Bellator 184 ‘Dantas vs. Caldwell’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

L.J. Hermreck vs. Westin Wilson

Round 1

Hermreck lands a couple left hands to start the action as Wilson walks forward with his chin held high. Hermreck counters a Wilson push kick with a double jab. Wilson lands a leg kick and eats another jab. Wilson is using the front keep to try and keep his foe at range. Wilson continues to rely on front kicks and outside leg kicks as his primary weapons of choice as he marches forward. Hermreck lands a nice combination to the body and head. Hermreck tags Wilson with a straight right as his foe moves forward. Wilson is struggling to find the range on most of his punches, while Hermreck has countered successfully. 10-9 Hermreck.

Round 2

Wilson closes the distance right off the bat and initiates a body lock. He moves to Hermreck’s back and drags his opponent to the mat. Wilson has a body triangle locked in within 30 seconds and he’s hunting for a rear-naked choke. Wilson flattens his man out, gets his arm under the chin and it looks tight. Hermreck attempts to punch his way out of danger. That's not going to work, and moments later, Hermreck is forced to tap out.

The Official Result

Weston Wilson def. L.J. Hermreck via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 0:55

Teagan Dooley vs. DeMarcus Simmons

Round 1

Dooley shoots immediately for a double leg and takes Simmons down against the fence. Dooley looks to pass to mount and ends up in side control instead. Simmons tries to use the cage to buck Dooley off him, but Simmons remains heavy on top. Dooley is controlling position but isn’t landing much in the way of ground-and-pound after two minutes. Dooley finally finds some space to land a hard knee to the body. Dooley steps over to full mount and Simmons gives up his back. Simmons explodes to his feet for a moment but Dooley drags him right back down and transitions back to side control. Dooley looks to step over to mount again, but Simmons is able to recapture guard. Simmons tries to frame on armbar but Dooley escapes. With less than a minute to go, Dooley is back in side control. He moves to Simmons back and his foe stands as time runs out. 10-9 Dooley.

Round 2

Dooley steps in and misses a lead hook. A low inside kick from Dooley finds its mark. Dooley shoots for a double leg behind a punch and Simmons is on his back about a minute into the frame. Dooley is back in side control again and Simmons briefly has an underhook. He can’t use the position to escape, however. Dooley has wrist control now and he frames a kimura. He pins Simmons wrist to the mat, cranks the hold and gets the submission seconds later.

The Official Result

Teagan Dooley def. DeMarcus Simmons via Submission (Kimura) R2 2:12

Chance Rencountre vs. Justin Patterson

Round 1

Recountre misses a combination but lands a leg kick at the end of it. Recountre again punctuates a punching combo with a leg kick. The southpaws are exchanging willingly in the center of the cage. Recountre is getting the better of most of these exchanges, but Patterson is having some success landing counters. Recountre throws a front kick and is countered by a Patterson straight punch. Recountre ducks under a punch, lands a takedown and ends up in his opponent’s half guard. Instead of trying to pass, Recountre locks up a brabo choke and squeezes. Patterson flails his legs as he attempts to defend but it’s to no avail, as he’s forced to ask out of the welterweight bout.

The Official Result

Chance Recountre def. Justin Patterson via Submission (Brabo Choke) R1 2:58

Carrington Banks vs. Steve Kozola

Round 1

Banks takes the center of the cage, with Kozola on the outside. After about a minute, neither man has landed any offense. Banks shoots and pushes Kozola into the fence. Banks trips his foe down, but Kozola is up to his knees quickly. They trade short punches from this position, and Banks keeps the pressure on. Banks gets Kozola on his back and sets up in his opponent’s full guard. Kozola battles back to his feet. Banks is able to slam him back down despite a Kozola fence grab. Banks keeps the pressure own, moving from a guillotine position to a near-side cradle. Kozola briefly gets up, but Banks changes levels and takes him right back down. Kozola gets up again but he can’t free himself from Banks before the bell sounds. 10-9 Banks.

Round 2

Banks begins things with a hard outside leg kick. An overhand right from Banks lands clean on Kozola. Banks pushes Kozola into the cage and then dumps his foe on the canvas. Banks is in side control now as Kozola tries to walk his legs up the fence. Banks pushes his foe away from the cage while remaining in side control. Banks is attempting to frame a kimura but he can’t flatten him out. Banks is working from half guard and then he deftly steps to full mount near the fence. Kozola regains half guard, but Banks is in complete control, landing occasional punches from above. Banks is inside Kozola’s full guard, keeping the pressure on and grinding away near the fence. Banks thinks about an arm-triangle but lets it go. Kozola appears to be bleeding near his left eye. The round ends with Banks still in top position. 10-9 Banks.

