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Bellator 266 ‘Davis vs. Romero’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sherdog's live Bellator 266 coverage kicks off at 7 p.m. ET.

Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and predictions below.

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Jesse Delgado (129.5) vs. Joshua Dillon (130)

Round 1

We kick off the card with Jesse Delgado (0-0) making his professional debut against Joshua Dillon (1-1). Delgado is a huge favorite at -650 since he is a three-time NCAA Division 1 All-American and two-time national champion. Observing his foray into the sport closely will be referee Mike Beltran. Dillon fires a jab that misses. A few more attempted strikes miss the mark and Delgado immediately shoots in lightning-quick and takes him down with a double-leg. He takes matters slowly in the guard, and then decides to posture up. As Dillon builds a base and gets to the fence, Delgado immediately re-shoots him and puts him back down. Delgado grinds Dillon's head against the fence, and Dillon isn't taking the opportunity to wall-walk back to his feet. Instead, he has a closed full guard despite how high Delgado is posturing. Delgado opens up a little with small punches and old-school forearms. Referee Mike Beltran warns Delgado to be more active. He scores a small slam thanks to Dillon holding on to him with the guard. He then decides to posture all the way up and try to throw punches from there. Dillon defends, and Delgado returns to the guard, pressing him against the cage and peppering him with the occasional light punch. Dillon works to create some space, pushing off with his feet on Delgado's hips, but Delgado is immediately back on him. Delgado gets a little more active with his punches with about 75 seconds left, alternating between head and body, although none are hard. Delgado stands up with about 20 seconds left and lands his heaviest punches yet. He then throws a punch from a standing position and lands, but Dillon uses it to get back up. Unfortunately for him, the round ends. 10-9 Delgado.

Round 2

Dillon answers Delgado's offered touch of the gloves with a flying knee which misses considerably. Delgado gives him a wry smile. They circle around, and again, with perfect timing, Delgado shoots in and easily puts Dillon on his back with a double-leg. He lands a few light punches to the body and then the head. The pace slows, as Dillon is able to tie his opponent up. With 3:30 left in the round, Mike Beltran again warns Delgado to be more active. Delgado gets a few small slams, again because Dillon is holding on to a closed full guard. Delgado lands a few old-school forearms about halfway through the stanza. Dillon starts posting up, but Delgado's top pressure is excellent. Dillon has a loose kimura, but this only allows Delgado to step over to half-guard. Dillon tries to get back to his feet, but gives up the back, which Delgado takes. He is very high, however, as Dillon tries to shake him off. Delgado is staying on the back through sheer physical superiority alone. Eventually though, he falls over and it's Dillon on top. He isn't there for long, though, easily scrambling up and then completing a double-leg against the cage with 30 seconds left. Dillon tries for a guillotine, but he doesn't have anywhere the right angle or technique. The round ends. 10-9 Delgado.

Round 3

Dillon now offers a glove touch himself and Delgado cautiously accepts. Delgado goes for a head kick that misses. Dillon lands a leg kick, perhaps his first significant strike of the fight. His success is short-lived, though, as Delgado shoots and gets another fast, easy double-leg. There isn't much activity from the top, as commentator Big John McCarthy correctly notes that Delgado putting his hands on the canvas is a mistake and a better opponent could attack his arms from the back for it. Delgado finally passes to half-guard with a little less than half the round remaining, landing a few light, short punches. Delgado connects on a few elbows from the top, but they're very light. With about 80 seconds left, Delgado transitions to full mount. Dillon immediately gives up his back and Delgado doesn't respond quickly enough, allowing Dillon to get away without Delgado getting his hooks in. In an awkward position, it's Dillon attacking Delgado's legs. He is unable to get a takedown, though, and eats an elbow to the side of the head. Delgado sits down against the cage to defend and lands a few more elbows to the side of the head. The fight ends. It's a shame Delgado waited until 29 years old to make his MMA debut. He certainly has promise, but still has years and years of skills and experience to amass first. 10-9 Delgado (30-27 Delgado)

The Official Result

Jesse Delgado def. Joshua Dillon via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jonathan Adams (125.4) vs. Edwin De Los Santos (125.3)

Round 1

In a rare Bellator flyweight fight, Edwin Los Santos (0-0) makes his own pro debut against Jonathan Adams (0-1-1), who is fighting for a third time on a Bellator card at San Jose. Los Santos is a monster -1200 favorite thanks to a pristine 4-0 amateur record. The venerable referee Jason Herzog will call this one. Santos begins with a leg kick, and Adams awkwardly jerks back. However, the next Santos leg kick is almost countered cleanly by an Adams punch. Santos stacks Adams against the cage. He then lands a pair of hard leg kicks, which Adams simply eats. Adams is moving very gingerly and predictably on the outside. Santos pelts him again with another leg kick. He partially lands a front kick and then another very hard leg kick. Adams is very slowly circling on the outside. He throws a punch which misses. Santos, meanwhile, lands a hard right cross of his own. And then, he lands another brutal leg kick that has Adams stumbling. Adams pushes Santos back with a front push-kick. However, Santos soon hits him with a solid overhand right. Adams lands his first punch to get a little respect, but Santos soon comes back with a nice front kick to the body. Santos attacks the head a few times with kicks, but they all miss. Santos chews up the leg some more with another kick. Changing it up slightly, Santos lands a hard body kick. Santos then lands another hard front kick to the body and then a left hook partially sneaks through. Suddenly, Santos lands another brutal body kick and this one crumples Adams to the canvas in obvious pain. Santos then adds several hard punches as Jason Herzog steps in to stop the beating. Very impressive debut for Edwin De Los Santos!

