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Bellator 272 ‘Pettis vs. Horiguchi’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sherdog's live Bellator 272 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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Kyle Crutchmer (171) vs. Oliver Enkamp (170)

Round 1

Welcome one and all to Sherdog's coverage of the final Bellator event of the year, headlined by a sensational world title match between Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi. It's a very solid, deep card before then, including the prelims, which can be seen in the very first fight of the night, as Oliver Enkamp (10-2), a UFC veteran ranked #10 in Bellator's weltereight division, faces tough Kyle Crutchmer (7-1), a very decent 3-1 in Bellator. Referee John English gets the first assigment of the night. Enkamp jumps across the cage to begin, but Crutchmer gets out of the way. Enkmap then fires a nice side kick to the face and partially connects. Enkamp goes for a roundhouse to the head that is blocked, and Crutchmer counters with an overhand right that almost lands. Crutchmer decides to change levels and gets the double-leg takedown against the cage. Enkamp is sitting up against the fence, but Crutchmer is using the Dagestani leg trap. Eventually, Enkamp wall-walks back up but Crutchmer is all over him. Eventually, he gets a nice mat return against Enkamp. Enkamp uses a kimura to try to stand back up, and eventually gets back to his feet, although Crutchmer continues grappling. Enkamp rolls for a kimura, but Crutchmer is too heavy and stays on top and out of danger. Enkamp spins and goes for a possible reverse triangle. He doesn't get it, but he ends up on top of Crutchmer, although Crutchmer continues grinding into the hips. Yet again, Enkamp ends up against the fence with Crutchmer using the Dagestani leg trap with 2 minutes left. Enkamp rises again against the cage, but not for long, as Crutchmer gets a neat ankle pick. There is little striking going on, but Crutchmer is controlling the position. Enkamp rises and lands a light knee to the body, but Enkamp gets him back to his butt in no time. Enkamp again rises, but after some grappling, Crutchmer has him back to the canvas. Enkamp is undeterred and posts up again. He decides to spin for a kneebar with 15 seconds left but Crutchmer avoids it and lands a nice elbow, the best strike of the round. The bell rings. 10-9 Crutchmer.

Round 2

Enkamp is undeterred and comes forward to start the round, again going for the side kick. Crutchmer is ready and blasts him with an overhand right that has Enkamp backing up. Crutchmer adds two more overhand rights, each one partially getting through, and then uses it to get another takedown against the fence. Enkamp uses the opportunity to recover, and a minute into the stanza, stands back up against the cage. This time Enkamp is able to land a few knees to the head, though none are very hard. Enkamp then locks on a kimura and cranks it hard. It looks pretty good for a while, but then Crutchmer, using pure strength, gets up and slams Enkamp to the canvas hard. Soon after this Enkamp is forced to let go of the hold. Crutchmer lands a few small punchesas Enkamp gives up the back, but Enkamp soon rises back up. Crutchmer succcessfully takes Enkamp back down to the canvas. Crutchmer briefly looks to have a guillotine, but not for long. Finally, with about 2 minutes left, Enkamp is solidly on his back. Crutchmer partially gets an elbow strike through. Enkamp finally pushes off on Crutchmer's hips and then posts back up against the cage. Crutchmer tries to lace a leg in, but Enkamp fights it off and gets back off. Unfortunately for him, Crutchmer takes him right back down! Crutchmer has Enkamp in another Dagestani leg trap, but Enkamp gets up until, of course, being taken back down as the round ends. 10-9 Crutchmer.

Round 3

Both men look tired to begin the round, but Crutchmer lands a hard leg kick to begin the stanza. Enkamp lands a body kick, but it's not nearly as significant. Enkamp feints forward and Crutchmer retreats. Enkamp starts firing strikes while coming forward and clumsily avoids a Crutchmer overhand right, which in turn allows Crutchmer to grab his hips and take him down with a double-leg. Yet again, Enkamp is on his butt against the fence with Crutchmer all over him. Enkamp builds a base and gets back up, but as we've seen countless times in this fight, Crutchmer takes him back down. Mauro Ranallo mentions that this is Crutchmer's 11th takedown of the fight. Enkamp briefly gets up, but Crutchmer takes him back down. Enkamp is persistent and gets back up yet again with 2 minutes left, but he is running out of time. Crutchmer pulls hard on the leg and Enkamp comes crashing down to the mat yet again. Enkamp gets back up yet again and tries to go for a switch, but it's not there. Enkamp decides to stay on his knees for a while, until making a final attempt to stand up with 40 seconds left. However, his attempt to scramble is countered by Crutchmer who remains on top. Crutchmer looks for a possible Anaconda, but there is nothing there. Enkamp is on his back to end the fight. A tremendous wrestling clinic by Crutchmer, if not the most violent of fights. 10-9 Crutchmer (30-27 Crutchmer).

