Bellator 278 ‘Velasquez vs. Carmouche’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Makoa Cooper (169) vs. Blake Perry (169.8)

Round 1

The Bellator 278 prelims begin with a welterweight scrap between Makoa Cooper and Blake Perry refereed by Dayne Furuta. Cooper (1-0) quickly gets Perry (0-0) on the ground. "Koa" is landing short strikes on top and is comfortably in half guard. Perry regains guard but isn't trying to get off his back, instead comfortable eating small shots. Cooper passes to side control and starts landing elbows before looking for an Americana that wasn't meant to be. Perry tries to shuck his opponent off but eats several right hands for his effort. The round ends with Cooper getting mount position but not doing anything of note with it.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cooper
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cooper
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Cooper

Round 2

The two welterweights come out trading kicks to start the second frame. Cooper then scoops up Perry and puts him on the floor with a double leg takedown. Cooper begins raining down elbows and it looks like we're in for a repeat of the first round. "Koa" moves to side control and is patiently picking his spots. He winds up putting Perry in a crucifix and bloodies his opponent with well-targeted punches. Perry shows his heart by getting up but eats several knees as a result and then promptly put on his back again. Incredibly, Perry forces a scramble and hooks in an anaconda choke. It's in deep and Cooper taps! What an amazing comeback.

The Official Result

Blake Perry def. Makoa Cooper via Submission (Anaconda Choke); R2, 4:14.

Scotty Hao (170) vs. Dante Schiro (170.6)

Round 1

In another welterweight tussle, this time reffed by Chris West, Scotty Hao faces Dante Schiro. Schiro (8-3) is the taller fighter and begins attacking Hao (5-3) at a distance with leg kicks. However, Hao closes the distance and the two fighters clinch against the cage. Both men fail to get the other martial artist to the ground, and Schiro begins looking for a standing guillotine choke that he uses to land a knee to the head before separating. Hao taunts Schiro to throw, which he does by landing several punches and then a knee in his sharpest striking combination yet. Hao then clinches again and they begin fighting against the cage. Schiro again looks for a guillotine that ultimately goes nowhere. They separate, with Schiro landing a sneaky elbow on the exit, and Hao closes the round with a few punches before getting trapped in another guillotine choke that isn't close to being dangerous.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Schiro
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Schiro
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Hao

Round 2

The two trade punches to start Round 2 with Hao being more aggressive and coming forward. Schiro lands a jumping knee but it doesn't connect cleanly and they briefly clinch again. Hao looks for a head kick and then goes for another takedown, which finds him in yet another guillotine choke. Hao escapes the choke but is put on his back as Schiro looks for an arm-triangle choke briefly before moving into mount position. Schiro is pushed back into half guard but lands a few elbows and punches to assert his dominance. Schiro looks for a brabo choke before letting go to land some punches. Schiro hooks in the choke again late in the round and blood begins bursting out of Hao's forehead. The last 10 seconds see Schiro raining down punches as Hao is saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Schiro
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Schiro
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-8 Schiro

Round 3

Schiro lands a huge front kick to open Round 3 and Hao is clearly rocked. Hao is standing still as a target and Schiro lands a jumping knee before Hao desperately goes for a takedown. Schiro begins landing punches on the ground as Hao desperately looks to tie his opponent up. Schiro stands up and begins raining down punches on his grounded opponent, which causes the referee to finally stop the fight.

The Official Result

Dante Schiro def. Scotty Hao via TKO (Punches); R3, 1:03.

Weber Almeida (145.2) vs. Fabricio Franco (145.6)

Round 1

Our final prelim moves to the featherweight division as Fabricio Franco takes on Weber Almeida. The third man inside the cage is once again Chris West. Almeida (5-1) is looking to bounce back after his first career defeat, while Franco (8-4, 1 NC) is also coming off a loss. They clinch against the cage before Franco lands a knee to the groin of Almeida. The fight is restarted and Almeida lands a solid leg kick, which causes Franco to land one of his own. Almeida is moving in and out well, landing several kicks at distance. Almeida then lands a leg kick that appears to land on the thigh, but it is called a low blow and the fight is paused. Franco is on the ground for several minutes while West doesn't get an answer on whether Franco wants to continue or not. West is then informed by Jason Herzog that it was a clean blow and Franco is told that he has to continue or the fight is over. Franco doesn't give an actual answer and the fight is waved off.

