Bellator 55 Results and Play-by-Play
Oct 22, 2011
Sherdog.com will report from the Cocopah Resort and Casino in Yuma,
Ariz., at approximately 7:00 p.m. ET with play-by-play and live
results of
Bellator 55, which features the semifinals of Bellator's Season
5 bantamweight tournament.
Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card.
Click
here for quick results.
Press F5 on your keyboard to refresh this page, as play-by-play is updated in real time.
Round 1
Veteran referee “Big” John McCarthy makes his first Bellator appearance for this opening middleweight tilt. Moore shoots in almost immediately, but Steinbeiss anticipates the takedown and tries for a guillotine as he goes down. Moore frees his head up, but it is quickly back in danger as Steinbeiss climbs his legs up and locks on a triangle choke. Moore postures up as Steinbeiss attempts to adjust the choke, and eventually succeeds in escaping. Moore attempts to pass to mount, but Steinbeiss uses an omoplata to sweep and momentarily grabs a rear waistlock as Moore stands. Moore attempts to flip out of the position, but Steinbeiss quickly regains back control. Steinbeiss gets on top and starts dropping punches on Moore, who rolls Steinbeiss’ back to the mat. Steinbeiss is able to work his arm under Moore’s chin in the waning seconds of the round, finishing with a Gable-grip rear-naked choke at the 4:52 mark.
Nick Piedmont vs. Jade Porter
Round 1
Porter comes out aggressively, pressuring Piedmont with punching combinations before initiating a clinch against the fence. Piedmont reverses position, landing knees and short punches as Porter slides along the cage, looking for a way out. Porter escapes but quickly clinches again, and is again reversed by Piedmont, who soon disengages. Porter rushes in again for the clinch before breaking off a moment later. Porter continues to charge forward with punches, landing a few and attempting a trip takedown that Piedmont quickly pops up from. Piedmont meets Porter’s aggressive knees in the clinch and a half-hearted guillotine attempt. Porter defends a late Piedmont takedown attempt with a knee to the body, but Piedmont persists and scores a bodylock takedown, dropping punches in the round’s final seconds.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Porter
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Porter
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Piedmont
Round 2
Porter rushes into the clinch once again in the round’s early going, as he and Piedmont jockey for position and exchange short shots inside. They break, and it’s obvious that Porter’s aggression has slowed down, though Piedmont can do little to take advantage outside of the occasional jab and body kick. A Piedmont takedown attempt is defended well and creates another clinch with produces little offense before they break it up. Porter rushes in with punches as Piedmont backpedals and attempts to catch him with a right uppercut and left hook. Piedmont doggedly looks for a takedown, but has no success as Porter lands a knee and a right hand. Another clinch sees little action as the round comes to a close.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Porter
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Porter
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Porter
Round 3
Piedmont attempts to keep Porter at the end of his limbs with repeated jabs and kicks, which proves effective as Porter lands little in return. Porter finally explodes and lands an overhand right on Piedmont, barreling his way into the clinch momentarily. Porter continues landing right hands, which Piedmont responds to with a failed takedown attempt. He succeeds in taking Porter’s back in a standing rear waistlock, but Porter twists around and lands a hard knee that visibly hurts Piedmont, following up with a few inline elbows. The fighters disengage, allowing Piedmont room to finally secure a successful double-leg, but he is unable to keep Porter from regaining his feet and ends the bout defending another takedown attempt.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Porter (30-27 Porter)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Porter (30-27 Porter)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Porter (29-28 Porter)
Official result: Judge Peter Rogers scores the bout 29-28, while judges Luis Cobian and Cardo Urso each score it 30-27 in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Jade Porter.
Erin Beach vs. Roscoe Jackson
Round 1
The lightweights feel each other out with feints and light kicks before Beach scores a double-leg against the fence. Beach postures up and begins to drop punches, but Jackson throws up an armbar attempt that Beach calmly defends. Beach resumes dropping punches, using them to open up a passing opportunity on Jackson’s left side, where he transitions to mount and back control in short order. Beach locks up a body triangle and a rear naked choke shortly thereafter, eliciting the tap at 3:52 of the opening round.
