Bellator 282 ‘Mousasi vs. Eblen’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Bryce Logan (156) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)

Round 1

We kick things off with lightweight Bryce Logan and Mandel Nallo. Kerry Hatley is the referee in this one and we are underway. Logan is the aggressor early as he slowly stalks Nallo. Nallo tosses out a few left jabs, but neither connects. Logan can’t get inside just yet and eats a few leg kicks. Nallo backs off as Logan comes in and then decks him with a sharp right to the jaw. Logan falls face first bit even though he’s not out cold, Hatley calls it off. This one ends quickly and we are off to an explosive start.

The Official Result

Mandel Nallo def. Bryce Logan by KO (Punch); R1, 1:07.

Fabio Aguiar (184) vs. Aaron Jeffery (184.25)

Round 1

Up next is a middleweight showdown between Fabio Aguiar and Aaron Jeffery. Marc Goddard is the third man in the cage this one and we are underway. They touch gloves and Jeffery, rocking an amazing mullet, comes forward with jabs and a right leg kick. Jeffery gets inside and clinches, but Aguiar reverses him against the cage. Aguiar has double underhooks and appears to be the stronger of the two. Jeffery gets the left underhook undone but he’s still pressed against the cage. Jeffery is able to lift his foe via the high crotch and scores the takedown and quickly fishes for the guillotine. It’s deep but Fabio is fighting through it. Jeffery is changing his angle and stand up to crank the neck but he can’t quite land it. Aguiar is remaining calm. Jeffery switches his grip and then loses the choke completely. Aguiar is able to stand up but he takes a knee to the shoulder whilst getting pressed face first into the cage. Jeffery nearly trips his counterpart to the canvas but falls into the cage. Aguiar is now looking for the takedown very late, but he’s stuffed. Right at the bell, Fabio scores a takedown but this round is an easy 10-9 for Jeffery.

Round 2

Aguiar comes out blasting and tags Jeffery with a right hook to the head. Jeffery stumbles backward but Aguiar decides to tie him up instead, rather than land more punches. They clinch against the cage as Aguiar fishes for the takedown. Aguiar is relentless with his takedown pressure but Jeffery’s base is strong. Jeffery finally breaks free and Aguiar backs away. Jeffery starts landing punches upstairs and then decides to press his man into the cage. Once again, they clinch against the cage. The two men trade elbows and punches in the clinch, but Jeffery lands a hard knee and follow-up punches. Aguiar is rocked badly and withers under the pressure. He crumbles in a heap just as Goddard steps in to halt the bout.

The Official Result

Aaron Jeffery def. Fabio Aguiar via TKO (Knees and Punches); R2, 3:30.

James Gonzalez (145.75) vs. Cody Law (145.75)

Round 1

Up next is unbeaten prospect Cody Law against fellow featherweight James Gonzalez. Marc Goddard is the ref again and here we go. Gonzalez comes out with kicks to the leg and body, but Law is patient. Gonzalez lands hard left kick to the ribs and then has a head kick blocked. Law has yet to let anything fly. Finally, law swings away with a wild right hook and they briefly trade punches. Law keeps switching stances as he comes forward. Law fakes a low kick and goes high, but it’s blocked. Law tags his foe with a sharp right cross and then a glancing head kick; Gonzalez pauses briefly and regroups. Now it’s Law on the attack as he is following Gonzalez around the cage, but he eats a body kick and then a loopy overhand right. Gonzalez catches a kick to the body and uses it to score a takedown, but Law pops up quickly. Gonzalez keeps ducking his head way low while he swings with right and left hooks. A pair of rights to the head from Law, but Gonzalez fires a right hook to the cheek in return. The two men trade leather for the final five seconds of the round. It’s close but law takes it 10-9.