The Official Result

Weber Almeida def. Fabricio Franco via TKO (Leg Kick); R1, 3:01.

Nate Andrews (159.2) vs. Luis Muro (160)

Round 1

Referee Jason Herzog will oversee the 160-pound catchweight bout between Luis Muro and Nate Andrews that will open the main card. This is a rematch as Muro (12-7) was submitted by Andrews (16-4) with a rear-naked choke back in 2016. Muro begins the round by throwing plenty of kicks at range. They clinch against the fence and Andrews grabs the fence to stay upright. Muro is able to land some small knees while clinched and then takes his opponent's back before taking Andrews down. The round ends with Muro in the guard, landing the occasional blow but doing minimal damage.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muro
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muro
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Muro

Round 2

Muro closes the distance and they are up against the fence again. Muro is much more comfortable in the clinch as Andrews has to feverishly work to stay off the ground. Muro occasionally disengages in order to land punches but keeps reinitiating the clinch shortly afterward. Andrews begins landing some elbows as Muro is deep in on a takedown attempt. They break free temporarily, which allows Muro to throw some wild hooks, but Muro once again goes for a takedown. While Andrews temporarily goes down to one knee, he gets back up. Finally finding space, Andrews lands a nice body kick and a flurry of punches that force Muro to desperately go for a takedown. Andrews locks in an anaconda choke as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Andrews
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Andrews
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Andrews

Round 3

Andrews lands a few straight punches to start the round but then clinches with his opponent. Andrews attempts to drag Muro to the floor and then lands a sneaky knee before giving up on the attempt. Muro throws sloppy punches and then goes for yet another takedown attempt. Andrews lands a solid elbow but is then put down to the ground. Muro is unable to do any damage and is mostly sitting in guard hanging on to Andrews to prevent him from getting up to his feet. With a minute left, Andrews is desperate to get up and gets to his knees but is promptly put on his butt again by Muro. The fight mercifully ends as Muro finally gets to mount.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muro (29-28 Muro)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muro (29-28 Muro)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Muro (29-28 Muro)

The Official Result

Luis Muro def. Nate Andrews via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28); R3, 5:00.

Christian Edwards (204.4) vs. Grant Neal (204.2)

Round 1

Both Grant Neal and Christian Edwards are looking to rebound from their first career defeats. Reffing the light heavyweight bout is Mike Beltran. Edwards (5-1) looks for a head kick to start the fight but it veers wide of Neal (6-1). Neal closes the distance and lands a quick punch before backing up again. Neal is able to catch Edwards off guard and then attempts to take his back but is pushed off. Edwards continues trying to land kicks and use his superior reach but isn't finding much success so far. Edwards lands a textbook 1-2 combination and is starting to find success with his hands rather than his feet. Neal is now having more trouble closing the distance and gets clipped by an overhand right as he attempts to do so. Neal fires off a head kick that just misses and Edwards lands a 1-2 combo before being taken down. Neal can't do any damage before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Edwards

Round 2

Neal is more aggressive to start Round 2, clearly inspired by his success at the end of the first. Edwards tries to establish his range again but isn't able to do enough damage to keep Neal away. Neal manages to get another takedown but he has time to work now with two minutes left. Neal pushes Edwards to the cage and begins raining down punches while having one of Edwards' arms pinned. Edwards is desperately trying to get back to his feet but eats a solid elbow for his efforts. The round ends as Neal lands more shots.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Neal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Neal
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Neal