The Official Result

Edwin De Los Santos def. Jonathan Adams via TKO (Body Kick and Punches) at 3:29 of Round 1

Rhalan Gracie (171) vs. Shane Keefe (169.1)

Round 1

Coming up next, Rhalan Gracie (0-2) returns to MMA for the first time in 14 years and looks for his first victory against Shane Keefe (1-0), who is a modest favorite. Referee Blake Grice gets this assignment. Gracie looks stiff circling around the cage, with an almost similar stance to Royce Gracie at UFC 1. Keefe throws a front kick to the body that partially lands. They're both cautious early, though. Keefe throws a couple of jabs a minute in, but Gracie evades them. Keefe lands a solid leg kick soon after, the first significant strike fo the contest. Keefe nails Gracie with a 1-2, and then another right cross. After a brief respite, Keefe hits him with another big 1-2 that has Gracie badly hurt, stumbling around and desperately trying to get away. He barely manages to do so. Keefe makes a possible mistake, going for a body kick. Gracie clinches on to the leg for dear life, hoping for a takedown. He gets it to the ground, but Keefe rolls through, with it being unclear who has the edge. It's a wild scramble with Gracie's legs in a banana split. Eventually, after much rolling around, it's Keefe that ends up on top. Gracie goes for a high closed full guard, but isn't able to do much with it, as Keefe is very passive from the top. Gracie then switches to a rubber guard while landing short, annoying little punches from the bottom against Keefe, who is largely passive from the top. Gracie lands a few old-school heel strikes to the lower back, again reminding one of Royce Gracie as the first round comes to an end. 10-9 Keefe.

Round 2

Gracie begins the round with an overhand right that is very telegraphed and slow, and which Keefe easily dodges. Keefe is very passive on the feet now, despite his earlier success. He partially lands a jab about a minute into the round. Gracie tries a leg kick, but it's very slow and stiff, nowhere near the mark. Keefe responds with a leg kick of his own, and while nothing special, it lands with some impact. The crowd is growing restless 2 minutes into the round, as both men are largely waiting. Keefe throws a few punches now, but Gracie is able to get away. Gracie tries a few jabs, and while they're better than his other strikes, Keefe avoids them all. Keefe lands a leg kick. Gracie touches Keefe with a punch, but not much more. Gracie goes back to the jab, but they all miss. A Gracie straight right misses, too. A Keefe 1-2 is mostly blocked. I'm surprised that Gracie isn't trying to go for a takedown here, especially given that he was better on the ground even from his back. They trade jab attempts, but all are either blocked or evaded. Keefe goes for another leg kick, but Gracie retreats out of range in time. A Gracie leg kick very gingerly lands. A while later, he lands another one, but it's very light. Keefe lands a small straight punch to the body. Another Gracie jab misses. Keefe goes for a head kick but it's blocked. With less than 10 seconds left, Keefe fires another head kick and this one partially gets through, forcing Gracie to retreat. 10-9 Keefe.

Round 3

Keefe begins the final stanza with a brisk leg kick. Gracie partially lands one of his own, but it lacks impact. He lands a second one, but the same is true here. Gracie throws a jab and this one lands, perhaps his best connect of the night. He lands a few more leg kicks. Keefe misses a punch, and Gracie comes back landing another jab of his own. Gracie misses another jab and goes for a leg kick which Keefe checks. Gracie paws with the jab now, and Keefe avoids it. Keefe is throwing punches, but they're very cautious and Gracie avoids them. Keefe lands another leg kick. Keefe lands a body punch and suddenly, Gracie fires a 1-2 that lands and adds another straight punch connect for good measure! Easily his best sequence of the fight. They exchange jabs, but none of them land. Gracie walks Keefe down and lands another solid jab. Keefe responds by partially landing a rigth cross and then a leg kick. Gracie pops him with a nice jab that has Keefe concerned. Gracie throws a 1-2 and the right cross partially connects. Keefe lands a solid leg kick. Keefe's left eye is very noticeably bloody. Keefe lands a jab of his own. Gracie comes forward with a series of punches, although Keefe mdodges most of them. Gracie goes back to the jab and repeatedly touches Keefe. Gaining confidence, Gracie lands his best leg kick of the fight. Keefe partially sneaks a 1-2 through. Gracie counters with a solid right cross that backs Keefe off. Gracie adds in a leg kick. Keefe misses a few ineffectual jabs. He comes forward with a flurry to end the round, partially landing against Gracie. There was shockingly little grappling here. Gracie won round 3 striking but it wasn't enough. 10-9 Gracie (29-28 Keefe).