Round 2

Law comes right out and chases down Gonzalez to begin the second. A pair of sweeping right hooks from the unbeaten Law miss and Gonzalez tags him with a right of his own, followed by a leg kick. Law tags his adversary with a sharp right cross. Another. Gonzalez backs away and tries a jumping knee, but he’s way too far out to land it. Gonzalez delvers his left foot deep into Law’s belly and then follows that with a right shin to the thigh. Law has resorted to throwing single hooks now; his combos are gone for now. Gonzalez is using his leg kicks effectively with about two minutes left but then he takes a decent right hook to the chin. Gonzalez drops down for a takedown but he’s stuffed and nearly taken down himself. Law misses a right hook and then walks into a counter right to the dome. With a minute left, Gonzalez whiffs on a wild right hook and falls to the canvas, though he jumps right back up. Gonzalez is in control of the pace and lands kicks to the body and legs, followed by punches up top. Another close round but Gonzalez evens it up at 19-19 going into the third.

Round 3

They clash in the center of the cage and Law throws a great three-punch combo. Gonzalez drops to a knee but he was more off-balance than hurt. They trade punches and now it’s a wild exchange. Law shoots in but he misses badly. Gonzalez lands a car push kick to the gut and backs Law away. Another kick to the belly and now law is backing away, possibly hurt. Gonzalez is the aggressor again and he lands a right hook. They clinch against the cage and Law appears to be gassing. Gonzalez looks for a choke and rolls law to the canvas, misses the choke and quickly takes his back. Gonzalez is now looking for the RNC and Law is in trouble. Gonzalez locks int eh body triangle and has the choke, but his choke arm is int eh wrong position. Law is able to fend the choke off and he finally turns his head, freeing himself. Gonzalez had him dead to rights but missed, though he still has the younger fighter’s back, landing punches from behind. Gonzalez landing left hands to the ribs of law over and over. With a minute left, law needs to break free and get to his feet. Law finally explodes to his knees but he can’t get up. Gonzalez stays on him, landing elbows to the head. This one goes the distance and Gonzalez wins 29-28 on this card. Let’s see how the official judges see it.

The Official Result

James Gonzalez def. Cody law via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-26); R3, 5:00.

Ilara Joanne (125) vs. Alejandra Lara (125.5)

Round 1

Up next are the ladies in the flyweight division: Alejandra Lara against Illara Joanne. Our referee is Kevin MacDonald. The touch gloves and get right to work. They trade a few punches but instantly clinch. Joanne forces Lara into the cage and that’s where they stay for a little while. They trade knees to the thighs but Joanne has double underhooks. Finally, she lands the takedown but Lara is able to recover her guard. As Lara turns over to try and stand, Joanne takes her back. She slips off and now Lara is in semi-scarf hold position. Lara loses her position and Joanne takes her back, both hooks in. In a very sloppy transition to an armbar from the back. Lara escapes, but in the scramble, Lara falls to her back and is mounted. Joanne is staying very heavy on top while she cups Lara’s head here and there. Lara shrimps to her right and escapes mount before exploding to her feet. Lara lets her hands go and she unleashes a torrent of punches. Most of her strikes miss, but it’s good action late. Still, Joanne easily wins the round 10-9.

Round 2

The flyweights come out swinging to begin the second. Lara lands a few good shots but is briefly tied up. Joanne separates and lands a fe leg kicks but she’s looking tired now. Joanne tags her foe with hard overhand right to the face, but Lara takes it easily. Joanne runs into a left hook but gets the clinch and ensuing takedown. Lara is on her right side and recovers to half guard. Joanne is peppering Lara’s ribs and thigh with elbows, but none of them are fierce. Joanne moves to side control now but slips to top half guard while she tries to mount. Lara is looking to use a rubber guard but can’t get it. During a scramble, Joanne is up kicked to the face while she is still on her knees an MacDonald stops the bout to allow her to recover. Joanne is good to go and the fight continues; Lara is penalized a point for the infraction. The crowd is booing the ref now, and she laughs. The final 8 seconds is wild with both women throwing kicks and punches. It’s a 10-8 round for Joanne because of the penalty.

