for position. Jackson sprawls on a takedown, and keeps a front headlock position. Jackson needs a finish of some kind after likely dropping the first three rounds. Jackson denies Kuramagomedov’s takedown and elects to keep the front headlock with about a minute to go. Kuramagomedov finally stands and turns Jackson into the fence. “The Ass Kicking Machine defends a takedown. Kuramagomedov resets and lands a knee before shooting again. Jackson is defending as time winds down. Jackson tries for a desperation guillotine in the waning seconds, but Kuramagomedov isn’t threatened as the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (48-47 Kuramagomedov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (48-47 Kuramagomedov)
Christian Stein scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (48-47 Kuramagomedov)

The Official Result

Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Jason Jackson via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) R5 5:00