Round 3

Banks shoots for a takedown and is denied but lands a hook on the break. Kozola fends off another takedown, but Banks is relentless. He shoots again and is able to get his adversary down near the fence with about 4:00 remaining in the fight. Banks lands some short punches to the body from inside full guard. Banks grinds away, landing moderate ground-and-pound. Banks passes to full mount after Kozola tries for an armbar. Banks is riding his foe and lands a trio of right hands to the face. Now Banks has Kozola’s back with both hooks in. He transitions to an arm-triangle choke and he passes to side control. Kozola brings his legs up the cage and is able to escape a tight choke. Banks remains on top, however, with a minute to go. Kozola works hard to stand, and Banks slams him down immediately. The round ends with Banks in control. 10-9 Banks (30-27 Banks).

The Official Result

Carrington Banks def. Steve Kozola via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-25) R3 5:00

Sean Holden vs. Shakir McKillip

Round 1

Mckillup is the aggressor early, throwing low kicks and punches. Holden lands a right hand over the top and forces the clinch from there. Holden forces his man to the canvas and lands in half guard. Holden lands some short left hands as he looks to advance position. Holden lands some right hands to the ribs now. McKillup stands and Holden clings to a guillotine. McKillup pushes his foe into the fence briefly and they break. McKillup swings wildly and Holden does the same, but nothing significant connects. McKillup is able to get Holden down near the fence, but Holden is up quickly. Holden drives against the fence as McKillup grabs a kimura. They fall to the mat and McKillup can’t keep the hold. He transitions to a guillotine but that doesn’t stick either. Holden escapes and lands some ground-and-pound from above before McKillup is able to stand as the round ends. 10-9 Holden.

Round 2

The combatants exchange willingly early in the center of the cage. Holden connects with a couple straight punches followed by a low kick. McKillup swings with ill intent, but doesn’t land. They tie up near the fence and McKillup looks for the kimura again from a standing position. Holden turns his man and presses him into the fence. Holden looks for an outside leg trip and eventually dumps McKillup to the mat. Holden is nearly on McKillup’s back and now he has both hooks in. Holden flattens out his opponent and slides his right arm under McKillup’s chin. He gives up on the choke in favor of punches to the side of the head. McKillup is able to roll over and recover half guard. Holden passes to full mount again with a little less than a minute to go. He postures up and unloads with left and right hands. McKillup gives up his back. Holden flattens his foe out and continues to hammer away with left and right hands. After a series of unanswered blows, referee Kerry Hatley has seen enough.

The Official Result

Sean Holden def. Shakir McKillup via TKO (Punches) R2 4:39

Manuel Muro vs. Emmanuel Rivera

Round 1

Rivera lands a right hand to the body. Rivera is holding his hands low, and he lands a lead hook to the body. Euro presses the action and tries to punch his way into the clinch but is denied. A two-punch combination from Rivera connects. Muro changes levels for a single-leg takedown and pushes Rivera into the fence. Rivera defends with a wide base as Muro attempts to reset. They separate and return to the center of the cage. A right hand from Rivera lands. Muro answers with a right of his own. A right hand from Muro sends Rivera stumbling backward. Muro drops for a takedown and gets it briefly. Rivera is up quickly and they exchange again, both men throwing heavy punches. Muro punches his way into a level change and eats some elbows before landing a takedown. Muro keeps the pressure on and lands some heavy punches from above before the round ends. 10-9 Muro.

Round 2

Rivera fires off a long two-punch combo, while Muro attempts to close the range. Rivera lands a hook to the body as Muro marches forward. Muro lands an outside leg kick. Rivera dodges a couple punches and circles away. Muro whiffs and eats a counter. Muro absorbs a right hand, but continues his forward movement. Muro lands an outside leg kick. A three punch combo cracks Rivera and backs him up to the fence. Rivera lands another lead hook to the body. Rivera connects with an uppercut in a close quarters exchange. Muro continues to march forward and land leg kicks. A clean right hand from Muro lands upstairs. Muro steps in with an uppercut and follows with a kick to the body. Muro’s overall aggression continues as he tees off with a knee and punches near the fence. Rivera urges his foe forward as the horn sounds. 10-9 Muro.