The Official Result

Shane Keefe def. Rhalan Gracie via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Albert Gonzales (175) vs. Abraham Vaesau (175)

Round 1

In a 175 pound catchweight affair, Abraham Vaesau (5-3) faces Albert Gonzales (2-2). Referee Jason Herzog appears for the second time tonight for this one. Gonzales begins the fight with a nice front-kick to the body. He is too over-aggressive coming forward, being hit with a Vaesau overhand right behind the ear that has him stumbling back. Vaesau is the one who decides to clinch, and lifts Gonzales against the fence, getting him down. Gonzales does a fine job of wall-walking back up, though, and lands a knee to the body. Vaesau responds with one of his own. Now again at range, Gonzales is again too aggressive in coming forward and eats a big uppercut that hurts him. He isn't dissuaded for long, though, coming forward again with punches, though Vaesau avoids them. Gonzales lands another front-kick to the body. Vaesau lands a few nice leg kicks and then a hard right hand upstairs. Not long after, he hits Gonzalez with a big overhand right that stuns him. Gonzales refuses to take any time off, though, and is soon back at it again. This time, he walks right into a monster right hook that knocks his mouthpiece out and has him reeling around the canvas. He clinches but then eats a big knee from Vaesau and then a huge right uppercut puts him down on the canvas. As Vaesau finishes him off, Jason Herzog waves off the contest. A very entertaining scrap for as long as it lasted!

The Official Result

Abraham Vaesau def. Albert Gonzales via KO (Punches) at 2:17 of Round 1

Socrates Hernandez (135.9) vs. Robert Seronio III (135.4)

Round 1

Next up we have bantamweights, as both Robert Seronio III (0-0) and Socrates Hernandez (0-0) are making their pro debuts. However, Seronio is a massive favorite at -800, also likely due to his perfect 4-0 amateur record. Former top welterweight Frank Trigg will be the third man in the cage. Seronio begins the fight with a solid leg kick. Hernandez throws a punch but Serronio blocked it. Seronio lands a nice sidekick to the knee and a Hernandez punch just barely misses. As Hernandez is too aggressive coming forward, Serronio catches him with a big right hand that has him stunned. They exchange punches at a furious pace and it's Seronio who gets the better of it, with Hernandez in retreat. With Hernandez more circumspect about the striking, Serronio shoots in brilliantly for a double-leg and plants Hernandez on his back hard. He continues improving position and lands many short punches. Eventually, Hernandez returns to his feet but not for long, as Seronio lifts him up with a gorgeous suplex and slams him back down to the canvas. He adds some good ground-and-pound for good measure, pelting Hernandez with punches. Seronio then improves position and opens up with an absolutely massive barrage of big punches, which Hernandez just eats flush. Referee Frank Trigg is generous in allowing it to continue and eventually Hernandez turns his back. With side control, Serronio lands some huge knees to Hernandez's side. Seronio then takes the back with a nice wrestling ride and pelts him with punches. He eventually gets one hook in and rolls, threatening with the rear-naked choke. Hernandez fights hard to defend, but Seronio simply transitions to full mount and again devastates him with a brutal litany of punches. Hernandez just eats all those blows as he does manage to regain full guard. With 30 seconds left, both men take a breather after the insane pace. Seronio postures up again and lands more hard punches to the head, although Hernandez is still fighting hard. I'm going to call this a very rare 10-7 round. 10-7 Seronio.

Round 2

Seronio begins the second round energetically, with a dynamic 1-2 that barely misses. A follow-up 1-2 is more successful, finding the mark. Seronio shoots again, but this time Hernandez defends better. Seronio gets a rear waistlock and then suplexes Hernandez hard to the canvas. With three-quarters mount, Seronio lands a hard elbow to Hernandez's head, which is trapped against the canvas. He then adds a few more for good measure before Hernandez clutches onto his wrist. Now in half-guard, Seronio chips away with solid punches to the head. He then adds several hard hammerfists. As Hernandez regains full guard, it doesn't help, as Seronio postures up and blasts him with a series of punches to the face. Seronio continues pummeling away at Hernandez's face, who is just eating blow after blow. Hernandez hasn't given up, looking for a possible armbar, but there is nothing there and he eats more merciless punches, one after the other, from Seronio. As Seronio readies for another assault, Hernandez pushes him off with the feet and gets back to his feet. Not for long though, as Seronio clinches immediately and drags his hapless opponent down. Now working from a wrestling ride, Seronio repeatedly hammers away with right hands to the head of his foe. Hernandez tries to wall-walk, but Seronio continues holding on and punishing him with punches. Hernandez just eats them all and gets back to his feet against the cage. The two men both land knees to the body as the round ends. 10-8 Seronio.

Round 3

Before the round begins, the ringside physician warns Hernandez that they will keep a close eye and possibly stop the contest unless it's more competitive. Hernandez waves a few weary jabs towards his opponent. He eats a big right cross from Seronio. Hernandez throws a few punches, and Seronio immediately clinches. As Seronio stalls, Hernandez lands several hard elbows to the side of the head, his best connects of the fight. However. Seronio is able to suck the hips out and complete the takedown. Hernandez hasn't given up though, throwing up a nice triangle off his back. It's a solid attempt, and while Seronio tries to angle off, Hernandez holds on to the submission. Eventually, 2 minutes into the round, one can see Hernandez's legs begin to tire as it gets looser. Hernandez desperately pulls on the head but the triangle simply isn't there. However, Seronio is being lackadaisical, allowing Hernandez to adjust and make the triangle tighter. Still, it's not quite there and Hernandez is able to slowly pull himself out. Hernandez considers a possible armbar with 2 minutes left. Seronio is careful and manages to sit up with Hernandez threatening with the submission. With a little more than a minute left, Seronio lands several hard punches from the top. With 45 seconds left, Hernandez is still holding on to the triangle, but one can see his legs weaken a little. With 25 seconds left, Seronio lands several more punches to the top, although they're not as hard now. As the final seconds tick away, Hernandez still has the triangle choke on. What tremendous heart by Socrates Hernandez, who I think won the final round! Also, Seronio showed a lot of talent and could be a serious contender in the future. 10-9 Hernandez (29-25 Seronio)