Round 3

Lara lands a right elbow to the face as they clash int eh center of the cage. Joanne say composed, ties Lara up and easily takes her down. Joanne in top half guard, looking to pass. Lara seems content to stay on her back, but she needs a stoppage of some sort in order to win this; she is way behind on points. Lara recovers to guard, bit Joanne stands up and after a moderate scramble, takes her back. Lara is back down and turtled up an the rolls to freedom. They scramble again and Joanne looks for a kneebar, though she’s too far down the leg to land it. Lara briefly has top position and thinks leg lock, but loses her position almost immediately. With a minute left, Joanne is on top now, but her left leg is caught in an awkward angle. It’s free now and is in side control with 20 seconds left. Lara is doomed. The fight ends and Joanne should win this one 30-26 across the board. Somewhat shockingly easy win for Joanne.

The Official Result

Illara Joanne def. Alejandra Lara via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27); R3, 5:00.

Sabah Homasi (170) vs. Maycon Mendonca (170.75)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley is the referee for this welterweight bout. Both men come out aggressive and Mendonca gets backed into the cage but fights his way out. Homasi enters while throwing hooks and tags Mendonca. Homasi recognizes that he has his opponent hurt and throws a hellacious right overhand punch that connects and puts Mendonca out cold in under a minute as he faceplants on the ground. What a showing for "The Sleek Sheik" as it couldn't have gone better.

The Official Result

Sabah Homasi def. Maycon Mendonca via KO (Punch); R1, 0:58.

Muhammad Abdullah (184.25) vs. Anatoly Tokov (186)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is overseeing this middleweight bout. Anatoly Tokov proved why he's a heavy favorite early by taking down Muhammad Abdullah. Tokov gets the back and is raining down punches. Abdullah can't mount any defense and is allowing Tokov to land punches. The fight is waved off halfway through the round.

The Official Result

Anatoly Tokov def. Muhammad Abdullah via TKO (Punches): R1, 2:28.

Pam Sorenson (146) vs. Cat Zingano (145.25)

Round 1

Women's featherweight contenders Cat Zingano and Pam Sorenson are inside the cage with Dan Miragliotta once again reffing the action. Sorenson controls the center of the cage well early, but Zingano immediately secures a takedown and gets into guard. A cut opens up on the right eyebrow of Sorenson as Zingano lands small punches and advances into half-guard. Sorenson escapes to her knee and Zingano lands an illegal knee. The fight is stopped and Zingano is penalized a point for the foul. However, "Alpha" gets another takedown and controls the round until the bell rings for a 9-9 draw.

Round 2

Zingano opens the second frame by landing two head kicks, showing she has the advantage no matter where the fight goes. Cat lands another takedown and puts Sorenson on her back. Zingano works to half-guard and is doing steady damage. Sorenson is able to regain guard but never gets back to her feet. Clear 10-9 round for Zingano.

Round 3

Zingano lands leg kicks and then goes for a takedown, which Sorenson is able to sprawl against. Zingano lands a knee while Sorenson gets up, which is very close to being illegal, but a foul isn't called so the fight goes on. After working her jab, Zingano gets another takedown. Zingano starts unloading and is able to take the back of Sorenson as a result. "Alpha" looks for a choke but then finds herself in side control. Zingano lands knees to the body of her opponent as she clinches a decision win. 29-27 Zingano.

The Official Result

Cat Zingano def. Pam Sorenson via Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-27, 29-27); R3, 5:00.

Brent Primus (156) vs. Alexandr Shabliy (155.75)

Round 1

An important lightweight bout as Brent Primus faces Alexandr Shabliy. The referee is Marc Goddard. Primus opens with a head kick but Shabliy dodges and lands a leg kick of his own. Primus follows a combination of hooks with a left high kick as Shabliy circles out of danger. Primus is controlling the center well but Shabliy is able to land some slick punches from range. Shabliy knocks Primus down with a straight right hand and allows his opponent up. Two minutes left and Shabliy is continuing to land counters with Primus unable to find his momentum. A nice overhand left-hand lands for Shabliy. Another left hook for Shabliy finds its mark and he puts Primus down with another right hand and a leg sweep. It took a bit for Shabliy to find his range but he landed the more accurate strikes down the line. 10-9 Shabliy.