Round 3

Neal takes the center of the cage to start the final frame. Edwards is then taken down by a blast double leg takedown. Neal is desperately trying to keep "Pain" from getting back up as Edwards pushes down his opponent's head. Edwards turns around and is able to spin to his feet. Neal lands several knees in the clinch and then lifts up Edwards and slams him down. Edwards gets back to his knees and then his feet. Neal still has a body lock and is repeatedly landing knees. Two minutes left and Neal dumps Edwards to the ground again. Neal is in control and is landing the occasional shot while focusing on position. The round ends with Edwards eating elbows and punches as Neal postures up.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Neal (29-28 Neal)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Neal (29-28 Neal)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Neal (29-28 Neal)

The Official Result

Grant Neal def. Christian Edwards via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Jornel Lugo (135.8) vs. Danny Sabatello (134.6)

Round 1

Our first bantamweight grand prix wild card bout between Jornel Lugo and Danny Sabatello is refereed by Frank Trigg. Lugo enters the bout undefeated at 8-0, while Sabatello is 11-1. Sabatello starts off aggressive and begins walking Lugo down and landing leg kicks. Sabatello goes for a takedown and secures it for an early advantage, but Lugo works his way back to his feet. Sabatello uses a front headlock to take Lugo down. Sabatello is working in half guard and landing short blows. Lugo is unable to get up and is mostly deflecting punches from doing meaningful damage. Sabatello begins landing some sharp elbows to cement his advantage in Round 1. Lugo eats several more elbows as the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello

Round 2

The second round is basically a repeat of the first as Sabatello lands an early takedown. Lugo isn't able to keep guard and Sabatello is able to posture up and land some damaging blows. Sabatello briefly gets mount then moves to the back of Lugo and unsuccessfully looks for a rear-naked choke. Sabatello lands several sharp punches and then locks in an arm-triangle choke. Lugo gives Trigg a thumbs up and keeps Sabatello in half guard. Lugo is able to escape but eats a series of elbows as a result and is now bloodied as he eats a series of punches. Sabatello is in full control as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Sabatello
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Sabatello
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-8 Sabatello

Round 3

Sabatello shoots for a takedown to start Round 3 and is able to get Lugo on his back once again. Working the body and occasionally the head, Sabatello is landing plenty of punches with Lugo forced to just hold on. Lugo is finally able to sweep Sabatello and gets back up to his feet, although Sabatello immediately clinches and then takes Lugo back down. Sabatello slams Lugo and continues to rain down punches, firmly in control. Lugo spends the rest of the round unsuccessfully trying to get back to his feet as Sabatello simply outworks his opponent.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello (30-26 Sabatello)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello (30-26 Sabatello)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello (30-26 Sabatello)

The Official Result

Danny Sabatello def. Jornel Lugo via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26); R3, 5:00.

Enrique Barzola (139.6) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (139.4)

Round 1

Reffing the co-main event between Nikita Mikhailov and Enrique Barzola is Jason Herzog. Despite this being a 140-pound catchweight, this is a wild card bout for the bantamweight grand prix. Mikhailov (8-1) goes for a flying knee that doesn't land and follows it up with an unsuccessful takedown attempt. Mikhailov is staying active as he throws a head kick, but the defense of Barzola (17-5-2) is sound. Mikhailov throws a spinning backfist that lands. Barzola lands a nice right hand that temporarily stuns Mikhailov and then pressures him into the cage. Mikhailov throws a quick spinning back kick but it doesn't land. Barzola throws Mikhailov down and begins landing punches. Barzola grabs the back and Mikhailov looks tired. Barzola lands a series of punches as Mikhailov works to his feet. Barzola lands several elbows as Mikhailov looks for a takedown of his own. Barzola reverses and takes Mikhailov down to end the first round.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Barzola