The Official Result

Robert Seronio III def. Socrates Hernandez via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-26, 29-26)

Anthony Adams (185.3) vs. Khalid Murtazaliev (185.3)

Round 1

In a significant step up in fighting ability and experience from the previous fights, Khalid Murtazaliev (15-2), who has 13 victories by knockout, including a particularly memorable one against CB Dolloway in 2018 at the first-ever UFC event in Russia, battles two-time Dana White Contender's Series veteran Anthony "Sugafoot" Adams (8-2). Referee Blake Grice will keep both men honest. Murtazaliev begins with a leg kick which Adams dodges. Adams throws out a couple of jabs, but his opponent avoids them. Murtazaliev lands a nice leg kick. Murtazaliev goes for a kick upstairs but Adams blocks it well. Adams then lands a leg kick of his own. Adams tries a couple of head kicks but Murtazaliev blocks them. Murtazaliev opens up with punches, with the overhand right and left hook partially getting through. They're both wary for a while now, with neither man committing much to their blows. They trade leg kicks that partially land. Murtazaliev switches his stance from southpaw to Orthodox. Murtazaliev lands a big body kick, perhaps the best connect of the round. Murtazaliev lands a jab, but Adams counters with hard leg kick and then adds a second hard one for good measure. Murtazaliev lands a nice spinning back-kick to the stomach. Murtazaliev lands another solid body kick but slips. He immediately gets up and Adams is unable to take advantage. Someone tries to start a U-S-A chant but it goes nowhere. Murtazaliev lands a big, gorgeous 1-2, seemingly in response, that stumbles Adams. Adams takes a while to get his bearings and lands a small leg kick. Murtazaliev lands again with a straight right. On a weird exchange of punches, Murtazaliev gets clipped and while Adams doesn't immediately realize it, is hurt, going backwards. Murtazaliev decides to clinch. Adams defends well and lands a nice elbow on the break as the round ends. Difficult one to score. 10-9 Murtazaliev.

Round 2

Murtazaliev begins round 2 with a jab, which Adams blocks. Murtazaliev partially connects on a leg kick and then adds a decent front kick to the body for good measure. He then blocks an Adams attempt at a body kick. Murtazaliev partially sneaks a body kick through, but Adams counters with a leg kick. Adams tries a superman punch which misses and then a follow-up kick is blocked. Adams tries a 1-2, but Murtazaliev blocks both blows neatly. Murtazaliev tries a 1-2 of his own but Adams gets away easily. Adams lands a body kick of his own. A front kick of his misses, though. Adams tries an uppercut into cross, but it misses. Murtazaliev lands a nice jab to the head. An Adams 1-2 misses and Murtazaliev counters him. Adams evades a Murtazaliev punch and then lands a solid leg kick of his own. Murtazaliev lands a nice straight right to the body. Adams comes forward and runs right into a Murtazaliev jab that has him off-balance, although he soon recovers. Adams again lands a leg kick as Murtazaliev comes forward. A Murtazaliev overhand right partially sneaks through. A 1-2 from Murtazaliev touches his opponent now too. An Adams leg kick misses. So does a jab and follow-up body kick. Murtazaliev's body kick lands and then so does his jab. With 20 seconds left, Murtazaliev lands a stinging 1-2 against the cage. With a few seconds left, Adams lands a nice leg kick. This round was far more clear. 10-9 Murtazaliev.

Round 3

Murtazaliev tries a jab to begin the final stanza, which is blocked. A leg kick by him lands, however. Murtazaliev throws a nice front-kick to the body, but it just barely touches Adams. Adams goes for a few body kicks and the final one partially gets through. Murtazaliev, off a missed right cross, clinches for a takedown against the cage. Murtazaliev lands a nice knee to the body, but Adams creates space and gets away. At range again, Adams misses a few jabs. They throw leg kicks simultaneously, which both land. Murtazaliev lands a jab. Murtazaliev doubles up on the jab and then partially gets the right cross through. Adams partially lands a right cross of his own and then a hard leg kick. He adds another leg kick, this one weaker. Murtazaliev lands a right cross. Murtazaliev finally throws and lands a leg kick of his own. Adams lands a gorgeous side-kick to Murtazaliev's legs, which has him leaning back awkwardly. Adams throws a few punches that miss, but gets a body kick through. Murtazaliev lands a solid left hand that slightly stumbles Adams. Murtazaliev lands a leg kick of his own. Adams lands one to counter. He tries another, but it's checked hard. As Adams tries another kick, Murtazaliev grabs on to it for a takedown. As they go to the fence, Murtazaliev lands a knee low. Referee Blake Grice immediately notices it and separates the two men, with 1:22 remaining in the fight. They touch gloves and the action resumes. Adams slightly lands a body kick while avoiding a Murtazaliev punch. Adams tries an uppercut into right cross again and it touches the fighter from Dagestan. Adams inexplicably decides to shoot, which Murtazaliev easily defends. Thanks to this clinch, Murtazaliev sweeps Adams' leg out from under him along the fence. As the final seconds tick away, Adams is working a switch as Murtazaliev can't fully get him down. Another very close round. This could be either man's fight. 10-9 Adams (29-28 Murtazaliev).