The Official Result

Kyle Crutchmer def. Oliver Enkamp via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Spike Carlyle (159) vs. Dan Moret (159.6)

Round 1

Next up, at a 160 pound catchweight affair, we have two more UFC veterans, as highly entertaining Spike "The Super Alpha Ginger" Carlyle (12-3), fresh off 3 straight finishes in 3 straight main events since leaving the UFC, makes his Bellator debut against Dan "The Hitman" Moret (15-6), who recorded a massive upset in his Bellator debut, winning a split decision over Goiti Yamauichi. Keeping them honest will again be referee John English. Carlyle begins the fight circling on the outside of the much taller Moret, firing leg kicks. Moret avoids them and lands one of his own. Carlyle fires an overhand right, misses, but uses it to get a clinch. Shades of the last fight? Moret is the one pushing him against the fence, however, and gets double underhooks. Carlyle keeps him there, though, and lands a knee to the body. Moret lands a knee to the body of his own but Carlyle uses it to get free. They fire overhand rights against one another, one after the other, although nothing is landing. Carlyle eventually lands an overhand right that stuns Moret and he uses it to take Moret down. Moret immediately tries to get up and Carlyle jumps on his back. However, he is loose and falls off. Carlyle, however, takes the back and grinds there. Eventually, he breaks Moret's base and lands some hard punches, but yet again, he is too high and falls through. Moret scores a few punches of his own and has a front headlock. With 2 minutes left, Moret goes for a guillotine choke against the fence. Carlyle's face turns even redder than usual, but having seen him before, there is no way someone as tough as him will give up, and sure enough, he gets free and fires an overhand right for good measure. Carlyle comes forward with punches, though they already look a little labored. Moret retreats out of the way. Moret shoots a left cross that Carlyle ducks under and clinches, but there is nothing there. Moret throws a head kick that partially gets through and hurts Carlyle. Moret clinches. Carlyle gets free and then goes for a double-leg takedown. Moret jumps guard and goes for a guillotine, but time expires. Absolutely insane round and very difficult to score. 10-9 Carlyle.

Round 2

Carlyle against begins the round circling. He tries a few punches, but Moret dodges and fires a series of straights which land. Carlyle has to retreat. Moret lands a nice front kick to the body that causes Carlyle to crash against the cage. Moret throws a few left crosses that land hard and then he lands a head kick that hurts Carlyle. Moret is stalking a tired and hurt Carlyle and lands a big knee. However, Carlyle uses it to get a single-leg takedown, allowing him to recover. Moret immediately stands up and Carlyle holds onto his waist for dear life. Carlyle then gets a nice turning takedown, but Moret again immediately pops back up. Moret briefly looks for the kimura, but soon gives it up. Moret turns into Carlyle and then gets him off with half a round remaining. Moret fires a 1-2 that lands and then adds another hard left cross for good measure. He immediately chains a head kick to the end that hurts Carlyle again, who is forced to clinch. Moret then lands a series of monster knees to the body that hurt Carlyle very badly indeed. They then swing recklessly at close measure and while Moret lands, Carlyle briefly hurts Moret, too. Tremendous heart by Carlyle, who can barely hold his arms up. Moret gets the Thai clinch and absolutely demolishes Carlyle with knees to the head and body. Moret gets a rear-naked choke that he is only to the side of Carlyle for, but Carlyle is so tired he can barely resist. He does so but ends up on his back. Moret is all over landing punches and elbows. Moret batters Carlyle with elbows to end the stanza. 10-8 Moret.

Round 3

Carlyle lands a right hook to begin the round, and misses a follow-up leg kick. Moret is tired now, too. Moret is too crazy coming forward and eats a huge hook from Carlyle. Carlyle is throwing power hooks for dear life and some of them get through. However, Moret survives and Carlyle is completely spent with over 4 minutes left. Moret goes back to the clinch and begins destroying Carlyle with knees to the head and body. Moret drops levels and gets a double-leg takedown against a Carlyle with no energy to fight it off. Both men take the opportunity to take a breather. Moret lands a few small elbows in half-guard, but nothing major. Carlyle scrambles with half a round left and he manages to take Moret's back! Incredible! He is now locking in a rear-naked choke and it's very tight! This is absolutely insane! Moret refuses to tap as the choke appears to be very deep indeed. Finally, John English checks him and realizes that Moret is completely out. What an insane, incredible comeback by Spike Carlyle! One of the greatest I have EVER seen in MMA and one of the best fights of the year. I'm in awe; how did Carlyle manage to win, and by stoppage no less, when he didn't even have the energy to lift his arms up and was taking tremendous damage? I'm a life-long fan now.

The Official Result

Spike Carlyle def. Dan Moret via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 2:58 of Round 3

Mike Hamel (155.8) vs. Killys Mota (155.2)

Round 1

In a lightweight clash, highly skilled Killys Mota (12-2) moves down from welterweight to face ultra-tough veteran Mike Hamel (8-5), who has given heavily favored fighters problems, including taking one scorecard against Adam Borics, a then -1700 favorite. Referee Todd Anderson presides. Mota comes forward with punches to begin and lands a few. Hamel recovers and comes forward with a front kick that partially gets through as he drops levels for a takedown attempt. Mota defends and gets the fight to the opposite fence, where he lands several solid knees to the body. Hamel tries to drag him down, but to no avail. They now trade knees, but Hamel's one knee to the thigh isn't as effective as Mota's five knees to the body. They then break off to range. Mota lands a punch and Hamel lands a short counter to the body. Hamel goes for a leg kick, and gets countered hard with a 1-2. He stumbles back and Mota adds a leg kick for good measure. Hamel clinches and gets hit with a hard elbow, forcing him to disengage yet again. Hamel again goes for a leg kick and again gets hit with a right cross counter, though he manages to get his hands up in time. Hamel comes forward and lands a knee to the body and throws a right cross that Mota barely blocks. Hamel is a tough guy who always refuses to go away no matter how much damage he's taken. Mota throws a head kick that is blocked but gets through a little. Hamel tries a nice side kick to the oblique, but Mota retreats out of range. Mota scores with a nifty short left hook when Hamel wades in. Mota misses a head kick and Hamel throws an overhand right that partially connects, causing a flash knockdown. As Mota gets back up, Hamel throws a barrage of punches, many landing flush and further hurting the Brazilian. Mota clinches for dear life and stays there as the round ends. What a turnaround! 10-9 Hamel.

