Bellator 292 ‘Nurmagomedov vs. Henderson’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Theo Haig (184.2) vs. Adam Wamsley (185)

Round 1

Your referee for the opening bout is Jonathan Romero. Haig, who has a tremendous mullet, comes out swinging with some huge overhand punches and secures a takedown. During a scramble, Haig stands up and looks for a guillotine choke but gives up on it. Wamsley is able to land some solid knees in the clinch but Haig gets another takedown after they separate. Haig moves into half-guard and then locks in a kimura. Wamsley is able to get back to the feet and begins firing punches. Another takedown from Haig but it wasn't set up and gets stuffed. Wamsley goes for a takedown of his own but Haim jumps for a guillotine choke. It's locked in and Wamsley taps out.

The Official Result

Theo Haig def. Adam Wamsley via Submission (Guillotine Choke); R1, 3:01.

Laird Anderson (146) vs. Rogelio Luna (144.8)

Round 1

Herb Dean is your referee. After a tepid opening, Anderson lands a jumping knee and uses the momentum to take down Luna. Anderson is able to move from half-guard to mount. Luna tries to buck him off but Anderson takes the back and begins looking for a rear-naked choke. Luna survives the attempt but Anderson is still on the back. Another rear-naked choke is secured and Luna isn't able to even tap as he goes out clean. Herb Dean notices and waves the fight off.

The Official Result

Laird Anderson def. Rogelio Luna via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke); R1, 2:41.

Julius Anglickas (205.8) vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (205.8)

Round 1

Jonathan Romero is the referee for this light heavyweight fight. Yagshimuradov is throwing wildly to mixed success. Anglickas is walking down his opponent but not throwing much. Yagshimuradov continues to be the more aggressive fighter despite backing up. A right hand lands for Yagshimuradov, which hurts Anglickas and forces him to move backward. Yagshimuradov has found his range and is constantly touching Anglickas, who doesn't seem to have a good counter for what he's seeing. Yagshimuradov keeps stepping in and landing, although Anglickas has once again taken the center of the cage. Yagshimuradov goes for a takedown but it is easily shucked off. An uppercut for Yagshimuradov lands but Anglickas eats it well. A spinning wheel kick is thrown by Yagshimuradov, who is quite confident. Yagshimuradov goes for a takedown and lifts Anglickas into the air to punctuate the round before it ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov

Round 2

Yagshimuradov is once again backing up and circling as Anglickas takes the center. Some good leg kicks land for Anglickas. Yagshimuradov continues to land on the feet with his jab in particular finding a spot with regularity. A solid straight right lands for Yagshimuradov. Anglickas is having a better round but is still too inactive with his punches. Yagshimuradov gets tagged by a counter but eats it well. Anglickas walks into another jab but is able to answer with a straight right. Yagshimuradov having success stepping in with a punch but is never throwing more than a single two-punch combination. A poor takedown attempt by Yagshimuradov is stuffed by Anglickas. A takedown for Yagshimuradov lands with seconds left in the round and he ends it on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Anglickas
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov

Round 3

Anglickas comes out throwing out his jab to start Round 3. He starts finding Yagshimuradov more than he has over the first two rounds. Anglickas goes for a takedown but isn't able to switch levels and just sort of runs into his opponent. Yagshimuradov is throwing telegraphed power shots that aren't finding their mark, having clearly slowed. Anglickas is working his jab and is walking down his opponent well in the final round. A left hand lands for Yagshimuradov but he has no energy to follow up the strike. An uppercut lands for Yagshimuradov, who then gets an overhand right but it doesn't seem to hurt Anglickas. Yagshimuradov is starting to feel himself and has a renewed confidence after a rough start of the round. Two minutes remain. Anglickas is still finding success with his jab but not much else. Yagshimuradov throws a head kick and both men don't have much steam with 90 seconds left. Yagshimuradov goes for a takedown and lifts Anglickas into the air before slamming him down. Yagshimuradov is working in guard and landing some solid elbows, one of which cuts Anglickas by his right eye. Time expires with Yagshimuradov in control.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov (30-27 Yagshimuradov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov (29-28 Yagshimuradov)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Yagshimuradov (30-27 Yagshimuradov)

The Official Result

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Julius Anglickas via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Tony Johnson (184.8) vs. Khalid Murtazaliev (186)

Round 1

Jason Herzog is the third man inside the cage. Murtazaliev takes the center of the cage and is controlling the cage early on. Very tepid start as Johnson missed with a high kick. Murtazaliev finally lands a nice kick ... but it is a low blow and the fight is paused. Murtazaliev is warned and the fight is then restarted. They exchange body kicks and Murtazaliev charges forward for a takedown. Murtazaliev gets his opponent down and then controls the arm of his opponent. Murtazaliev starts landing knees from side control while still controlling the arm of Johnson. After a minute, Johnson works his way back to his feet, although Murtazaliev still has control of the body. The round ends with them both clinched against the feet.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev

Round 2

Johnson works his jab and lands a straight right. Murtazaliev is circling around, waiting for a moment to strike. Neither man has thrown much 90 seconds in. Murtazaliev goes for a takedown and secures it. Johnson gets guard but Murtazaliev passes it a few seconds later. Johnson backs up against the fence and tries to work his way up but is dragged away from it. Murtazaliev begins landing some knees and grabs the back of Johnson after he gets to a knee. Another takedown is secured and Murtazaliev drags Johnson to the floor with 80 seconds left. Small knees landing for Murtazaliev but not much else of note as the two men mostly grapple. Johnson is against the cage and looks to be accepting the position with 30 seconds left. Murtazaliev ends the round in half-guard and lands a few punches.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev

Round 3

Johnson is told by his corner that he needs a knockout. Johnson throwing head kicks, although he's tired and they're coming at half-speed. Murtazaliev is circling and evasive as Johnson uses more energy to minimal success. Johnson lands a body kick. Murtazaliev switches levels and takes the back of Johnson before dragging him to the canvas. Murtazaliev is in guard and landing punches with three minutes left. Johnson moves himself against the cage and tries to get up, which allows Murtazaliev to take the back. Two minutes left. Murtazaliev is controlling his foe with a waist lock and Johnson isn't really trying to get up. Murtazaliev flattens Johnson down and uses some knees to inflict damage as one minute remains. Murtazaliev moves into mount before taking the back of Johnson. Murtazaliev locks in an arm-triangle choke but is in half-guard. The round expires as Murtazaliev looks for the submission.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev (30-27 Murtazaliev)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev (30-27 Murtazaliev)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Murtazaliev (30-27 Murtazaliev)

The Official Result

Khalid Murtazaliev def. Tony Johnson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Cass Bell (145.2: Missed Weight) vs. Josh Hill (136.6)

Round 1

Edward Collantes will oversee this catchweight bout that saw Bell miss weight by an entire division. Bell throws a high kick that is blocked. Hill lands a leg kick as both stand at a distance for the opening minute. They trade low kicks and a right hand lands for Hill as Bell enters. Bell throws kicks low and then high. Hill isn't able to get around the reach advantage that Bell has and both are at a distance with Bell landing kicks. Very timid performance by both. A high kick is blocked by Hill and he clinches Bell against the cage. Hill lands several knees and then gets a takedown. Hill lands some solid punches on the ground, which should earn him the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 2

The two clinch early with Bell pushing Hill against the cage. Hill lands a solid knee and then is able to reverse position. Hill throws multiple knees but Bell switches their stance. They exchange more knees. Grueling position but very boring to watch for two minutes. They finally separate. Bell lands a solid body kick and they wind up clinched again. Hill is back to throwing knees and Bell answers with his own. Hill goes for a takedown but Bell threatens with a guillotine and they both let go. More clinch work with neither fighter separating themself from the other. The round ends with Hill landing a night right hand after they separate.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bell
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bell
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bell

Round 3

The third round starts with the two exchanging low kicks. Bell lands an oblique kick. Neither man is showing any urgency. Hill throws three punches but they all hit the air and Bell doesn't throw anything back. Hill throws an overhand right into a spinning back fist that both miss. Bell lands a leg kick and Hill answers with one of his own. Neither fighter looks like they want to win this decision with two minutes left. Bell throws a high kick and throws two jabs. Hill looks for a takedown but gives up on it before he shoots. A jab for Bell lands. They both jab the air a good bit before Hill goes for a takedown. Bell looks for a guillotine choke as the fight ends. The third round could go either way as neither did much. Terrible fight where both fighter's stock dropped.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bell (29-28 Bell)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)

The Official Result

Josh Hill def. Cass Bell via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28); R3, 5:00.

Enrique Barzola (145.2) vs. Erik Perez (145.4)

Round 1

Our final prelim is overseen by Jason Herzog. Perez opens up with a leg kick. Barzola walks into punches as he attempts to get into range. The fight is paused for an eye poke. They both fire off combinations after touching gloves. Already more action in a minute than in the entire prior fight. Perez touches Barzola with another leg kick before firing off a body kick. Barzola shoots for a takedown and secures the double leg. Barzola gets the back as Perez begins standing up against the cage. Perez gets free but Barzola shoots again. Perez locks in a guillotine before letting go and landing a knee. The body of Barzola is punished by Perez, who then fends off another takedown. Barzola goes for another takedown and Perez looks for a guillotine while on the floor but gives up on it. Barzola is on top with a minute left. Perez scrambles to his feet. The round ends with the two clinched against the cage and Barzola landing a big overhand right.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Barzola