Round 2

Barzola gets another takedown to start Round 2 and puns Mikhailov against the fence. Barzola is landing dozens of small blows that Mikhailov has no defense for. Mikhailov seems tired and is just accepting punishment. Barzola gets Mikhailov on his back again and is throwing plenty of punches. Mikhailov gives up his back and Barzola is looking for a rear-naked choke. Mikhailov is able to escape but is still on the ground as Barzola regains control. Barzola threatens with a brabo choke and then transitions to mount briefly. Mikhailov is able to reverse position and gets up, then clinches and briefly takes Barzola down. However, Barzola pops back up and throws Mikhailov down, then takes the back. Barzola looks for another rear-naked choke but Mikhailov once again rolls out of it as the frame ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Barzola
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Barzola

Round 3

Barzola can't quite get Mikhailov down to start the third round, but they are once again clinched up against the cage. Mikhailov winds up tripping Barzola but can't keep his opponent down. Barzola powers through and gets another takedown, which allows him to land shots from guard. After a scramble, Barzola is looking for an anaconda choke. Barzola pins Mikhailov against the cage and is in full control. Barzola starts landing knees to the body and then takes the back of Mikhailov. Barzola falls back for a rear-naked choke. It is under the chin but Mikhailov fights valiantly for hand control. Mikhailov gets out of it but Barzola rains down punches until the fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Enrique Barzola def. Nikita Mikhailov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Bellator Flyweight World Title Bout:
Juliana Velasquez (124.8) vs. Liz Carmouche (125)

Round 1

Juliana Velasquez looks to make her second flyweight title defense against Liz Carmouche. The main event will be refereed by Mike Beltran. Carmouche (16-7) immediately comes out aggressive and lands a leg kick on the undefeated champion. Velasquez (12-0) eats another kick and is backing away defensively from her challenger. Carmouche jumps in with a series of hooks but can't quite find her mark. Velasquez lands a nice counter and is showing more accuracy on the feet. Carmouche charges forward and lands a left hand before getting clipped by Velasquez with a 1-2 combination. "Girl-Rilla" lands several more kicks and continues to control the opening stanza. Velasquez lands a jab to the body and then circles away. Neither fighter has been able to do damage so far beyond some leg kicks that might pay off as the fight continues. The rounds end as Carmouche catches a kick and then throws the champ into the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche

Round 2

Velasquez catches Carmouche with a straight left hand that knocks her opponent down to start Round 2. Carmouche composes herself and then successfully takes Velasquez down. The two fighters are largely deadlocked with both fighters controlling the arm of the other. Carmouche passes to side control as Velasquez uses the fence to get back to her feet. Carmouche starts landing foot stomps, which is the most damage she's done in this round. Velasquez is able to switch positions as they are clinched up against the cage. Velasquez ends the round with a takedown but is unable to do anything with 15 seconds left.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez

Round 3

Carmouche lands a calf kick to start the third frame. Velasquez lands a big left hand that lands. Carmouche rushes in but misses and eats a counter punch from the champion. Carmouche lands another kick and is the one forcing the action, even if she's not able to do much damage. Velasquez starting to throw a bit more but is mostly looking to counter. Velasquez walks Carmouche back into the cage and throws a few 1-2 combinations. A straight left hand connects for Velasquez. Carmouche gets a takedown with 80 seconds left. Carmouche is unable to do anything as Velasquez controls her and holds her in guard until the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Velasquez

Round 4

The championship rounds begin with Velasquez knocking down an off-balance Carmouche. The former UFC title challenger bounces back to her feet and then clinches with Velasquez. The champ is able to land a few knees and then the two break. Carmouche begins landing leg kicks again but they're not landing with any oomph. Velasquez lands an overhand left and begins circling away defensively as Carmouche walks forward, missing punches by a wide margin. Carmouche clinches and is going for another takedown. Velasquez manages to stay on her feet and Carmouche lands a takedown with 45 seconds left. Carmouche gets a crucifix and begins landing dozens of small elbows. The referee waves off the fight extremely quickly and a new champion has been crowned.

The Official Result

Liz Carmouche def. Juliana Velasquez via TKO (Elbows): R4, 4:47.