Round 2

They start the round furiously, firing punches at short range. None land hard, but Mota decides to clinch, pushing Hamel in the fence, and then landing a nice knee to the body. They soon disengage and at range, Hamel again scores with an overhand right. Hamel is moving well now and he lands a leg kick. Mota goes for a jumping knee, but the shin that followed through hits Hamel low. The crowd initially boos the break in the action but then groans when they see the replay. Referee Todd Anderson gets very confused and warns the wrong guy about the low blow. Mota goes for a double-leg and gets Hamel down. Hamel gets back up immediately against the cage. Mota lands a big knee to the body. Hamel breaks free soon after, though. Hamel lands a very hard calf kick that knocks Mota off his feet. Hamel with a very nice side kick now that does significant damage, with Mota's leg bending awkwardly. Mota throws a right cross but this one misses. Mota is now circling on the perimeter as Hamel is the one advancing. Hamel changes levels for a possible takedown but Mota easily stuffs it. They briefly clinch but then separate out to range. They simultaneously land leg kicks, with each about as hard as the other. Hamel again throws that overhand right and it partially gets through Mota's gloves. Mota jabs but Hamel is out of range. Mota does land a straight left eventually, as suddenly, both men are missing a lot of strikes. Mota does land a respectable body kick and avoids Hamel's attempts to grab it. Hamel records another side-kick to the oblique that lands well. Hamel misses an overhand right. Mota wades forward and is touched bya Hamel 1-2, but no more. Hamel lands another side-kick to the obliques as the round ends. Very close stanza. 10-9 Hamel.

Round 3

Mota lands a clean short right to begin the round, as Hamel's overhand rights are blocked. Mota tries a pawing jab that Hamel avoids. Mota touches Hamel now with his own overhand right. Hamel sets up a left cross but Mota barely avoids it. Mota misses another jab. As Mota goes for another overhand right, Hamel nicely times a double-leg takedown, but Mota still manages to defend in time. As they clinch, Mota lands a few nice knees to the body. Hamel pushes off and tries a jumping knee. Mota briefly tries to get him down, but then lets it go. They clinch in the center of the cage, with Mota landing a few small uppercuts, but nothing significant. They disengage and then both men miss punches. Hamel lands a light leg kick and then gets touched by a Mota left hook, but he manages to avoid major damage. Hamel lands a left cross to the body. Mota goes for a takedown of his own and gets a rear waistlock, but against the fence, Hamel turns into him. Mota lands a knee to the body. Mota lands a few short shoulder strikes to the face. Mota tries a few more knees to the body, but Hamel is just out of range. Hamel is unable to get off the cage now, as Mota has double underhooks and continues firing knees. Mota lands another knee to the body. Hamel spins off the cage finally and lands a few punches to the body. This is a clear round for Mota and the decision will likely come down to round 2. 10-9 Mota (29-28 Hamel).

The Official Result

Mike Hamel def. Killys Mota via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Jacob Bohn (154.8) vs. Justin Montalvo (154.8)

Round 1

In another lightweight affair, prospect Justin Montalvo (3-0) is tested by veteran Jacob Bohn (10-7), himself riding a 3 fight winning streak. Referee Kerry Hatley will keep a close eye on the proceedings. Bohn fires a head kick to begin the contest, but it's not even close. Bohn tries a leg kick and this one misses, too. Bohn comes forward with another kick, and this one, by virtue of being blocked, ends with Bohn on his butt. Bohn continues throwing kicks but none land, as Montalvo's defense is solid. Bohn tries a double-leg takedown and Montalvo easily stuffs it. Bohn gets up and throws more kicks at range, all of which miss. Finally, Bohn throws a punch that misses but the leg kick at the end lands clean. He touches Montalov with another leg kick. And then a third one. Montalvo is defending well but has yet to throw anything himself! Montalvo finally catches Bohn with a short right as Bohn comes forward, causing him to retreat. Montalvo lands a nice body punch, but Bohn starts chain-wrestling, and while his initial attempt is blocked, he keeps at it and Montalvo is slow to react. Bohn ends up taking Montalvo's back and looks for a RNC. However, Montalvo stays calm, turns into him, and ends up on top! Bohn wall-walks back up but eats a few punches in the process. Bohn touches Montalvo with a few side kicks to the body. Bohn lands a left hand but Montalvo lands a two-punch combination that laves Bohn retreating. Montalvo catches Bohn with another straight left as he comes in. Now Montalvo opens up with punches and he lands a hard straight left to the body. Bohn goes to wrestle, eats an uppercut, but stays with it. He seems to be on top but Montalvo scrambles back up. Bohn lands a few knees to the body before they break. Montalvo lands a nice left hand to the body again as Bohn's punches miss. Bohn goes for another takedown, eats a left uppercut, and doesn't gget his opponent down. As the round ends, Montalvo lands two straight HARD left hooks to the body that have Bohn wincing in pain. Entertaining round. 10-9 Montalvo.