Round 2

Primus comes out aggressive and is throwing more combinations than single shots. Shabliy punishes the leg of Primus with a kick and puts the American on the floor again. Shabliy lands a right hand that stuns Primus. A few hooks floor Primus and brutal ground-and-pound forces the stoppage. A great performance by Shabliy.

The Official Result

Alexandr Shabliy def. Brent Primus via KO (Punches); R2, 1:22.

Lucas Brennan (145.75) vs. Johnny Soto (145.5)

Round 1

Overseeing the bout between featherweights Lucas Brennan and Johnny Soto is Kevin MacDonald. Brennan secures a takedown but Soto works back to his feet. Brennan is looking for an anaconda choke and starts standing knees as they grapple on the feet. Soto is taken down and then Brennan takes the back. Brennan begins looking for a submission but is happy to land punches while controlling. Brennan looks for a rear-naked choke but Soto is fighting the hands. Brennan stays after the choke and gets the tap with just over a minute to go.

The Official Result

Lucas Brennan def. Johnny Soto via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke); R1, 3:44.

Dan Moret (155.5) vs. Killys Mota (155.5)

Round 1

Refereeing our final prelim bout, which sees Dan Moret taking on fellow lightweight Killys Mota, is Kerry Hatley. Both men come out swinging and it is Mota that rocks Moret immediately. Moret gets back to his feet and secures a Thai clinch but is subsequently taken down by Mota. Moret gets back to his feet almost immediately, but Mota is able to get the fight back to the floor once again. The pace finally slows a bit as Mota looks for a submission. Moret has a gash over his eye but works his way back to the feet. Both men are swinging once again with Mota landing several shots to the body. Both men are throwing wild hooks and looking to do damage. A liver kick from Moret lands and both men clinch against the cage as Mota looks for another takedown. The round expires with Moret escaping and both men throwing hooks wildly. 10-9 Mota.

Round 2

Mota gets a takedown to start the second frame. Moret is eating punches but works his way back to the feet. Mota gets yet another takedown and it's clear that Moret's takedown defense is an issue. They work their way to the feet and once again clinch. This is grueling action as Mota continually goes for a takedown and Moret is trying to defend. After using a wristlock to escape, Moret lands a few nice knees. Moret throws a chopping leg kick and counters a takedown attempt with a guillotine choke attempt. Mota pops his head out and ends the round on top. Much closer but it was too little, too late for Moret. 10-9 Mota.

Round 3

The final frame starts understandably slower. Mota lands a solid combination that stuns Moret and is the fresher fighter. Moret once again gets backed up against the fence. Mota eats a body punch by Moret but lands a left hand of his own to the head of his opponent. Mota caps off his performance with yet another successful takedown. Moret lands elbows but gives up his back. Moret gets to his feet as the fight ends and throws punches while being held by Mota to end the fight. Mota should secure a victory with that showing. 10-9 Mota (30-27 Mota).

The Official Result

Killys Mota def. Dan Moret via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Kassius Kayne (169.75) vs. Brennan Ward (171)

Round 1

The main card opens with a welterweight bout between Brennan Ward and Kassius Kayne refereed by Marc Goddard. Ward starts the fight off strong by taking down Kayne. The former Bellator title challenger begins landing ground-and-pound from guard. Ward rocks his opponent with powerful hooks, but Kayne lands a knee to survive. Ward gets a takedown and is in half-guard, lands several big shots and then goes into side control. Kayne has little from the bottom as Ward lands solid punches and gets into full mount. Ward starts landing elbows and rains down punches as Kayne tries to stall and survive. Ward lands a big elbow and then goes for an armbar as the round expires. 10-8 Ward.

Round 2

Kayne starts Round 2 off well by landing a front kick. Kanye continues landing kicks at range. However, a left hand from Ward clearly rocks Kayne, who is now dazed. Ward continues to swarm Kayne and is landing punches, including a nice uppercut to the body, which causes the referee to intervene.