Edgar Garcia vs. Jacob Ortiz
Round 1
Garcia stalks early, changing his level and keeping his right hand cocked as Ortiz tries to counter from against the fence. Ortiz throws out the a variety of strikes in combination, but Garcia lands more effectively with hard single strikes, including right hands to the body and thudding low kicks. Ortiz can offer little in return, and is contented to circle away, switch stances and shoot half-heartedly. Garcia continues to play with his food, but eventually pays for his hubris: Ortiz jumps in with a massive overhand right that drops Garcia face-first to the mat, giving Ortiz the knockout win at 4:06 of round one.
Richard Hale vs. Carlos Flores
Round 1
Flores attempts to bull-rush into the clinch, but Hale easily steps aside, landing a pair of knees in the Thai plum before a crushing straight right hand puts Flores’ lights out. Flores hits the mat face-first and referee Jason Herzog waves it off after just 18 seconds.
Ricardo Tirloni vs. Steve Gable
Round 1
Tirloni chops at Gable’s lead leg with kicks to the outside before the lightweights clinch up. Gable presses the Brazilian into the fence, but it’s Tirloni landing hard knees while Gable digs for the single-leg. Tirloni scores with another knee upon exit which doubles Gable over, and Gable ties up along the cage again. Gables lands pecking knees to the thigh of Tirloni, who returns fire to Gable’s body. Tirloni breaks off with another knee to the face, sprawls on a shot from Gable and winds up in top position. Tirloni works to pass Gable’s half-guard, thinks about a brabo choke and gives it up. Gable gets to his knees and drives forward with a single-leg. He turns it into a double, but Tirloni defends well, lands another knee. Gable wades in to clinch and Tirloni drills him with a knee to the head and one to the ribs.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tirloni
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tirloni
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Tirloni
Round 2
It’s back to the clinch early in the second, Gable pushing Tirloni into the cage while Tirloni lands some knees inside. Gable shoots a long double-leg and Tirloni turns it into top position again, as he did in the first. Tirloni drops hard punches from the top while Gable tries to kick him away. A particularly hard right gets through for Tirloni, who dives back into his man’s closed guard midway through the round. Mixing up rights to the body and head, Tirloni stacks Gable up and tries to crash through his guard with big punches. Tirloni briefly takes full mount, but Gable escapes and survives another barrage of punches from side control. Tirloni takes mount again with 70 seconds left in the round. This time, there’s no escape for Gable, as Tirloni applies a tight rear-naked choke and forces the tap at 3:54 of the second period.
Christian M'Pumbu vs. Travis Wiuff
Round 1
The light heavyweights feint in the center of the cage for 30 seconds until Wiuff dives for the takedown and puts M’Pumbu on his back. Wiuff works to pass half-guard on M’Pumbu’s left side, but the Bellator champ puts him back in butterfly guard. Wiuff moves back to half-guard and the sequence repeats. Wiuff is throwing sporadic, slapping punches as M’Pumbu -- cut slightly near the outside corner of his left eye -- tries to tie him up. Wiuff leaves his left arm in M’Pumbu’s area and M’Pumbu swings his hips around, looking for an armbar. Wiuff waits it out and goes back to guard, though not for long, as referee John McCarthy stands them up with 60 seconds to go. Wiuff chases M’Pumbu down and presses him into the fence, kneeing and foot-stomping inside for the last 30 seconds.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Round 2
M’Pumbu puts a right hand on Wiuff’s chin as the American gets inside to clinch. M’Pumbu scores with a big knee as they disengage and Wiuff is wobbly. M’Pumbu is cautious, picking his shots and allowing Wiuff to swing wildly. Wiuff seems to regain his footing and his senses as he plows M’Pumbu back down to the canvas. Wiuff lays a forearm across M’Pumbu’s throat, working slowly to pass to side control, dropping punches and elbows. His back to the cage, M’Pumbu throws up his legs and tries to cinch up a triangle. Wiuff lifts him high off the mat and slams down; M’Pumbu breaks his fall, but loses the choke. Wiuff has M’Pumbu pushed into a cage post on the floor as he slugs away with a couple punches and drops a few short elbows in the last 30 seconds.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Round 3