The Official Result

Anthony Adams def. Khalid Murtazaliev via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Grant Neal (204.1) vs. Alex Polizzi (204.9)

Round 1

Finishing up the prelims, undefeated prospect Grant Neal (6-0) takes on a stern test in former LFA Light Heavyweight champion Alex Polizzi (8-1), who is 2-1 in Bellator. Officiating the two big men will, appropriately, be large and imposing referee Mike Beltran. Polizzi goes for a slow kick and Neal nicely circles out of the way. Polizzi goes inside to clinch, partially eating a Neal punch on his way in. The former LFA champion lands a few small punches to Neal's body against the cage and goes for old-school footstomps. Neal spins and pushes him off nicely. Neal partially lands a jab, and then, as Polizzi comes in, snaps his head back violently with another one. Neal lands a right cross as Polizzi awkwardly comes forward. Neal pops Polizzi with another jab. Polizzi lands a nice leg kick, his best strike so far, which has Neal's leg flying. Neal shoots on a very technical double-leg and complets it against the cage. Polizzi immediately sits up, and manages to wall-walk and separate. He comes forward with punches, but gets countered. He then tries it again and is countered with a right hook this time. Neal lands a body kick, and as Polizzi chases him wildly with strikes, Neal changes levels, goes for the takedown, and slams Polizzi down to the canvas. Polizzi is again sitting up against the cage, but this time, Neal goes for a Dagestani leg trap. Neal lands a punch to the body. Polizzi changes his grip and is able to get up again. Neal pops him with another jab. Polizzi goes forward again and Neal hits him with a third double-leg takedown. Polizzi looks a little more tired against the cage, taking longer to stand. He gets up, but Neal retains a clinch and lands several nice knees to the body as the round winds down. He lands a fast, hard knee as the stanza ends. 10-9 Neal.

Round 2

Neal lands a nice 1-2 to begin the round. Polizzi again comes forward aggressively and eats a right cross. He drops levels for a takedown but Neal stuffs him easily. Polizzi pushes him against the cage and partially lands a few knees to the body. Polizzi is determined, though, going for an ankle pick and then picking up Neal's leg all the way up. However, he is unable to get a takedown from it, as Neal temporarily stumbles but gets right back up. Against the fence, Neal lands a couple of nice knees to the body. Polizzi opens up with a short right hand, but Neal uses the opportunity to get away. The pace slows now, understandable considering how energetic they were to begin with. Polizzi comes forward with wild, sloppy strikes, but Neal goes straight back with his hands up instead of turning the corner. Polizzi goes for another takedown, with Neal putting a lot of weight on his neck. Polizzi, through sheer persistence, gets it through, especially when Neal tries to roll him through with a headlock. Holding on to the headlock, Polizzi has a possible Von Flue choke. However, Polizzi eschews that in favor of getting side control. Even though they're again the cage, Polizzi briefly gets full mount and as Neal turns away, lands a few punches. Polizzi takes the back with both hooks in, but he is landing little and not going for any submissions. He does, however, flatten out Neal, although Neal gets to his side. With about 25 seconds left, Polizzi goes for a rear-naked choke as Neal desperately fights the hands. As the round ends, Neal turns into Polizzi and lands several hard punches from the top. Very hard round to score, honestly. Could easily be Neal's round, but I have it 10-9 Polizzi.

Round 3

Neal fires a 1-2 to begin the round, but it's slower and misses. A very slow, lumbering Polizzi head kick misses, too. Polizzi immediately goes to his knees for a shot with no forward drive. Neal easily defends it and pushes off. Polizzi comes forward with more wild, sloppy punches, a mere pretext for clinching, which he does. Neal gets him in a Thai clinch and lands a knee, but there isn't much on it. He lands a second one, and then Polizzi drops levels, grinding for a takedown. He goes right under Neal and throws his legs off his shoulders. However, he can't get a takedown and Neal gets away at range. Polizzi takes a huge breath and then shoots in again. Neal sprawls on him again, and before long, Polizzi bails back at range. Polizzi is taking huge breathes now and barely able to raise his arms. Neal is tired, too, though, and misses a 1-2. Another 1-2 has the right cross partially land, though. Polizzi throws a few very tired punches and they miss. Polizzi tries yet another shot, but Neal sprawls on him hard. Polizzi stands up, but Neal pushes him off. Polizzi advances forward and runs right into a big Neal jab, the biggest connect of the round. Both men are exhausted, but Neal looks like he has a little more in the tank. Neal lands another solid jab with 90 seconds left. As Polizzi lumbers forward, Neal lands another jab. Neal lunges with a jab, and this one lands. As Polizzi comes forward, it's Neal who goes for a takedown. He has little energy, but against the fence, he picks Polizzi up and gets him on his butt. Polizzi is sitting up, though. After a few ineffectual punches to the body, Polizzi just holds on. With 25 seconds left, Polizzi uses the cage to get back up as Neal continues to hold on. With his final bit of energy, Polizzi lifts up Neal and lands a powerbomb! It's not very effective in MMA though, as Neal scrambles up and lands a straight right to end the round. Close, gritty fight. 10-9 Neal (29-28 Neal).