The Official Result

Brennan Ward def. Kassius Kayne via TKO (Punches); R2, 1:11.

Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix Bout:
Enrique Barzola (135) vs. Magomed Magomedov (135)

Round 1

Our first of two bantamweight grand prix bouts is refereed by Kevin MacDonald. Both men come out looking to strike. Barzola throws out a jab. Magomedov lands a body kick and then goes for a takedown attempt that is stuffed. A slick spinning back fist lands for Magomedov. The stronger strikes are being landed by Magomedov, who times a nice left hook several times. Barzola gets a takedown but loses it trying to get back control. Magomedov is happy to grapple and does so against the cage. Barzola breaks off and is able to land a nice left hook of his own. Magomedov clips his foe with a jumping knee and lands a left hand that sends Barzola backward. Barzola goes for a takedown and successfully takes the back with 30 seconds left. Magomedov escapes before Barzola can take advantage and the round ends after Barzola whiffs on a spinning back kick. 10-9 Magomedov.

Round 2

Barzola comes out aggressively and lands a nice leg kick. Magomedov answers with a kick of his own. Both men begin landing on the feet, although little damage has been done. Barzola gets another takedown and takes the back of Magomedov, who briefly threatens with a guillotine choke. Barzola lands a few punches while grappling and is forcing Magomedov to constantly defend. Magomedov escapes and lands a spinning back kick. A left hook from Magomedov connects clean late with a left hook. Magomedov lands a gorgeous high kick at the end of the round, potentially stealing it. 10-9 Magomedov.

Round 3

Magomedov goes for a takedown but Barzola reverses and starts kneeing his opponent. Magomedov sneaks an overhand right through and knocks Barzola down with a left hand. A jab pops back the head of Barzola, who is hurt but still in this fight. Magomedov begins talking to Barzola, who answers with some dirty boxing, landing multiple uppercuts. Barzola goes for a takedown but is pushed away. Magomedov lands a leg kick and then eats several uppercuts again. A nice high kick by Magomedov is blocked by Barzola, who is starting to land consistently and really has found his range. Barzola lands his jab and eats a jumping knee for it. The round ends with the two clinched against the cage. Barzola came on late but the damage early makes this a 10-9 Magomedov round.

Round 4

Barzola clinches to start the championship rounds. Barzola dodges a spinning back kick from Magomedov. Suddenly, Magomedov jumps for a guillotine choke and brings the fight to the ground. Barzola taps! Incredibly slick finish by Magomedov in a back-and-forth fight.

The Official Result

Magomed Magomedov def. Enrique Barzola via Submission (Guillotine Choke); R4, 1:27.

Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix Bout:
Leandro Higo (134.75) vs. Danny Sabatello (134.75)

Round 1

Overseeing the night's second grand prix match is Dan Miragliotta. After some hesitant action on the feet, Sabatello lands a takedown and takes the back of Higo. Sabatello lands several knees and is successfully riding the back. Higo gets to a knee and is unable to escape. Sabatello mocks the crowd for booing and the fight is stood up with 10 seconds left. The round ends with neither fighter connecting. Sabatello takes a dull round 10-9.

Round 2

More of the same as Sabatello lands another takedown early on and gets the back of Higo. Little happens until Higo manages to reverse position and gets the back of Sabatello. Higo is looking for a rear-naked choke. Sabatello is defending well with two minutes left. Higo begins landing dozens of elbows to the shoulder of Sabatello. The round expires with Sabatello never really in all that much danger. 10-9 Higo.

Round 3

Sabatello opens the third round with several kicks, while Higo is looking to land his heavy hands, which have mostly been a non-factor so far. Sabatello gets a takedown and goes right into side control. Higo regains guard. Sabatello lands a few nice right hands on the ground but little damage has been done. The fans are booing but Sabatello is pleased as it is another 10-9 round in his favor.