Round 2

Bohn starts the second round with a series of straights, they miss, but he lands a leg kick. As Montalvo dips down, Bohn gets a double-leg takedown and briefly takes the back. Again, Montalvo is unbothered and scrambles back up. Montalvo now lands a jab on the feet. Bohn goes for an overhand right that misses. Montalvo lands a left hook to the head and Bohn is bothered by it, going for another takedown attempt that is easily defended. Bohn misses a 1-2 now. Montalvo scores with a jab but misses the follow-up overhand right. Bohn misses a leg kick that looks very tired. He misses a spinning back kick, not the best idea when one is tired, and then a punch. Montalvo tags him with a straight left to the body. Bohn misses a punch and then a kick, but Montalvo is unable to capitalize this time. Bohn finally lands a left to the head and then shoots, but Montalvo gets his legs out from Bohn's grasp. Montalvo tags Bohn with a right cross and then drops Bohn with a hard jab. Bohn is opportunistic, though, and uses being on his knees to wrestle, briefly getting Montalvo to his knees. Montalvo soon stands back up against the cage and separates. Montalvo lands a jab at range but misses a few follow-up right crosses. Bohn is now very light with his kicks, which touch but do no damage. After Bohn misses a 1-2, Montalvo lands a monster left hook to the body that has Bohn wincing hard in pain. Montalvo misses a right hand upstairs but then lands another big left hook to the body. Bohn has his hands very low, worried about the body punches. Bohn misses punches and partially eats a left hook to the head. As the round ends, Montalvo digs more punches to the body, which Bohn desperately defends, although they still partially get through. 10-9 Montalvo.

Round 3

Bohn goes for a 1-2 which barely misses. Montalvo backs up out of range of a Bohn kick and then a few more, all of which miss the target. Bohn throws punches which are either blocked or dodged. Montalvo tries a couple of jabs, but they miss. Bohn drops levels again for a takedown. Montalvo is brought to his knees but Bohn can get him no further. After they separate, Bohn soon dives again, but Montalvo is again ready and defends. Bohn stumbles forward and eats a right hook and then a left hook. He tries for another desperation takedown attempt, but it's not even close. Montalvo batter Bohn with punches to the head, as Bohn is looking very gassed now. Bohn tries for another takedown, is stuffed, and eats a few punches inthe process. Montalvo scores with a nice right hook to left hook combo to the body as Bohn backs up. Bohn tries some body punches of his own, but they don't land and Montalvo shows him how it's down with another couple of connects there. Montalvo unloads against the cage, first a right hand to the head and then a left hook to the body as he looks close to a finish. Bohn, however, changes levels and clinches. Montalvo defends but Bohn tries again. After they rise, Montalvo walks Bohn down and tees off on him with big punches. The end looks nigh, but again Bohn changes levels and stalls. Again they rise and again Montalvo comes foward, landing punches, Again Bohn drops to his knees. This guy refuses to be stopped. With 20 seconds left, Montalvo scores a 1-2 before Bohn again gets to his knees. Montalvo lands two more hard left hooks to the body as Bohn manages to survive. 10-8 Montalvo (30-26 Montalvo).

The Official Result

Justin Montalvo def. Jacob Bohn via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Levan Chokheli (170.8) vs. Vinicius de Jesus (169.6)

Round 1

Back at welterweight, quality veteran Vinicius de Jesus (9-4), who holds a victory over Jeremiah Wells, who fights tomorrow on UFC's card, looks to defeat the 25 year-old Georgian Levan Chokheli (9-1), all 9 of whose victories have come via knockout. Referee Dan Miragliotta will handle the potentially explosive match. Jesus misses a punch and Chokheli counters with a nice right hand of his own. Jesus tries a spinning back kick but Chokheli isn't anywhere in range. Chokheli throws a left hook into overhand right, but it misses. However, soon after, he goes for big hooks and clips Jesus with an overhand right. Encouraged, he lands a monster left hook and then follows up with an overhand right, causing Jesus to clinch for dear life. Jesus gets away and has to avoid a head kick. Interestingly, Chokheli now decides to shoot a double-leg and gets it, putting Jesus on his back. Chokheli postures up and lands a right hand to the head. Chokheli postures up with a series of left hammerfists and then adds some significant lefts using his body well, battering Jesus' face, which is already bloodied. Jesus throws elbows from his back, but none land clean. Jesus goes for a rubber guard and possibly triangle, but Chokheli angles well to prevent any danger. Chokheli's pace slows, but with 45 seconds let, he lands more thunderous left hammerfists. Jesus manages to defend, but a few seconds later, Chokheli postures up and now delivers hard right hammerfists to the body. Very impressive round for the Georgian. 10-9 Chokheli.

Round 2

Jesus begins the round with a nice body kick. Jesus lands a nice leg kick, too. However, Jesus clobbers him with a punch, causing him to retreat. Chokheli then lands a nice leg kick. Jesus tries for a takedown, but Chokheli not only stuffs him, but flips him over onto the mat. Chokheli then makes an interesting decision to stand up, thinking he has a big advantage in the striking. Jesus throws a few kicks that miss. They throw kicks simultaneously, with neither landing significantly. Jesus misses a couple of jabs and the follow-up cross. Chokheli lands a leg kick, but his pace has definitely slowed. Soon after, he lands a very hard calf kick that sends Jesus's leg flying. Jesus tries another double-leg, and while he does better, Chokheli still manages to stuff it. They clinch along the fence. Jesus throws a few knees to the thighs, but nothing major. He continues firing though, and Chokheli is simply resting along the cage. Finally, the referee breaks them with about 50 seconds left. Chokheli gets more active, missing a few hooks, but scoring with a jab. He throws a head kick that Jesus blocks. As Jesus throws a leg kick, Chokheli counters with hooks that partially get through. Chokheli lands another leg kick as the round ends. This one was much closer, but still won by the same fighter. 10-9 Chokheli.