The Official Result

Alex Polizzi def. Grant Neal via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Christian Edwards (204.3) vs. Ben Parrish (205.6)

Round 1

Opening up the main card, talented 22 year-old Christian Edwards (5-0), all of whose fights have come in Bellator, faces Ben "Big Tuna" Parrish (4-1), all of whose fights have come in some organization called SFC. Edwards is the biggest favorite on the card at a whopping -1500. Referee Jason Herzog will see how long this one last. Edwards effortlessly glides around the cage with some fancy footwork. He lands a nice front kick to the body. Parrish throws a 1-2 that misses but lands a nice leg kick. Parrish partially connects with a left hook that bakcs up Edwards. Edwards decides to jump right back into the fray, with a 1-2 that is blocked as Parrish throws a leg kick. Edwards comes forward and Parrish throws a right hook into a left hook, with the latter absolutely devastating Edwards, flooring and badly hurting him. "The Big Tuna" swarms him with flush hammerfists and Jason Herzog has no choice but to stop it! Edwards, who was as high as -1600 some places, loses, one of the biggest upsets in MMA history! Simply incredible, as the San Jose crowd goes insane!

The Official Result

Ben Parrish def. Christian Edwards via KO (Punches) at 0:38 of Round 1

Georgi Karakhanyan (155.6) vs. Saul Rogers (155.7)

Round 1

Long-time Bellator contender Georgi Karakhanyan (33-11-1), fresh off a nice first-round submission victory at Bellator 263 less than 2 months ago, takes on highly skilled Saul Rogers (14-4), in a bout the oddsmakers have as a near pick'em. Referee Frank Trigg will have the best vantage point for this interesting clash. Rogers begins with a nice, technical double jab, but Karakhanyan gets out of the way. Karakhanyan scroes on a leg kick. Rogers scores with a combination upstairs. Karakhanyan barely evades a 1-2, and Rogers lands a leg kick. Karakhanyan decides to clinch, and on the break, he lands a knee. Rogers fires a left hook into a right cross that Karakhanyan just barely avoids again. Rogers lands a jab into left hook and then a leg kick for good measure. Karakhanyan throws a right hand and Rogers clinches with him. Rogers gets double underhooks and pivots to the side, taking Karakhanyan down. He fires away with a few left punches, going body to head, with the ones upstairs landing flush. Karakhanyan ties him up. Rogers pushes Karakhanyan's head against the fence. Rogers lands some big elbows and heads to the head of the Armenian veteran. Rogers passes, getting to half-guard, and lands a few solid short elbows for good measure. Karakhanyan tries to build a base but Rogers is exerting great top control. He lands a number of sharp punches to Karakhanyan's head as he posts up agains the cage. As Karakhanyan gets to his feet, Rogers picks him up and slams him down for a nice mat return. Karakhanyan tries to build back up, but he is less successful, and Rogers lands several punches. Karakhanyan makes his way to the feet, eating a few short punches, and then a knee to the stomach. Rogers takes him down along the fence. The round ends. Very one-sided stanza for Rogers. 10-9 Rogers.

Round 2

Karakhanyan begins the round with a punch combination, but Rogers covers up well, not allowing any of it to get through. Rogers lands a jab, and soon, a second one at range. As Karakhanyan worries about his hands, Rogers shoots a double-leg and gets Karakhanyan down again. Karakhanyan tries to wall-walk, but Rogers takes the back and gets one hook in. He lans a few short punches, although Karakhanyan does wall-walk back up. It's not for long, as Rogers picks an ankle and gets him back down against the fence. Rogers lands some powerful punches to the head and body, and then adds a hard knee to the body against the fence. Karakhanyan flops to his back to avoid damage, but Rogers is on him again, landing punches to the body. Karakhanyan tries to turn around and work back up, but Rogers is again ready and takes the back Rogers pounds away with the right hand from a wrestling ride. Karakhanyan stands, but Rogers peppers him with punches and then a nice knee to the head. Karakhanyan goes for a desperate guillotine choke, but Rogers gets out. On the feet, Karakhanyan is desperate and goes for a flying kneee. Incredibly, it lands and Rogers is in serious trouble! Karakhanyan knows this is his one chance and he unloads with punches. Many miss but enough land for Rogers to continue being in trouble. Karakhanyan goes for another jumping knee and he hits Rogers again. In desperation mode, Rogers clinches and gets a desperation takedown. Rogers takes the opportunity to clear the cobwebs. Karakhanyan tries to get back to his feet, but his attempts to do so are ineffectual, and he eats punches. Karakhanyan rises to his feet to end the round. A difficult round to score, but Karakhanyan inflicted way more damage. 10-9 Karakhanyan.

Round 3

Rogers begins the final stanza with a stinging jab and then nails Karakhanyan at the end of his 1-2. As with past rounds, he uses his striking success to shoot a double-leg, one which puts Karakhanyan on his back. Rogers lands a couple of solid right hands from the top and then a knee to the body. Rogers is content to work away in the half-guard, as Karakhanyan simply lacks the energy to do much about it. Rogers continues peppering away with punches, as Karakhanyan summons his remaining energy to turn around and make his way to the cage. Rogers is draped all over him, though, and has a powerful rear waistlock. He gets one hook in against the cage, preventing Karakhanyan from standing up, and pelts him with more short punches. With half a round remaining, the San Jose crowd boos, which makes little sense, as Rogers is fighting exactly as he should. He lands more punches as Karakhanyan gets to his feet. It's not for long, as Rogers pulls him back down to the canvas and continues landing punches with one hook in. With 90 seconds left, Rogers lands some of his cleanest ground-and-pound yet, with flush left hands Karakhanyan isn't defending. Karakhanyan doesn't like this and switches to pure defense for a while. Once he stops the attack, he works to his feet, but Rogers takes him back down. And another such attempt ends with Rogers lifting him up and getting another mat return. With 30 seconds left, Rogers continues chipping away with solid punches to the head, which Karakhanyan simply can't avoid. He continues landing blows as the fight ends. A very impressive performance by Rogers, especially dealing with considerable adversity in round 2. 10-9 Rogers (29-28 Rogers).