Round 3

Rivera begins by throwing kicks at range. A Muro high kick is blocked. Muro punches forward and lands a knee in close. Muro lands a two-punch combo behind a spinning back fist. Muro smiles after Rivera lands a right hand. Muro goes to the legs and body with kicks. The fighters trade jabs. A right hand backs Rivera into the fence and Muro follows up with a knee before they return to the center of the cage. Muro rifles a jab through Rivera’s guard and then follows up with a knee to the body. Muro misses a spinning high kick but follows up with a body kick. Muro continues to remain busy with punching combinations. Muro marches forward, landing uppercuts, hooks and kicks as time ticks down. Muro closes things out with a jumping knee and a right hand. 10-9 Muro (30-27 Muro).

The Official Result

Manuel Muro def. Emmanuel Rivera via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Joe Taimanglo vs. Leandro Higo

Round 1

Taimanglo immediately shoots for a takedown and pushes Higo into the fence. Taimanglo has a body lock, and the bantamweights battle for position against the fence. The stalemate continues against the fence and Rob Hinds urges the fighters to improve position. Higo lands a left hand on the break. Higo tags Taimanglo with a combination upstairs. Taimanglo punches his way into the clinch and briefly gets Higo down. The Brazilian uses his guard to create space and return to his feet. Higo misses a big right hand, but moments late Taimanglo runs right into a short right from the Brazilian. Higo takes the Guam native down and sets up in his opponent’s guard. Higo passes to half guard, but Taimanglo is able to recover full guard. Higo lands a couple elbows to the head before Taimanglo returns to his feet. 10-9 Higo.

Round 2

Taimanglo works the lead leg of Higo with low kicks, and the Brazilian answers with a low kick of his own. Higo misses a big punch and they clinch. Higo shoves Taimanglo away and launches a flying knee near the cage. Taimanglo lands a right over the top and Higo answers with a combination. They exchange in close. Higo stuffs a takedown and follows up with a combo. Higo connects with a jab. Higo attacks with a pair of low kicks. Higo lands a right hand before clinching with his opponent. They battle for position and then separate after neither man gains an edge. Higo fires off another hard outside leg kick. A right hand over the top lands for Taimanglo. Higo lands a combination in an exchange and then gets an outside trip in the clinch. Higo is on top in his foe’s half guard, Taimanglo battles back up and attempts to trip Higo down. Higo lands a knee to the body and they separate. Higo swings and misses wildly and then stuffs a takedown. 10-9 Higo.

Round 3

Taimanglo moves forward with a combination but can’t connect. Higo lands an inside leg kick. A Taimanglo jab lands after Higo just misses an uppercut. Higo snaps Taimanglo’s head back with a two-punch combination. Taimanglo lands a glancing body kick and Higo answers with another solid right hand. Another right hand from Higo lands as he moves inside Taimanglo’s punches. Higo goes back to teh inside leg kick. Taimanglo shoots behind a combination but Higo defends the takedown nicely. A low kick from Higo lands below the belt and time is briefly called. After a break, the action resumes. Taimanglo stays aggressive, moving forward with punches. He dives for a double leg near the fence, then moves to Higo’s back. Taimanglo works hard to get both hooks in on a standing Higo. Taimanglo has to let it go but he maintains a body lock. They separate and Higo jumps for a guillotine with a little less than 30 seconds to go. Higo has it locked in, and Taimanglo is barely able to fight off the choke as the bell sounds. 10-9 Higo (30-27 Higo).

The Official Result

Leandro Higo def. Joe Taimanglo via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Pat Curran vs. John Teixeira da Conceicao

Round 1

Curran dodges Teixeira’s forward charge and lands a right hand. The Brazilian fires a combination as he marches forward. Curran just misses a head kick and circles away. Teixeira lands an uppercut and then misses some wild power punches. Curran is already bleeding near his right eye. Teixeira hammers the inside and outside of Curran’s lead leg with kicks. Curran clips Teixeira with a counter right hand and the Brazilian briefly drops to a knee. Curran lands another good counter right and keep coming forward. Curran buckles the Brazilian’s knee with another clean shot, and this time it stops his forward movement. Curran blocks a high kick. A left hook lands for Curran. “Macapa” lands an outside leg kick. Another short counter stuns Teixeira. Teixiera tries a flying knee but it's blocked. Curran answers a heavy low kick with a right hand. 10-9 Curran.