Round 3

Jesus misses a few punches to begin the round and Chokheli goes for a combo that Jesus misses. Jesus throws another leg kick and is countered neatly by a Chokheli overhand right. Jesus throws a lazy jab and then is countered sharply again by a Chokheli overhand right. Chokheli misses a jab. Jesus lands a body kick. Chokheli misses a left hook and then Jesus misses a jab. Chokheli scores with a 1-2 that partially gets through and then throws a few head kicks that Jesus blocks. Jesus shoots in for a takedown, and this time, he manages to lift Chokheli and gets him down. Chokheli begins building his base back up, however. Jesus is right there and lands a few right hands. Chokheli decides to spin onto his back. The Brazilian is in side control and throws a few knees to the body, though none are hard. Jesus tries a knee on belly but Chokheli uses the opportunity to sweep the Brazilian, ending up on top! Jesus uses the cage to wall-walk back up, but then eats a left hook against the cage. They disengage at range with a minute left. Chokheli misses a wild overhand right. Chokheli misses a leg kick. Chokheli has a leg kick checked and then blocks a two-punch combination by Jesus. Chokheli scores with a leg kick. Jesus misses a front kick to the body as time expires. Another close round. 10-9 Chokheli (30-27 Chokheli).

The Official Result

Levan Chokheli def. Vinicius de Jesus via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

John de Jesus (145.6) vs. Kai Kamaka III (146)

Round 1

In what promises to be action from bell to bell, Kai Kamaka (8-4), fresh off a wildly entertaining 4 fight stint in the UFC, returns to Bellator to battle John de Jesus (14-9). Referee Bryan Miner will be the third man in the cage. Jesus races across the cage with a fast, crazy flying knee, looking for the quickest finish in Bellator history, but Kamaka calmly dodges it. They now settle down and look to test the distance. Finally, Jesus scores first with a leg kick. Jesus soon scores with a left cross. He misses a follow-up jab. Kamaka comes forward and lands a right cross to the body. Jesus lands a leg kick while moving well on the outside. Kamaka lands a body kick that causes Jesus to retreat back. Soon after, he lands another one, this time even cleaner. Kamaka lands a leg kick and then paws with jabs. Jesus looks for a possible takedown, but instead scores with a nice knee to the body. Kamaka barely misses an overhand right upstairs. Jesus misses a couple of right jabs but connects on the leg kick he chains to the end. Kamaka throws a body kick but Jesus blocks it this time. Kamaka lands a right cross and Jesus is unable to retaliate effectively. Jesus lands a leg kick with 30 seconds left and Kamaka lands a couple of hooks ot the body. Jesus misses a hook coming forward, and as the round ends, Kamaka gets a double-leg takedown. Very, very close round. 10-9 Kamaka.

Round 2

They throw in the pocket to begin the round, but both men dodges one another's strikes. Kamaka touches Jesus with a right to the body. Jesus touches Kamaka now with his right jab. Kamaka lands a right cross to the body, and this one isn't a touch. Kamaka lands a hard body kick that backs Jesus up. Kamaka soon lands another right cross to the body. Kamaka now lands a right cross to the head as he is starting to connect more regularly. Kamaka lands another right cross to the body. Jesus is circling on the outside but landing very little. Kamaka throws a nice roundhouse head kick, but Jesus blocks it well. Jesus tries a 1-2, but it's not even close. Kamaka lands yet another right cross to the body. Jesus misses a jab, then gets countered by another right cross to the body. Jesus touches Kamaka's leg with a kick, but nothing more. Jesus lands a front kick to the body. Kamaka partially lands an overhand right. As Kamaka comes forward, Jesus lands an inadvertent low blow. They soon resume. Jesus flicks out the jab, and one lands well. He fires another jab, and it distracts Kamaka, as Jesus throws a beautiful left cross that drops Kamaka. Kamaka immediately gets up, dodging a few uppercuts, but he was clearly hurt. Jesus doesn't try to capitalize more. Kamaka goes for a takedown to end the round, but this time, Jesus easily stuffs it. Jesus stole that round at the end there. 10-9 de Jesus.

Round 3

Kamaka begins the final stanza with another nifty right cross to the body. Jesus soon responds with a quick leg kick. Kamaka punches to get inside and then gets an easy takedown. Jesus is unable to get up, and Kamaka secures top position. He lands a short left hand. Kamaka is doing a good job of controlling the wrists; strange he didn't wrestle more earlier in the fight. Jesus briefly tries to get up but Kamaka immediately destroys his base and returns him to the canvas. In half-guard, Kamaka works away with some short left hands to the head. Kamaka goes body to head a few times for good measure as half the final stanza has now gone by. Jesus manages to get away from the cage, but he continues eating a steady diet of left hands and is staying squarely on his back. Kamaka lands a short shoulder strike. Jesus slowly shrimps to the cage with a minute left. However, he is unable to rise. Suddenly, with 30 seconds left, Jesus kicks off the cage and gets a gorgeous sweep. However, Kamaka hip-escapes and gets up. Jesus jumps on the back but he is too high and slides off. A far more cautious fight than expected. 10-9 Kamaka (29-28 Kamaka)

The Official Result

Kai Kamaka def. John de Jesus via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bobby King (156) vs. Alexandr Shabliy (155.4)

Round 1

Concluding the prelims, we are back to the lightweights, where Bobby King (10-3) fresh off a 4 fight winning streak including triumphs over Steven Siler and Nick Newell, confronts highly regarded Alexander Shabliy (20-3), already 1-0 in Bellator. Referee John English will work this contest. Shabliy cautiously circles on the outside to begin the contest. King is also cognizant of the danger. Shabliy throws and lands a hard leg kick that has King stumbling already. Another leg kick causes King's leg to fly back. King reaches with a jab but to no avail. Another Shabliy leg kick misses. Shabliy lands a lightning left hand that hurts King and he barely misses a follow-up right. King now lands a leg kick of his own. King comes forward with hooks and the left one partially gets through. King throws a right head kick that Shabliy crowds and thus avoids. King comes forward with punches, but Shabliy neatly circles away out of danger. King comes forward, but Shabliy kicks out his leg in the clinch, ending up in half-guard. Shabliy lands a left hand and tries to advance, but King keeps him in half-guard. Shabliy is looking for a possible arm triangle, but there is nothing there. Shabliy chips away with more left hands to the head. Shabliy manages to get his legs through to mount, but the arm triangle isn't quite there. Shabliy lands a few left hands to the body. 10-9 Shabliy.