The Official Result

Saul Rogers def. Georgi Karakhanyan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

DeAnna Bennett (129.2: Missed Weight) vs. Alejandra Lara (125.2)

Round 1

In an important flyweight bout, former title challenger Alejandra Lara (9-4) looks to get back on track after dropping a split decision to Kana Watanabe when she takes on UFC veteran DeAnna Bennett, who missed weight by over 2 pounds. Referee Blake Grice returns to handle this assignment. I rarely mention walk-outs, but Lara literally dances and sings her way to the cage, complete with spins and splits. After that unique entrance, the fight commences. Lara strikes first with a hard left cross that hurts Bennett. Lara is being aggressive, as she lands a hook. Lara soon follows it up with a hard body kick. Bennett comes forward with a series of straight punches, but Lara evades them all. Lara then lands a big head kick that has Bennett hurt, but luckily for her, Lara lost her balance on the blow. Bennett is able to recover. Bennett goes forward aggressively with more straight punches, but they don't quite land. Meanwhile, Lara lands another hard left cross. Bennett barrels forward with punches, and seemingly off-balance, Lara falls to the canvas. Sensing her chance, Bennett dives on her and takes the back! She has one hook in, but she is slightly high. Still, she does a solid job of trying to solidfy her base. Bennett lands a few short punches and then flattens Lara out, before landing a series of undefended short punches. Bennett is threatening with a rear naked-choke, but when Lara defends, Bennett hammers away with punches which Lara isn't remotely able to defend. Lara has now eaten a lot of punches flush, as Bennett is warned for hitting the back of the head. Bennett continues pelting her opponent with punches as every Lara attempt to get up ends up with her being flattened. Finally, she initiates a scramble, but Bennett spins with her and has her in a wrestling ride, continuing to land a multitude of punches to the head. Lara gets to her feet, but Bennett still has dominant position, landing more punches to the head. Finally, with only 15 seconds left, Lara gets to her feet. They finally break and continue firing punches, with Bennett pushing Lara to the floor. Absolutely wild round! 10-9 Bennett.

Round 2

Lara opens up the round with a solid leg kick. Another attempt is less successful, as Bennett counters her with a solid jab. Bennett is moving laterally a lot more and not rushing forward as much. She eventually does so, though, and backs Lara up, touching her with a few jabs. A second such attempt is more successful, with Bennett nailing Lara with a right cross. Lara throws punches of her own, but Bennett gets out of range easily. They throw straight punches in the pocket, but none of them land. Bennett throws a 1-2 that partially lands. Lara responds with a body kick. Bennett comes forward again with straight punches and several partially land, drawing applause from the appreciative home crowd. Bennett lands a couple of hooks. Lara lands a jab as she retreats. With a little more than 2 minutes left, Bennett clinches and works for a takedown against the cage. Lara defends well and manages to push her off. Lara lands a jab, but Bennett counters with a right cross. Bennett tries for another takedown but it's defended. Lara pushes her off again. Lara misses a few kicks and then Bennett misses a couple of punches. Lara goes for a body kick, but it's far more tired now and Bennett defends. Bennett partially lands a 1-2. She comes forward with more straight punches and Lara just barely ducks out of danger. Lara throws another tired kick that almost gets her taken down, although she just barely stays upright. Lara looks very tired now. She goes for an exotic kick, possibly an axe kick, as Bennett clinches and very nearly takes her down again. What a huge turnaround. 10-9 Bennett.

Round 3

Bennett kicks, landing against the shoulder, as Lara responds with a straight punch. Bennett comes forward and eats a very stiff jab that stops her in her tracks. An attempted flurry by Bennett while charging forward is unsuccessful. Lara lands another jab. Bennett lands a leg kick and an attempt by Lara to punish her with straight punches is unsucccessful. Bennett comes forward again and lands a straight left. Bennett lands a jab. Bennett lands a straight punch. Bennett lunges forward again with a flurry of straight punches and backing straight up while not moving her head, Lara absorbs several of them. Lara tries to go forward with straight punches of her own, but they're very slow and telegraphed now. Bennett, meanwhile, is bouncing around the cage with oodles more energy, despite being the much older fighter. Another Bennett flurry of straight punches is successful again, with a few stunning Lara. Lara lands a left hand, but soon after, Bennett lands a solid body kick. Bennett goes for another kick, but Lara catches this one and ends up getting a takedown of her own. Lara is able to do little from the guard and stands up. Bennett hits her with several upkicks. Throwing caution to the wind, Lara jumps forward into the guard with punches, getting absolutely creamed by a Bennett upkick. Lara might be stunned, but is able to recover from on top. As the final seconds tick away, Bennett lands elbows and punches from her back, having scored an impressive upset. 10-9 Bennett (30-27 Bennett).