M’Pumbu looks the fresher fighter as the non-title bout enters its final frame. He’s throwing quicker punches than Wiuff, though neither man is connecting much in the first minute. A left hook and a right uppercut from M’Pumbu have Wiuff moving backward. M’Pumbu loops another left in and Wiuff takes the chance to clinch, where he eats a few knees up the middle. M’Pumbu lands an uppercut, a right hook and Wiuff waves him forward. M’Pumbu gets off another four or five clean shots before Wiuff closes the distance and slows the pace. They don’t stay there long, as M’Pumbu circles out and zaps Wiuff with a big right. Wiuff flops forward for a takedown and gets stuffed. M’Pumbu pounces and blasts away, trying to finish Wiuff from guard. Wiuff survives, though, and scrambles to his feet, driving M’Pumbu to the ground with a single-leg. M’Pumbu works for a desperation kimura from underneath with 60 seconds left, but soon lets it go. Wiuff appears content to stay on top and drop little punches, keeping M’Pumbu on his back to the final bell.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 M’Pumbu (29-28 Wiuff)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 M’Pumbu (29-28 Wiuff)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 M’Pumbu (29-28 Wiuff)
Official result: Judge Peter Rogers scores the bout 30-27, while judges Luis Cobian and Cardo Urso have it 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Travis Wiuff.
Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal
Ed West vs. Eduardo Dantas
Round 1
West starts the action with low kicks, but Dantas wades inside and fires off a speedy one-two. They twice tie up and break off after coming to a stalemate. West is still kicking the legs and body of Dantas, who answers with a front kick and more fast combinations. Dantas cracks West with a right hook and gives chase to the lanky local’s closed guard. Dantas pounds but can’t finish West, who throws up his legs for an armbar. West goes belly down and Dantas steps over to escape. West keeps his hands low as he kicks away at Dantas’ stems, then stuns the Brazilian with an uppercut. Dantas recovers and is shoved into the cage, where West stomps at his feet and drives a solid knee up top. West has a head kick blocked, lands low, then backs up as Dantas charges in with a long right hand. Dantas trips West down for a second; West pops up and attacks with one last flurry of punches and kicks.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Round 2
West continues his kick attack, high and low, chipping away at Dantas while the 22-year-old swings for the fences and lands a nice right. West backs Dantas up with a push kick, but not for long, as Dantas runs back with a snappy three-piece combo. Dantas shoves West into the fence now, throwing knees and looking for a trip takedown. West defends and whips his heel around to the back of Dantas’s thigh, then goes to kneeing inside while Dantas holds him in the clinch. Dantas sweeps the leg of West and West nearly pops back up, but Dantas takes his back in the scramble and rolls through. Dantas has a body triangle and works to soften West up with punches, more than two minutes still remaining in the round. Dantas applies a neck crank, but can’t get it under the chin, and West escapes to twist into top position. West has Dantas’ arms pinned down and the bantamweights are jawing at one another as the round enters its final minute. Dantas tries an armbar to no avail and West dives back into guard with a punch. West socks away at Dantas’ rib cage with right hands, then goes to the face with a stiff shot. The American finishes the round on top.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Round 3
Both 135’ers are swinging big as the final round begins. West push-kicks Dantas down, but Dantas rolls right through and back to his feet. West sprawls on a shot from Dantas and walks the Brazilian into the fence. He gets off a few foot stomps and a knee before Dantas reverses the position. West keeps working on the outside thigh of Dantas with his heel and hammerfists, then puts Dantas’ back to the cage again. Dantas is working for a single-leg, can’t get it, and referee Jason Herzog warns him not to hold the fence as he pins West to it. West breaks out and lands a knee, a slow inside thigh kick. Dantas walks inside for an exchange and takes a thumb to his left eye. It looks bad for a moment, but Dantas is able to resume and pushes forward on West, landing a left hook. West keeps kicking the legs, takes a big left from Dantas and nods his head. Down to the final 40 seconds, it’s West circling the outside, kicking the legs and sneaking in the occasional punch. The bell sounds and Dantas raises his hands while West shakes his head.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dantas (30-27 Dantas)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Dantas (30-27 Dantas)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-10 (30-28 Dantas)
Official result: Judge Luis Cobian scores the bout 29-28 for West, while Cardo Urso has the same score for Dantas. The third judge, Peter Rogers, scores it 30-27 for Eduardo Dantas, the winner by split decision and first finalist in Bellator’s fifth-season bantamweight tournament.
Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal
Alexis Vila vs. Marcos Galvao
Round 1
The bantamweights bow during final instructions and respectfully touch gloves once the bell rings. Vila moves along the outside while Galvao pushes outward with his hands up, keeping Vila at range with kicks. Vila whips a few outside leg kicks of his own as he mixes up his angles, circles and feints a kick. Galvao fakes a jumping knee as the stalemate continues. Vila tries to paw his way inside with his left, but Galvao easily steps out of the way. Halfway through the round and neither man has established any real advantage. Galvao jumps as Vila with a knee and the Cuban gets a takedown. He lets Galvao back to his feet and Vila charges with a grazing one-two to the body and head. Galvao nearly sweeps the leg of Vila with a low kick and Vila grins. Vila puts a left jab through and Galvao stumbles backward, partially due to a slip. Vila just misses with a glancing right uppercut and Galvao whiffs with a high kick.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vila
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Vila
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-10
Round 2
There’s more feinting through the first 40 seconds of the frame until Vila dips inside for a shot. It doesn’t come, so the wrestler stays on the outside and lobs hard leg kicks inward. Galvao misses with a leg kick and a right hand as the tepid pace continues. Midway through the round, Vila snipes Galvao with a big right hand and backs the bigger man up with a pair of kicks. Galvao is walking Vila down with his guard up, but not throwing many punches. Galvao digs a knee to Vila’s body, ducks a punch and sidesteps a takedown attempt. Vila snaps off a solid kick to the body and takes a right hand in return. Galvao lands a kick to the body and both men stand in the pocket swinging for the fences, missing. Galvao knocks Vila off-balance with a blocked right high kick, connects with a knee to the guts and another kick to the body.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Galvao
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Vila
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Galvao
Round 3
Galvao moves forward at the bell, swinging a few leg kicks which nearly knock Vila off-balance. Vila catches one kick and swings at the Brazilian’s jaw, but has to wade out. Another kick is caught and this time Vila won’t let go, scoring the takedown. Vila soon lets Galvao back to the feet, where he catches another kick. Galvao won’t go down this time, though, socking Vila in the head while he defends the single-leg. Vila is moving backward exclusively now, and Galvao is pouring on the heavier volume of punches as Vila keeps on the retreat. Vila times a kick, shoots low and is sprawled on by Galvao, who pops up and continues to walk his man down. Vila scores with a right hand and Galvao answers with a hard right low kick, and another. Galvao ducks under a right hand from Vila and lands one of his own as the fight goes into its final minute. Vila takes a right on the jaw, then a low kick and stumbles backward into the cage. Galvao easily snuffs out a takedown attempt and lands a few more leg kicks, another combination before the bell.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Galvao (29-28 Galvao)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Galvao (29-28 Vila)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Galvao (30-28 Galvao)
Official result: Judge Peter Rogers scores the bout 30-27 in favor of Marcos Galvao. However, judges Luis Cobian and Cardo Urso each have it 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Alexis Vila.
Efrain Escudero vs. Cesar Avila
Round 1
Escudero eventually drags Avila down and looks to scoot to mount. Avila attempts to escape, but Escudero takes the opening and latches a guillotine choke which he falls back with and floats over to top position. Avila struggles for a good while, but simply cannot free his head before tapping at the 1:55 mark.
Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card.
Advertisement
Press F5 on your keyboard to refresh this page, as play-by-play is updated in real time.
Steve
Steinbeiss vs. Dano
Moore
Round 1
Veteran referee “Big” John McCarthy makes his first Bellator appearance for this opening middleweight tilt. Moore shoots in almost immediately, but Steinbeiss anticipates the takedown and tries for a guillotine as he goes down. Moore frees his head up, but it is quickly back in danger as Steinbeiss climbs his legs up and locks on a triangle choke. Moore postures up as Steinbeiss attempts to adjust the choke, and eventually succeeds in escaping. Moore attempts to pass to mount, but Steinbeiss uses an omoplata to sweep and momentarily grabs a rear waistlock as Moore stands. Moore attempts to flip out of the position, but Steinbeiss quickly regains back control. Steinbeiss gets on top and starts dropping punches on Moore, who rolls Steinbeiss’ back to the mat. Steinbeiss is able to work his arm under Moore’s chin in the waning seconds of the round, finishing with a Gable-grip rear-naked choke at the 4:52 mark.
Nick Piedmont vs. Jade Porter
Round 1
Porter comes out aggressively, pressuring Piedmont with punching combinations before initiating a clinch against the fence. Piedmont reverses position, landing knees and short punches as Porter slides along the cage, looking for a way out. Porter escapes but quickly clinches again, and is again reversed by Piedmont, who soon disengages. Porter rushes in again for the clinch before breaking off a moment later. Porter continues to charge forward with punches, landing a few and attempting a trip takedown that Piedmont quickly pops up from. Piedmont meets Porter’s aggressive knees in the clinch and a half-hearted guillotine attempt. Porter defends a late Piedmont takedown attempt with a knee to the body, but Piedmont persists and scores a bodylock takedown, dropping punches in the round’s final seconds.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Porter
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Porter
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Piedmont
Round 2
Porter rushes into the clinch once again in the round’s early going, as he and Piedmont jockey for position and exchange short shots inside. They break, and it’s obvious that Porter’s aggression has slowed down, though Piedmont can do little to take advantage outside of the occasional jab and body kick. A Piedmont takedown attempt is defended well and creates another clinch with produces little offense before they break it up. Porter rushes in with punches as Piedmont backpedals and attempts to catch him with a right uppercut and left hook. Piedmont doggedly looks for a takedown, but has no success as Porter lands a knee and a right hand. Another clinch sees little action as the round comes to a close.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Porter
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Porter
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Porter
Round 3
Piedmont attempts to keep Porter at the end of his limbs with repeated jabs and kicks, which proves effective as Porter lands little in return. Porter finally explodes and lands an overhand right on Piedmont, barreling his way into the clinch momentarily. Porter continues landing right hands, which Piedmont responds to with a failed takedown attempt. He succeeds in taking Porter’s back in a standing rear waistlock, but Porter twists around and lands a hard knee that visibly hurts Piedmont, following up with a few inline elbows. The fighters disengage, allowing Piedmont room to finally secure a successful double-leg, but he is unable to keep Porter from regaining his feet and ends the bout defending another takedown attempt.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Porter (30-27 Porter)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Porter (30-27 Porter)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Porter (29-28 Porter)
Official result: Judge Peter Rogers scores the bout 29-28, while judges Luis Cobian and Cardo Urso each score it 30-27 in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Jade Porter.
Erin Beach vs. Roscoe Jackson
Round 1
The lightweights feel each other out with feints and light kicks before Beach scores a double-leg against the fence. Beach postures up and begins to drop punches, but Jackson throws up an armbar attempt that Beach calmly defends. Beach resumes dropping punches, using them to open up a passing opportunity on Jackson’s left side, where he transitions to mount and back control in short order. Beach locks up a body triangle and a rear naked choke shortly thereafter, eliciting the tap at 3:52 of the opening round.