Round 2

King comes out aggressively, throwing power punches in the pocket, but Shabliy expertly avoids all of them with his head movement. King misses a punch coming in, and Shabliy misses a big right counter. Shabliy slaps a leg kick that lands. King misses a right hand. They crash again in the pocket but nothing lands. Shabliy decides to grab King and grapple, and he lifts him up before getting the nice outside trip. Now he is in the open guard of King. Shabliy lands left hands to the body and head of King. King tries to use the cage, but is merely able to move himself along the perimeter. Meanwhile, Shabliy continues to punish him with left hands to the body. King manages to eventually get to the cage and begins wall-walking. Shabliy isn't making it easy, trying to suck out his leg. Eventually, King stnads up, but Shabliy takes him right back down AND moves straight into mount. He is again very cautious here, landing just a few left hands to the body to start. King is going for a possible kneebar, but he is no position to do so and Shabliy, after defending, is in a great position for an arm triangle. King, however, defends and Shabliy moves back into half-guard. Shabliy's attempts to pass leave him back into the full guard. Shabliy lands a few small strikes to end round 2. 10-9 Shabliy.

Round 3

King comes forward aggressively, but Shabliy goes for a takedown. However, King defends and then continues coming forward, landing several hard hooks in the clinch. Shabliy is covering up but partially eating the strikes. However, eventually King gets too aggressive and Shabliy hits him with a beautiful hip toss, a harai goshi I believe. Shabliy now operates again in the half-guard. King pushes on the Russian's hips and gets back to full guard. Shabliy postures up and scores a straight left to the face. They exchange small punches now, although King is also trying to get the angle for a possible armbar or triangle. Shabliy postures up with a little over 2 minutes left, but King returns him back down without any violence. Shabliy looks for a possible arm triangle but it isn't there. King spins again for a possible armbar, but Shabliy is wise to it. Shabliy lands a couple of left hands to the head. Then he lands another left punch again. King tries to rise but Shabliy pushes him back down. King postures up again, this time looking for a possible guillotine, but again, it's not there. King gets up on his butt with about 35 seconds left, but it's not long before he is pushed down again. Shabliy lands a few punches. King continues trying to get up as time expires. A dominant win by Shabliy, but not a particularly impressive one. 10-9 Shabliy (30-27 Shabliy).

The Official Result

Alexandr Shabliy def. Bobby King via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Johnny Eblen (185) vs. Collin Huckbody (185)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card, tremendous favorite Johnny Eblen (9-0) faces Colin Huckbody (10-3) in what may well be a very one-sided beating at middleweight. Referee Bryan Miner gets the assignment. Eblen begins the fight with a thunderous leg kick that causes Huckbody's leg to go flying. He follows it up with a hard body kick. Huckbody tries one of his own, but Eblen catches it and follows it up with two huge right crosses that nail Huckbody. Huckbody tries another tentative leg kick, but is again countered by a vicious barrage of punches. Eblen at some point switches to the wrestling, taking Huckbody down, and then continues battering him mercilessly. Huckbody gets up against the cage but continues eating shots while not intelligently defending himself. Referee Byran Miner has no choice but to stop it. A nice highlight reel finish for Eblen, but his opponent wasn't anywhere in his league.

The Official Result

Johnny Eblen def. Colin Huckbody via TKO (Punches) at 1:11 of Round 1

Josh Hill (135.75) vs. Jared Scoggins (140)*

Round 1

In a bantamweight battle, Josh Hill (20-4) faces Jared Scoggins (10-1), who shamefully came in 4 pounds heavy. Referee Kerry Hatley will make sure there are no other infractions. Scoggins begins with a head kick which Hill blocks. Scoggins misses a follow-up leg kick. Scoggins tries a side kick to the head which isn't close. Scoggins goes for another head kick which is blocked. Meanwhile, Hill lands two leg kicks in a row, both of which cause Scoggins' leg to go flying. Hill checks a Scoggins leg kick. Scoggins comes forward and clinches. He partially lands two knees the body, but Hill turns him around. They're in a 50/50 position, with each man having an underhook. They trade knees to the body, but nothing hard lands. They break free with a little under 3 minutes remaining. Scoggins misses another side kick to the head. Scoggins misses a jab. Scoggins now misses a roundhouse kick to the head. Hill misses a leg kick. Hill tries to counter with an overhand right as Scoggins comes forward, but he misses. Hill jabs, misses, but partially gets a leg kick through. Scoggins misses a leg kick. Scoggins misses a jab and then a kick. Hill misses a kick of his own. Scoggins tries a side kick, this time to the body, but it's no good. As Scoggins goes to kick, Hill times a nice takedown and gets Scoggins down on his back. Hill is in full guard as Scoggins desperately holds onto his arms. Hill lands a few short right hands to the head. He then lands a few to the body and a few more to the head as time expires. 10-9 Hill.