The Official Result

DeAnna Bennett def. Alejandra Lara via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Neiman Gracie (170.6) vs. Mark Lemminger (169.9)

Round 1

In the co-main event, top welterweight contender Neiman Gracie (10-2), by far the best Gracie in MMA today, battles tough veteran Mark Lemminger (12-3), with 9 of those victories being stoppages. Jason Herzog will once again referee this intriguing showdown. Lemminger tries a jab, and Gracie evades. Gracie lands a jab of his own. Gracie tries another jab and Lemminger slips it, although he can't counter with his own punch. Gracie goes for an overhand right that misses, but soon after, they clinch against the cage. Lemminger lands a knee to the body and then they disengage. At short range, Neiman Gracie nails Lemminger with a short right hook that stuns him. At short range, Gracie lands a huge right uppercut, badly hurting Lemminger. He then unleashes a series of of technical, powerful punches, including a brutal short elbow, a right cross that lands behind the ear, and then a series of vicious right uppercuts that essentially have Lemminger out on his feet. Herzog stops it and to everyone's surprise, Gracie wins by a highlight reel knockout in round 1! Very impressive victory for Gracie, who continues improving by leaps and bounds.

The Official Result

Neiman Gracie def. Mark Lemminger via TKO (Punches) at 1:27 of Round 1

Phil Davis (206) vs. Yoel Romero (205.4)

Round 1

In the main event, long-time top middleweight Yoel Romero (13-5), who myself and many others thought deserved the nod over Israel Adesanya in his last outing, goes up to 205 pounds at 44 years old to challenge fellow former top UFC contender Phil Davis (22-6), whose only losses in the last seven years have been to former Bellator double champion Ryan Bader and current Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov. Keeping a very close eye on the proceedings will be referee Mike Beltran. Both fighters begin understandably cautious, and Romero is bouncing around the cage more energetically than usual. Davis tests him a little with a jab, but Romero blocks it easily enough. Davis tries a right cross but Romero easily avoids it. Romero is keeping a very high guard as usual. Davis sneaks a right cross through, the first connect of the fight. Romero fires a big head kick that Davis moves out of range of. Davis throws a 1-2 that partially lands. Romero scores on a leg kick. Romero blocks a few Davis jabs. Romero then lands another hard leg kick, and soon after, an inside leg kick. Romero jumps forward with a side-kick to the leg, and then another leg kick is checked by Davis. Romero defends against a Davis 1-2. Suddenly, Romero explodes with monster power punches, although Davis avoids it. Romero lands another leg kick. Davis attempts more 1-2s, but Romero uses expert head movement to avoid them. Romero blocks a Davis jab. They throw leg kicks simultaneously but Romero gets the better of it, clearly hurting Davis' legs. Davis, undeterred, lands a leg kick. Romero continues blocking Davis' jabs and 1-2s well. As Davis comes forward, Romero partially catches him with a monster left hok, although Davis appears unhurt. Davis checks a Romero leg kick well, possibly hurting the Cuban. Davis misses a 1-2 but lands a solid leg kick. As the round ends, Romero lands an inside leg kick. Difficult round to score, but the Cuban did more damage. 10-9 Romero.

Round 2

Davis tries a few light jabs himself but Romero easily swats them away. A 1-2 by Davis is blocked easily enough, too. Davis tries to split the guard, but he is unsuccessful and nearly gets his head taken off on a counter. Off a missed 1-2, Romero lands a big hook that hurts Davis and backs him up. Suddenly, Davis decides to shoot for a takedown, but Romero easily stuffs it. Davis continues trying with 1-2s, but they're all blocked. Romero misses a jab, and this time, Davis partially lands a 1-2. Romero comes forward and lands a jab. Romero throws a few monster overhand lefts but Davis circles out of range. Romero then lands a monster calf kick that badly stumbles Davis, who limps away for a while. Davis lands a right cross, and then, finally connects ona 1-2. Not long after, off a missed 1-2, Davis lands a nice leg kick. Romero lands a leg kick of his own now. Romero misses a left hook but then avoids a Davis 1-2. Davis partially lands a knee to a ducking Romero. As Romero comes forward, Davis shoots in on a double-leg and gets a takedown. He lands a few small forearms as the round concludes. 10-9 Davis.

Round 3

Romero begins the round bouncing around. Davis is also quite fresh, circling well. Romero throws a vicious overhand left that draws oohs and aahs from the crowd, but hits nothing but air. Davis is cautious too, though. He partially lands a front kick to the body. As Romero comes forward, Davis shoots again and takes him down. He briefly has mount, but Romero scrambles and gets up. Davis is undeterred and continues wrestling, finally completing a double-leg takedown against the cage. Romero wall-walks back up. However, not long after, Davis sucks out his hips and gets a third takedown! Davis lands some short elbows and punches to the head. Davis, in half-guard, lands a few knees to the body. With a little over 2 minutes left, Romero scrambles and gets back up to his feet. Davis has a clear path to victory, though, chaning levels and grinding for a double-leg. Romero resists but Davis just barely manages to complete the takedown. With one hook in, Davis lands some punches. However, Romero, through brute strength, gets back up to the cage. However, it's not for long, as Davis takes him back down. Now on the ground, with wrist control, Davis repeatedly bashes Romero with knees to the side of his body. Romero manages to wall-walk back up, but his mouth is open, exhausted. He barely avoids being taken down again on an outside trip. Phil Davis lands a few knees to the body as the fight ends. A very impressive performance, including out-wrestling the Olympic silver medalist. 10-9 Davis (29-28 Davis).

The Official Result

Phil Davis def. Yoel Romero via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-26)
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