Edgar Garcia vs. Jacob Ortiz
Round 1
Garcia stalks early, changing his level and keeping his right hand cocked as Ortiz tries to counter from against the fence. Ortiz throws out the a variety of strikes in combination, but Garcia lands more effectively with hard single strikes, including right hands to the body and thudding low kicks. Ortiz can offer little in return, and is contented to circle away, switch stances and shoot half-heartedly. Garcia continues to play with his food, but eventually pays for his hubris: Ortiz jumps in with a massive overhand right that drops Garcia face-first to the mat, giving Ortiz the knockout win at 4:06 of round one.
Richard Hale vs. Carlos Flores
Round 1
Flores attempts to bull-rush into the clinch, but Hale easily steps aside, landing a pair of knees in the Thai plum before a crushing straight right hand puts Flores’ lights out. Flores hits the mat face-first and referee Jason Herzog waves it off after just 18 seconds.
Ricardo Tirloni vs. Steve Gable
Round 1
Tirloni chops at Gable’s lead leg with kicks to the outside before the lightweights clinch up. Gable presses the Brazilian into the fence, but it’s Tirloni landing hard knees while Gable digs for the single-leg. Tirloni scores with another knee upon exit which doubles Gable over, and Gable ties up along the cage again. Gables lands pecking knees to the thigh of Tirloni, who returns fire to Gable’s body. Tirloni breaks off with another knee to the face, sprawls on a shot from Gable and winds up in top position. Tirloni works to pass Gable’s half-guard, thinks about a brabo choke and gives it up. Gable gets to his knees and drives forward with a single-leg. He turns it into a double, but Tirloni defends well, lands another knee. Gable wades in to clinch and Tirloni drills him with a knee to the head and one to the ribs.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tirloni
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tirloni
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Tirloni
Round 2
It’s back to the clinch early in the second, Gable pushing Tirloni into the cage while Tirloni lands some knees inside. Gable shoots a long double-leg and Tirloni turns it into top position again, as he did in the first. Tirloni drops hard punches from the top while Gable tries to kick him away. A particularly hard right gets through for Tirloni, who dives back into his man’s closed guard midway through the round. Mixing up rights to the body and head, Tirloni stacks Gable up and tries to crash through his guard with big punches. Tirloni briefly takes full mount, but Gable escapes and survives another barrage of punches from side control. Tirloni takes mount again with 70 seconds left in the round. This time, there’s no escape for Gable, as Tirloni applies a tight rear-naked choke and forces the tap at 3:54 of the second period.
Christian M'Pumbu vs. Travis Wiuff
Round 1
The light heavyweights feint in the center of the cage for 30 seconds until Wiuff dives for the takedown and puts M’Pumbu on his back. Wiuff works to pass half-guard on M’Pumbu’s left side, but the Bellator champ puts him back in butterfly guard. Wiuff moves back to half-guard and the sequence repeats. Wiuff is throwing sporadic, slapping punches as M’Pumbu -- cut slightly near the outside corner of his left eye -- tries to tie him up. Wiuff leaves his left arm in M’Pumbu’s area and M’Pumbu swings his hips around, looking for an armbar. Wiuff waits it out and goes back to guard, though not for long, as referee John McCarthy stands them up with 60 seconds to go. Wiuff chases M’Pumbu down and presses him into the fence, kneeing and foot-stomping inside for the last 30 seconds.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Round 2
M’Pumbu puts a right hand on Wiuff’s chin as the American gets inside to clinch. M’Pumbu scores with a big knee as they disengage and Wiuff is wobbly. M’Pumbu is cautious, picking his shots and allowing Wiuff to swing wildly. Wiuff seems to regain his footing and his senses as he plows M’Pumbu back down to the canvas. Wiuff lays a forearm across M’Pumbu’s throat, working slowly to pass to side control, dropping punches and elbows. His back to the cage, M’Pumbu throws up his legs and tries to cinch up a triangle. Wiuff lifts him high off the mat and slams down; M’Pumbu breaks his fall, but loses the choke. Wiuff has M’Pumbu pushed into a cage post on the floor as he slugs away with a couple punches and drops a few short elbows in the last 30 seconds.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Wiuff
Round 3