Round 2

Barzola hurts Perez with a right hand. Barzola throws a jumping knee as Perez is backed up against the cage. A left hand lands for Barzola and he follows it up with a jab and a right uppercut. Perez is throwing back, which keeps Barzola away, but isn't doing any damage. Barzola throwing straight punches that are finding their mark. Perez eats a front kick and fires off a punch, which Barzola ducks under and uses to secure a takedown. Perez gets back to his feet and the two clinch. Barzola gets another takedown and settles into guard before taking the back of Perez. Barzola lands several punches and a knee to the body before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Barzola

Round 3

Perez lands several kicks before walking into a right hand. Barzola goes for a takedown but can't get it. A body kick for Perez lands. Barzola lands sharp punches before going for another takedown and the back of Perez. Barzola is looking for a rear-naked choke. Perez is defending well but can't get out of the position. Barzola settles for a neck crank but gives up on it. Perez sits up against the cage. Barzola scrambles and takes the back again. Perez almost gets up but Barzola uses the threat of a choke to get him back down. The fight ends with Perez getting back to his feet.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barzola (30-27 Barzola)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Barzola (30-27 Barzola)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Barzola (30-27 Barzola)

The Official Result

Enrique Barzola def. Erik Perez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Michael Page (170.8) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (170.6)

Round 1

The main card opener will be refereed by Edward Collantes. Page takes the center and opens with a low kick. Page throws another kick and Yamauchi falls to the floor. The fight is stopped as Yamauchi has been injured. A replay shows the kick taking out the knee of Yamauchi and it dislodging. Just brutal.

The Official Result

Michael Page def. Goiti Yamauchi via TKO (Leg Kick); R1, 0:26.

Valentin Moldavsky (237.4) vs. Linton Vassell (239.4)

Round 1

The heavyweight fight is overseen by Jonathan Romero. Vassell scores with a calf kick. Moldavsky is sent backing up due to a 1-2. Moldavsky charges forward and gets Vassell on the floor for a second before the British fighter gets back up. Moldavsky isn't deterred and manages to slam Vassell down to the floor on a second attempt. Moldavsky looks for a head choke and keeps Vassell grounded. Moldavsky can't keep his foe on the floor. Vassell lands a body kick. Moldavsky gets clipped by a right hand and is floored. Vassell takes mount and lands a flurry of punches before an elbow knocks Moldavsky out clean. Statement made by the 39-year-old.

The Official Result

Linton Vassell def. Valentin Moldavsky via KO (Elbows); R1, 3:03.

Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Bout:
Tofiq Musayev (155) vs. Alexandr Shabliy (154.4)

Round 1

Jason Herzog will oversee the tournament quarterfinal. Musayev lands a right hand to start the fight. The action slows down with neither throwing a punch for nearly a minute. Both men are looking to counter, which means nothing is happening. Shabliy lands two leg kicks. Both men are being booed by the crowd. Musayev eats another leg kick. 90 seconds left. Musayev throws an overhand right that is blocked. A leg kick drops Musayev as he tries to throw a punch. Shabliy eats a body kick. Both men open up and exchange with each missing. The first round ends with the pace having kicked up a bit.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shabliy
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shabliy
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Musayev

Round 2

A slow start to the round. The crowd is booing again as both men circle. Shabliy misses with a hard punch. Shabliy is able to land a 1-2 that hits Musayev. A body kick from Musayev misses. Shabliy walks in with a combination that lands. Every combination comes in spurts and there's never any sustained attack. They briefly clinch before separating. Shabliy lands a leg kick and ducks under a punch. 90 seconds remain. Both men circle. A clean right hand for Shabliy lands. They continue circling while the crowd boos.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shabliy
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shabliy
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Shabliy

Round 3

A leg kick from Shabliy goes errant and the fight is paused after Musayev is hit low. The fight is then waved off as Musayev says he can't continue. Very odd stoppage. Herzog rules the kick legal and says it touching the cup afterward was "incidental contact."

The Official Result

Alexandr Shabliy def. Tofiq Musayev via TKO (Kick); R3, 0:29.

Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Bout:
Usman Nurmagomedov (154.8) vs. Benson Henderson (154.6)

Round 1

The referee for the main event is Herb Dean. They touch gloves and Henderson opens with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov pops out his jab and lands a body kick. A question mark kick by Nurmagomedov lands cleanly and floors Henderson. Nurmagomedov takes the back and gets his hooks in. Henderson is trying to survive but is eating punch after punch. Nurmagomedov falls back and is looking for a rear-naked choke. Henderson survives and Nurmagomedov gives up on the choke but stays on the back. Nurmagomedov is raining down hammerfists and then locks in a rear-naked choke. Henderson taps and the fight is over.

The Official Result

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Benson Henderson via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke); R1, 2:37.