Round 2

Teixeira goes on the offensive and eats a pair of clean counters after landing a leg kick. Teixiera switches gears and shoots for a takedown. The Brazilian can’t keep Curran down, but he continues to press “Paddy Mike” against the fence. They break away and Curran lands a short knee before moving out of range. Teixeira continues to attack the legs of Curran. Curran is looking to counter and is doing a good job of blocking Teixeira’s punching combinations. Curran hasn’t landed as much this round, however. Teixiera is peppering Curran with kicks to the lead leg. Curran’s output has waned, while the Brazilian continues to chop away at his foe’s legs. Curran gets a takedown with less than a minute to go but Teixeira is up within 10 seconds. The round ends with both featherweights standing. 10-9 Teixeira.

Round 3

Teixeira again is the one moving forward, with Curran looking to counter. Curran lands a left hook in an exchange. The ex-featherweight champion takes Teixeira down near the fence. The Brazilian stands and lands a couple elbows to the side of the head before Curran takes him back down again. “Macapa” scrambles to his feet but Curran maintains a body lock against the fence. Curran lands a couple knees to the body before they separate. Curran buckles Teixeira with a hard outside leg kick. Teixeira shoots and Curran turns the corner and looks for a takedown of his own. He can’t keep Teixeira down for long. Back on the feet, the pace has slowed considerably. Curran lands a kick to the body then backs away. A lead hook to the head lands for Curran. Another kick to the body for Curran, and then he circles away. Teixiera finds a home for an uppercut in close. Curran lands a left hand to the body before the end of the round. 10-9 Curran (29-28 Curran).

The Official Result

Pat Curran def. John Teixeira via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-26) R3 5:00

Daniel Straus vs. Emmanuel Sanchez

Round 1

Straus lands an inside low kick and blocks a Sanchez high kick. Straus ducks under a Sanchez punch and shoots for a takedown. Sanchez attempts to scramble away but Straus is able to move into side control. Sanchez is attempting to use his legs to push off the fence. Sanchez rolls for a kneebar and he cranks on the hold. Sanchez, with a nasty cut near his eye, keeps the pressure on the maneuver. Finally, Straus is able to free his leg and move into north-south position. Straus drops a few short elbows from above and then frames a brabo choke. Sanchez tries to roll out of it and Straus changes to a north-south choke. He gives up the hold to drop some more elbows from above. Now in side control, Straus keeps the pressure on, landing short elbows. Sanchez suddenly reverses the position and transitions to back control. He briefly secures a rear-naked choke and Straus gives a thumbs up. Sanchez gives it up, but he still has a body triangle locked in, and he ends the round landing punches to the head. 10-10.

Round 2

Sanchez lands a kick upstairs and sprawls on a Straus takedown. Straus clings to a leg and Sanchez lands some elbows to the body and punches to the side of the head. Straus ends up in Sanchez’s guard after a scramble. He passes to half guard, where he looks to transition to an armbar. Sanchez escapes and ends up on top, landing ground-and-pound from above. Sanchez drops an elbow to Straus’ midsection from half guard. Straus uses his legs to create space but Sanchez dives back into guard and eventually passes to full mount. Sanchez postures up and rains down elbows. Straus does a good job blocking most of them and then hangs on to control his opponent. Sanchez postures up again and lands more ground and pound. Straus is in defense mode at this point, as Sanchez switches from punches to elbows with less than a minute to go. Sanchez remains relentless with his offense, and referee Kerry Hatley takes a close look. Somehow, Straus makes it to the bell despite absorbing a beating. 10-8 Sanchez.

Round 3

Straus begins in with a lead elbow followed by a two-punch combination. Sanchez attempts a jumping knee with Straus near the fence. He misses, and that allows Straus to secure a takedown. Straus moves to Sanchez’s back, but he’s in an awkward position. Sanchez escapes, and Straus scrambles into top position but gets trapped in a triangle. Sanchez has the wrong position, but he switches it to the correct side and tightens the maneuver. Sanchez continues to adjust the triangle, and it’s getting tighter. Straus tries to free himself but is finally forced to tap out.