Round 2

Scoggins goes for a side kick to the body and this one partially gets through. Hill comes forward but Scoggins dances away on the perimeter. Hill misses a leg kick. However, out of nowhere, Scoggins comes forward and it's an absolutely horrible decision, as Hill steps forward with a beautiful overhand right that lands right on the button. Scoggins is completely unconscious before he even collapses to the mat. Hill doesn't even need to hit him again as Kerry Hatley sprints to stop it. Scoggins is out completely cold as physicians attend to him. A sensational knockout!

The Official Result

Josh Hill def. Jarred Scoggins via KO (Punch) at 0:56 of Round 2

Jeremy Kennedy (145.75) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (145.25)

Round 1

In the last Bellator co-main event of 2021, Jeremy Kennedy (16-3), who was 3-1 in the UFC, only losing to current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, faces Bellator mainstay Emmanuel Sanchez (20-6). Referee Dan Miragliotta will get the best vantage point in the arena. Sanchez begins the fight jabbing, though he is a little out of range. Kennedy paws one of his own, misses, and avoids a series of straight punches by Sanchez. Sanchez touches Kennedy with the jab and comes forward. Kennedy drops levels for a double-leg and briefly gets it. However, Sanchez gets up almost immediately. Sanchez works a kimura grip against the cage. However, Kennedy gets him down and while Sanchez rises, Kennedy gets the rear waistlock. Kennedy continues working along the cage. Eventually, he manages to lift Sanchez up and slams him against the cage. Sanchez is now flat on his back. Kennedy gets to half-guard and works a possible arm triangle. However, Sanchez begins building his base back up and wall-walking. Not for long, however, as Kennedy drags him back down. Sanchez tries to buck him off and seems to temporarily be successful, until Kennedy gets up and continues pushing in an advantageous position. Still, Sanchez gets back up to his feet against the cage. Kennedy is like glue right now, absolutely refusing to give Sanchez a bit of space. Eventually, he wrenches out a beautiful single-leg. Sanchez tries to scramble out, but again, Kennedy traisl him perfectly, ending up in side control on top. Sanchez spins and gets it back to full guard. Sanchez tries for a triangle, but Kennedy is fully postured up, so there is nothing there. Sanchez gives it up as 10 seconds remain and Kennedy lands some ground-and-pound. 10-9 Kennedy.

Round 2

Sanchez touches Kennedy with a leg kick, and then follows it up with another, this one harder. Oddly, it's Sanchez who shoots for a double-leg against Kennedy. Kennedy is surprised by it, but manages to defend. Sanchez does have a decent position here though, with the rear waistlock. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Kennedy hits an absolutely gorgeous hip toss, as nice as one will ever see. It's also highly effective, planing Sanchez firmly on his back well away from the cage. Sanchez works his hips for either an armbar or triangle, and also lands a few elbows from the bottom. Sanchez tries to hip-escape and rise in the center of the cage, but Kennedy returns him to the canvas. However, a second attempt is successful, as Sanchez hip-escapes and gets to the cage. Kennedy picks him up, and while Sanchez gets his feet underneath him, Kennedy still gets the takedown, returning Sanchez to his back with half the fight elapsed. Kennedy is in half-guard and goes for a cradle. He tries to get to mount but Sanchez spins with him well. Kennedy does, however, end up in side control. Kennedy then takes the back with both hooks in as Sanchez tries to turn into him. However, Kennedy is too skilled and stays in the dominant position. Sanchez tries to sit up, but Kennedy is all over his back. Kennedy works for a RNC, but Sanchez defends. One such attempt gives Sanchez too much space and he gets out, although he is still being pushed against the cage by Kennedy. Finally, Sanchez gets back up to his feet with 30 seconds remaining. Sanchez has a kimura grip as time expires. 10-9 Kennedy.

Round 3

Sanchez comes out aggressively and lands an overhand right. He does, however, eat a hard leg kick from Kennedy. As Sanchez comes forward, Kennedy gets a double-leg takedown. Sanchez tries to immediately rise, but in the process, gives up his back, which Kennedy not only takes, but locks up a body triangle to boot. This is the last thing Sanchez wanted! Kennedy pelts him with short punches but is obviously looking for the RNC. He tries it at one point but Sanchez immediately tries to turn into him. Kennedy has to give it up and goes back to landing the occasional punch. Sanchez tries to escape, but Kennedy's body triangle is incredibly tight and there is no escape, as we reach the halfway part of the final stanza. Sanchez tries to scramble, but in the process, Kennedy tracks him well and gets a RNC attempt in. Sanchez is too tough and Kennedy abandons it. Kennedy tries to go to full mount, but is forced to abandon it and now Kennedy no longer has the body triangle, though he still has the back. Finally, after more effort, Kennedy is forced to face into Sanchez, though he is on top. Sanchez goes for a guillotine choke with about 100 seconds left. It's not tight at all and in a bad position, but it's his only real shot. Kennedy isn't worried and lands some right hands to the body. Sanchez holds on to it for dear life while huffing and puffing and grimacing in pain. Kennedy continues landing short right hands to the body with 30 seconds remaining. Finally, with 24 seconds left, Kennedy pops his head out. Kennedy lands a few right elbows and then lands some nice punches. Sanchez lands a couple of solid upkicks as Kennedy postures all the way up to end the fight, but it's obviously nowhere near enough. 10-9 Kennedy (30-27 Kennedy).