Round 4

While on the feet, Higo attempts a choke but immediately loses it and now Sabatello is in complete control on the ground. Sabatello can't get out of guard but is staying more active with his strikes in the fourth frame. Higo is able to escape to his feet but Sabatello quickly takes his back. Sabatello lands several knees and begins threatening with a rear-naked choke. The frame ends with Sabatello landing several knees before Higo lands two spinning back fists that don't do much damage. 10-9 Sabatello, which means Higo needs a finish.

Round 5

The fifth round is more of the same action as Sabatello gets Higo against the fence. A lot of threatening of the back without ever coming close to a submission. Higo finally breaks free after three minutes and is taken directly down by Sabatello. Higo is unable to get up and Sabatello never comes close to finishing. A clear and dominant win by Sabatello but not one that will earn him any fans. 49-46 Sabatello.

The Official Result

Danny Sabatello def. Leandro Higo via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46); R5, 5:00.

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight:
Gegard Mousasi (185) vs. Johnny Eblen (185)

Round 1

Your referee for the main event of Gegard Mousasi vs. Johnny Eblen is Kerry Hatley. Eblen isn't afraid of Mousasi and comes forward. Mousasi throws out a kick and Eblen answers with one of his own. An overhand left by Eblen hurts Mousasi. A second overhand left drops Mousasi, who is forced to go for a takedown. Eblen pops up and the two are against the cage. Eblen takes the fight to the ground with half a round to go. Eblen takes the back of Mousasi, who has time to recover. Some knees from Eblen damage Mousasi and then the American gets another takedown. Eblen continues to land knees and takes the back of the champion. Mousasi manages to reverse position and lands a knee as they get up with a minute left. Mousasi is moving forward and works his jab. A weak Superman punch lands for Mousasi as the round sends. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 2

A confident Eblen comes out aggressive in Round 2 but walks into a powerful punch by Mousasi. This leads to a successful takedown from Eblen, who wants the fight on the ground. Eblen is happy to work from guard and manage to keep the champion grounded for two minutes. While Mousasi gets to his feet, Eblen gets another takedown and the two struggle for another minute until Mousasi gets up. Once at striking distance, the champion gets rocked by a left hook by Eblen. Both fighters miss head kicks and the round ends having proven that Eblen's success wasn't a fluke. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 3

The two trade kicks to start the round. Eblen begins throwing heavy punches but they're all missing their mark. Mousasi stays composed and is picking his shots. Eblen is throwing single shots and getting regularly countered by Mousasi, who is throwing the straighter punches. Mousasi isn't the aggressor, though, and is letting Eblen dictate the pace of the fight. Eblen threatens with some hooks and an overhand right, but they wind up missing. Mousasi is effortlessly countering and landing jabs, but the lack of aggression might cost him in some judges' eyes. 10-9 Mousasi.

Round 4

Eblen charges forward with punches. Mousasi throws a head kick that misses, which allows Eblen to get a takedown. It takes a minute, but Eblen slowly takes the back of Mousasi. Eblen is teasing a rear-naked choke but doesn't have Mousasi in any actual danger just yet. Mousasi escapes and lands a slick knee while standing. A body kick lands for Mousasi, who really needs to get busy. However, Eblen lands another takedown with a minute left. Mousasi desperately needs a finish if he wants to retain his belt. 10-9 Eblen.

Round 5

Eblen lands a nice overhand punch to start the round and taunts Mousasi, who seems lethargic. Mousasi's kicks lack the snappiness they had earlier. Mousasi lands a nice jab but single shots aren't likely to cut it at this stage. Eblen lands several leg kicks and then rocks forward with hooks. Eblen goes for a takedown and lands it with less than three minutes left. Mousasi is unable to get back up while Eblen eats up another minute. Eblen moves to Mousasi's back with one minute left. The fight ends with Mousasi getting back to his feet only to be suplexed by Eblen, who is likely your new champion. 10-9 Eblen (49-46 Eblen).

The Official Result

Johnny Eblen def. Gegard Mousasi via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45); R5, 5:00.