The Official Result

Emmanuel Sanchez def. Daniel Straus via Submission (Triangle Choke) R3 1:56

Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight
Eduardo Dantas vs. Darrion Caldwell

Round 1

Caldwell catches a kick and shoves Dantas into the fence. “The Wolf” has a rear-body lock near the fence and draws some oohs from the crowd with a belly to back suplex. Caldwell is right back up, but Caldwell stays attached. Dantas looks to separate his foe’s hands, but Caldwell maintains his grip. Dantas is still trying to break Caldwell’s grip, and it’s something of a stalemate at this point. Still, Caldwell is in control from this position. Referee Jason Herzog watches closely to make sure Dantas doesn’t grab the fence. Finally, Herzog orders the fighters to separate. Caldwell misses a flying knee and Dantas throws his arms out. Dantas lands a combination as Caldwell attempts to close distance. 10-9 Caldwell.

Round 2

Caldwell lunges forward and lands a left hand. Caldwell fakes a jumping knee and then backs out. “The Wolf” grabs a single leg and is able to secure a rear waistlock again. Dantas is able to break free much quicker this time, and the Brazilian blocks a high kick after they separate. Dantas throws a body kick, but it’s blocked as well. Caldwell lands an uppercut followed by a left hand. Caldwell throws a high kick followed by a spinning back fist, but all are only glancing blows. Dantas lands a kick to the body and Caldwell answers with a leg kick. Dantas attacks and Caldwell is able to duck under and secure the clinch. Caldwell rocks his foe with an elbow in close quarters, but Dantas is quick to recover. Dantas rifles an uppercut through Caldwell’s guard near the fence. A spinning backfist lands for Dantas, and Caldwell responds with a one-two. 10-9 Caldwell.

Round 3

Dantas misses a spinning back kick to begin the frame. Dantas is the aggressor as Caldwell circles on the outside. Caldwell drops low for a takedown and “The Wolf” pushes his man into the fence. Caldwell switches to a single leg and he’s got his hands locked. Dantas does well to defend and he tries to spin to the back, but Caldwell spins out of danger. After another scramble, Caldwell drives for another takedown near the fence. Caldwell continues to grind away, adjusting his position in hopes of getting Dantas to the floor. Regardless, he continues to control position. Dantas escapes and lands a hard kick to the ribs. Dantas pursues and lands a right hook. Dantas defends a takedown and spins to Caldwell’s back. After a scramble, the Brazilian ends up in top position. Dantas moves to side control with less than 30 seconds to go. The round concludes with Dantas landing a few punches from mount. 10-9 Dantas.

Round 4

Dantas pushes forward with a jab followed by a high kick. Caldwell changes levels and drives Dantas to the canvas. Dantas stands and Caldwell hangs on near the fence. A scramble ensues and after multiple positional shifts, Dantas is on Caldwell’s back. “Dudu” gets a body triangle locked in and begins to hunt for a rear-naked choke at the 2:30 mark. Caldwell is able to turn and wind up in top position. Caldwell drops an elbow and cuts Dantas near his eye. Dantas tries to isolate Caldwell’s arm for a kimura. Dantas battles back to his feet, but Caldwell remains attached to his opponent. Caldwell drops low for a takedown. He can’t get it, but he continues to grind away. Dantas cranks on a standing kimura, but Caldwell stays tight to his adversary. They separate and Dantas briefly takes Caldwell’s back before the bell sounds. 10-9 Dantas.

Round 5

Caldwell lands a thudding kick to Dantas’ lead leg. A leaping knee from Caldwell lands with a crack. Dantas counters a Caldwell leg kick with a right hand, but it just misses. A hard left hand connects for Caldwell. Dantas isn’t initiating enough offense to win the fight at this point, and action has been limited in this round. A punch for Dantas lands and Caldwell thinks he was poked in the eye. The referee didn’t see it and Dantas gives chase. Caldwell ends up with a rear waistlock on the champion. Caldwell fails on a trip and now Dantas is seated in top position. He looks for a leg lock but Caldwell scrambles to his feet. Dantas extends hs arms to urge Caldwell on. The Brazilian lands a right hand and takes Caldwell’s back with less than 10 seconds remaining. That’s where the fight ends, and Dantas appears to land a light punch after the bell. 10-9 Caldwell (48-47 Caldwell)

The Official Result

Darrion Caldwell def. Eduardo Dantas via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 50-45) R5 5:00