The Official Result

Jeremy Kennedy def. Emmanuel Sanchez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight:
Sergio Pettis (134) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (134.5)

Round 1

Finally, in a fitting main event for Bellator's final card for 2021, defending Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis (21-5) faces former Bellator bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3), who only relinquished the championship due to injury. Referee Todd Anderson gets the last assignment, and one hopes he won't confuse the two men like he did earlier in the evening. Horiguchi begins dancing on the outside, showing off some nifty footwork, while Pettis has a tight, high guard. They throw punches, though neither man lands. However, Pettis lands a nice right cross and Horiguchi, off-balance, briefly falls until standing back up. Suddenly, as Pettis advances forward, Horiguchi shoots and gets the takedown! Pettis fires upkicks but Horiguchi patiently waits and then takes the back. Pettis, however, rises against the cage, with Horiguchi draped over him. Eventually, Pettis spins off and they return to range. Horiguchi lands a fancy spinning back kick to the body, though it doesn't look especially hard. Horiguchi misses a leg kick and Pettis misses a jab. Pettis goes for a 1-2 but Horiguchi, endlessly moving, is again out of range. Horiguchi goes for a jumping knee but it doesn't land. Horiguchi lands another spinning back-kick and partially gets an overhand right through. Pettis remains as calm as ever. Another forward knee is attempted by Horiguchi, but this misses. Pettis advances and lands a 1-2-1. He blocks a Horiguchi body kick. Horiguchi lands a jab, but his follow-up punches miss. Horiguchi stumbles Pettis with a leg kick and then lands a front kick to the body. The bell rings to signal an end to the opening round. 10-9 Horiguchi.

Round 2

Horiguchi lands a body kick to begin the second round. Horiguchi brilliantly times a leg kick as Pettis comes forward, knocking him off his feet. Pettis tries with a head kick, but Horiguchi is well out of range. Pettis jabs, and Horiguchi shoots in on a takedown, which he uses to get Pettis down. Pettis is against the cage, but stays down for a while. Horiguchi postures up briefly, but eats an upkick for his efforts. Pettis goes for an omoplatta, but Horiguchi gets out easily and then punishes Pettis with ground-and-pound. Pettis rises but Horiguchi brings him back down to his knees, landing knees to the thighs. Horiguchi is on the back with one hook in, but halfway through the round, the Japanese champion is significantly cut. Horiguchi lands a series of right hands to the head of a floored Pettis. Pettis tries to get up but Horiguchi sucks his hips out with his own leg and keeps him on the floor. Horiguchi has a wrestling ride and opens up with a series of hammering right hands to the head, which Pettis simply covers up and eats. Finally, he manages to grab Horiguchi's wrists with a minute remaining. Pettis finally manages to wall-walk back up, but he is well behind in the round. Horiguchi dances on the outside, not giving Pettis a clean look. Horiguchi throws a 1-2 that partially gets through. Pettis tries a jab but Horiguchi evades. Horiguchi lands a body kick to end the round. Great round for the Japanese star. 10-9 Horiguchi.

Round 3

Pettis tries a side kick to the obliques, but Horiguchi evades. Horiguchi launches a monster right head kick, but Pettis evades well out of range. Horiguchi lands a leg kick and Pettis tries a spinning backfist afterwards, but to no avail. Pettis throws two head kicks in a row, but Horiguchi is way too fast, again being out of range. Both men miss jabs and Horiguchi continues dancing on the outside. Horiguchi throws yet another spinning back kick and this one lands. Horiguchi goes for a single-leg, pushing Pettis back, but Pettis stays upright now, getting to the cage. However, Horiguchi isn't finished and goes back to the single-leg, lifting up and dumping Pettis onto the canvas. Horiguchi is in half-guard and he stays close to Pettis, giving him no room to get back up. He lands a series of short right hands. Pettis is doing little to get up with 2 minutes remaining in the round. Pettis tries to turn, but remains grounded and eats more right hands. Pettis finally sits up, but Horiguchi spins neatly to the back. Pettis tries to stand but Horiguchi uses his lone hook to return him to the canvas. Pettis tries again to stand, and again Horiguchi moves to the back. Finally, Pettis dumps him off and they return to the striking with 40 seconds remaining. Pettis misses his gorgeous jab. Soon after, he eats a Horiguchi leg kick. Horiguchi misses a leg kick but Pettis is unable to cleanly counter. The round ends and I have Horiguchi pitching a shut-out. Incredible. 10-9 Horiguchi.

Round 4

Pettis stalks forward and fires a 1-2, but it misses. Horiguchi clinches soon after, but Pettis fights off the takedown attempt. His attempt to punch misses, though. Horiguchi then times another takedown, pushing Pettis in the head while going for a leg with the other arm, and this one works. Pettis uses a triangle guard, which I'm not a fan of. He soon abandons it for a closed full guard. Horiguchi decides to posture up, and then backs off, allowing Pettis to follow him back to the stand-up. Horiguchi lands a jab of his own, but then misses the leg kick. Pettis tries a leg kick, misses, and almost gets countered by a Horiguchi right cross. Pettis opens up with a jab and series of punches, but Horiguchi evades and tags him with a left hook for good measure. Horiguchi goes for a possible takedown, is stuffed, but Pettis misses a big left hook. Another Horiguchi takedown attempt is also defended ably. Horiguchi lands a jab. He then goes for a huge overhand left which misses. Then, out of nowhere, in a fight he was losing badly, Sergio Pettis misses a right head kick that Horiguchi ducks under, and Pettis tries a spinning backfist which hits pay dirt, knocking Horiguchi out completely cold. The Japanese champion is splayed out with his arms out completely inert on the canvas. Tremendous and amazing; one of the best knockouts of the year. Pettis is still the Bellator bantamweight world champion.

The Official Result

Sergio Pettis def. Kyoji Horiguchi via KO (Spinning Backfist) at 3:24 of Round 4
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