M’Pumbu looks the fresher fighter as the non-title bout enters its final frame. He’s throwing quicker punches than Wiuff, though neither man is connecting much in the first minute. A left hook and a right uppercut from M’Pumbu have Wiuff moving backward. M’Pumbu loops another left in and Wiuff takes the chance to clinch, where he eats a few knees up the middle. M’Pumbu lands an uppercut, a right hook and Wiuff waves him forward. M’Pumbu gets off another four or five clean shots before Wiuff closes the distance and slows the pace. They don’t stay there long, as M’Pumbu circles out and zaps Wiuff with a big right. Wiuff flops forward for a takedown and gets stuffed. M’Pumbu pounces and blasts away, trying to finish Wiuff from guard. Wiuff survives, though, and scrambles to his feet, driving M’Pumbu to the ground with a single-leg. M’Pumbu works for a desperation kimura from underneath with 60 seconds left, but soon lets it go. Wiuff appears content to stay on top and drop little punches, keeping M’Pumbu on his back to the final bell.
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 M’Pumbu (29-28 Wiuff)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 M’Pumbu (29-28 Wiuff)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 M’Pumbu (29-28 Wiuff)
Official result: Judge Peter Rogers scores the bout 30-27, while judges Luis Cobian and Cardo Urso have it 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Travis Wiuff.
Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal
Ed West vs. Eduardo Dantas
Round 1
West starts the action with low kicks, but Dantas wades inside and fires off a speedy one-two. They twice tie up and break off after coming to a stalemate. West is still kicking the legs and body of Dantas, who answers with a front kick and more fast combinations. Dantas cracks West with a right hook and gives chase to the lanky local’s closed guard. Dantas pounds but can’t finish West, who throws up his legs for an armbar. West goes belly down and Dantas steps over to escape. West keeps his hands low as he kicks away at Dantas’ stems, then stuns the Brazilian with an uppercut. Dantas recovers and is shoved into the cage, where West stomps at his feet and drives a solid knee up top. West has a head kick blocked, lands low, then backs up as Dantas charges in with a long right hand. Dantas trips West down for a second; West pops up and attacks with one last flurry of punches and kicks.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Round 2
West continues his kick attack, high and low, chipping away at Dantas while the 22-year-old swings for the fences and lands a nice right. West backs Dantas up with a push kick, but not for long, as Dantas runs back with a snappy three-piece combo. Dantas shoves West into the fence now, throwing knees and looking for a trip takedown. West defends and whips his heel around to the back of Dantas’s thigh, then goes to kneeing inside while Dantas holds him in the clinch. Dantas sweeps the leg of West and West nearly pops back up, but Dantas takes his back in the scramble and rolls through. Dantas has a body triangle and works to soften West up with punches, more than two minutes still remaining in the round. Dantas applies a neck crank, but can’t get it under the chin, and West escapes to twist into top position. West has Dantas’ arms pinned down and the bantamweights are jawing at one another as the round enters its final minute. Dantas tries an armbar to no avail and West dives back into guard with a punch. West socks away at Dantas’ rib cage with right hands, then goes to the face with a stiff shot. The American finishes the round on top.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Dantas
Round 3
Both 135’ers are swinging big as the final round begins. West push-kicks Dantas down, but Dantas rolls right through and back to his feet. West sprawls on a shot from Dantas and walks the Brazilian into the fence. He gets off a few foot stomps and a knee before Dantas reverses the position. West keeps working on the outside thigh of Dantas with his heel and hammerfists, then puts Dantas’ back to the cage again. Dantas is working for a single-leg, can’t get it, and referee Jason Herzog warns him not to hold the fence as he pins West to it. West breaks out and lands a knee, a slow inside thigh kick. Dantas walks inside for an exchange and takes a thumb to his left eye. It looks bad for a moment, but Dantas is able to resume and pushes forward on West, landing a left hook. West keeps kicking the legs, takes a big left from Dantas and nods his head. Down to the final 40 seconds, it’s West circling the outside, kicking the legs and sneaking in the occasional punch. The bell sounds and Dantas raises his hands while West shakes his head.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dantas (30-27 Dantas)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Dantas (30-27 Dantas)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-10 (30-28 Dantas)
Official result: Judge Luis Cobian scores the bout 29-28 for West, while Cardo Urso has the same score for Dantas. The third judge, Peter Rogers, scores it 30-27 for Eduardo Dantas, the winner by split decision and first finalist in Bellator’s fifth-season bantamweight tournament.
Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal
Alexis Vila vs. Marcos Galvao
Round 1
The bantamweights bow during final instructions and respectfully touch gloves once the bell rings. Vila moves along the outside while Galvao pushes outward with his hands up, keeping Vila at range with kicks. Vila whips a few outside leg kicks of his own as he mixes up his angles, circles and feints a kick. Galvao fakes a jumping knee as the stalemate continues. Vila tries to paw his way inside with his left, but Galvao easily steps out of the way. Halfway through the round and neither man has established any real advantage. Galvao jumps as Vila with a knee and the Cuban gets a takedown. He lets Galvao back to his feet and Vila charges with a grazing one-two to the body and head. Galvao nearly sweeps the leg of Vila with a low kick and Vila grins. Vila puts a left jab through and Galvao stumbles backward, partially due to a slip. Vila just misses with a glancing right uppercut and Galvao whiffs with a high kick.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vila
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Vila
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-10
Round 2
There’s more feinting through the first 40 seconds of the frame until Vila dips inside for a shot. It doesn’t come, so the wrestler stays on the outside and lobs hard leg kicks inward. Galvao misses with a leg kick and a right hand as the tepid pace continues. Midway through the round, Vila snipes Galvao with a big right hand and backs the bigger man up with a pair of kicks. Galvao is walking Vila down with his guard up, but not throwing many punches. Galvao digs a knee to Vila’s body, ducks a punch and sidesteps a takedown attempt. Vila snaps off a solid kick to the body and takes a right hand in return. Galvao lands a kick to the body and both men stand in the pocket swinging for the fences, missing. Galvao knocks Vila off-balance with a blocked right high kick, connects with a knee to the guts and another kick to the body.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Galvao
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Vila
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Galvao
Round 3
Galvao moves forward at the bell, swinging a few leg kicks which nearly knock Vila off-balance. Vila catches one kick and swings at the Brazilian’s jaw, but has to wade out. Another kick is caught and this time Vila won’t let go, scoring the takedown. Vila soon lets Galvao back to the feet, where he catches another kick. Galvao won’t go down this time, though, socking Vila in the head while he defends the single-leg. Vila is moving backward exclusively now, and Galvao is pouring on the heavier volume of punches as Vila keeps on the retreat. Vila times a kick, shoots low and is sprawled on by Galvao, who pops up and continues to walk his man down. Vila scores with a right hand and Galvao answers with a hard right low kick, and another. Galvao ducks under a right hand from Vila and lands one of his own as the fight goes into its final minute. Vila takes a right on the jaw, then a low kick and stumbles backward into the cage. Galvao easily snuffs out a takedown attempt and lands a few more leg kicks, another combination before the bell.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Galvao (29-28 Galvao)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Galvao (29-28 Vila)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Galvao (30-28 Galvao)
Official result: Judge Peter Rogers scores the bout 30-27 in favor of Marcos Galvao. However, judges Luis Cobian and Cardo Urso each have it 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Alexis Vila.
Efrain Escudero vs. Cesar Avila
Round 1
Escudero eventually drags Avila down and looks to scoot to mount. Avila attempts to escape, but Escudero takes the opening and latches a guillotine choke which he falls back with and floats over to top position. Avila struggles for a good while, but simply cannot free his head before tapping at the 1:55 mark.
Related Articles
