Bellator 289 ‘Stots vs. Sabatello’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Cass Bell (136) vs. Jared Scoggins (135.2)

Round 1

Our first match is refereed by Bryan Miner. Bell comes out throwing and Scoggins misses with a head kick. Both bantamweights are aggressive and a low blow pauses the action briefly before it restarts. Bell lands several leg kicks. Scoggins kicks a leg and gets Bell up against the fence. Scoggins has kept Bell up against the fence for well over a minute. Both land knees to one another, but neither is doing any damage. Bell finally reverses position with 10 seconds left and the round ends uneventfully. 10-9 Scoggins.

Round 2

A slow start but Scoggins gets a big takedown a minute in. Scoggins holds on for a minute but does no damage. Bell escapes and lands a knee to the body. Bell gets a takedown of his own and is in half-guard. A small cut has opened above Scoggins' right eye. Scoggins is happy to play in guard with two minutes left. Bell lands a solid elbow. Another cut opens on the top of Scoggins' head due to the elbow. Bell lands some elbows and hammerfists as the round expires. 10-9 Bell.

Round 3

After some tepid stand-up, Bell tries to throw Scoggins but can't keep him down. Scoggins holds Bell up against the fence. It takes a minute but Scoggins is able to take Bell to the ground. Bell secures guard but can't get up. Bell gives up his back temporarily in an attempt to get up and gets to his feet. 90 seconds left. Bell swings wildly before they clinch again. Bell goes for a takedown, and Scoggins looks for a guillotine on the way down. Bell escapes the choke and gets the back of his foe. Bell looks for a rear-naked choke but gives up on it with 15 seconds left and throws strikes as the round end. 10-9 Bell, who should take it 29-28.

The Official Result

Cass Bell def. Jared Scoggins via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28); R3, 5:00.

Mark Lemminger (170.8) vs. Michael Lombardo (169.8)

Round 1

The second contest of the night is overseen by Kevin MacDonald. Lemminger takes control of the center of the cage. He walks down Lombardo, who is happy to pick his shots from outside and throw swinging hooks. Lemminger keeps his punches straight and is throwing tight combinations. Lombardo ups his rate with some solid leg kicks. Lemminger catches a kick and takes Lombardo down. Lemminger looks for a guillotine choke but loses it. Lombardo gets to his feet and then takes Lemminger down. Lombardo can't keep his foe down and they reset on the feet. Lombardo gets through the guard of Lemminger with his punches and is landing more as the round goes on. A big left hook clips Lemminger and the fight is stopped! Impressive KO win for Lombardo.

The Official Result

Michael Lombardo def. Mark Lemminger via KO (Punch); R1, 4:23.

Kai Kamaka III (145.2) vs. Kevin Boehm (145.1)

Round 1

Kevin MacDonald is again the referee. Kamaka takes the center of the cage. Boehm throws kicks but isn't able to land cleanly. Kamaka lands to the body with a powerful kick. Boehm barely misses on a head kick. Kamaka lands a leg kick and is finding some nice success at range. A left hook by Kamaka lands but he gets tagged by an uppercut after toying with a takedown attempt. More leg kicks and the round ends with a body kick for Kamaka. 10-9 Kamaka.

Round 2

A kick goes low by Kamaka as soon as the round starts but the fight continues after Boehm gives the okay. A solid 1-2 lands for Boehm, who has red welts on his pale body from the kicks. A desperate takedown by Boehm is defended by Kamaka. More kicks for Kamaka, who is in control. He follows a kick with a big right hand that lands. Boehm is just eating leg kicks and has little defense. Kamaka gets a takedown with a little over a minute left. Kamaka lands decent shots and takes the back as time expires. 10-9 Kamaka.

Round 3

Kamaka is still in full control, landing leg kicks. He hurts Boehm with a hook and continues moving forward. Boehm desperately goes for a takedown but it is defended and Boehm ends up on the floor. Kamaka throws strong strikes as Boehm covers up. Kamaka works to the back and throws bungalows. The punches keep continuing with little in terms of defense and the fight is called off midway through Round 3.

The Official Result

Kai Kamaka III def. Kevin Boehm via TKO (Punches); R3, 2:23.

Pat Downey (185.8) vs. Christian Echols (185.4)

Round 1

Blake Grice is overseeing the fight. Echols comes out aggressive but Downey secures a body lock and gets a takedown. Downey gets aggressive but upkicks from Echols create some distance. A scramble occurs and Downey goes for a front choke. However, Echols escapes and lands a solid knee. Back on the feet, Echols starts landing straight punches. A left hook floors Downey, who is badly hurt. Echols keeps swinging and charges in with a jab. A huge uppercut KOs Downey! What a great fight and finish.

The Official Result

Christian Echols def. Pat Downey via KO (Punch); R1, 2:27.

Cody Law (145.4) vs. Cris Lencioni (146)

Round 1

Referee Blake Grice remains in the cage. Law is looking good on the feet, landing his right hand as Lencioni showboats in the middle of the cage. A left hook cleanly hits Lencioni. A nice jab lands from Lencioni, who is constantly talking and mockingly laughing as his nose gets reddened by punches. A nice body kick from Lencioni lands. As the round continues the pressure of Lencioni is paying off. A straight left from Lencioni drops Law, who then gets a takedown against the fence. The final minute sees Law landing punches from guard while eating short elbows from Lencioni, who doesn't try to get up from the bottom. 10-9 Law, but the momentum on the feet was Lencioni by the end.

Round 2

Lencioni comes out just as aggressive as the first but gets taken down pretty early in Round 2. Lencioni almost sinks in a triangle choke but loses position. Law is on top but not winning this grappling exchange by any means as he isn't doing any damage. Law gets to side control with half a round left. Lencioni goes for another triangle attempt and gets back to guard. Law lands a solid right hand, his best punch of the round. Law can't get past the guard of Lencioni. One minute left. Lencioni lands heel strikes as Law gets to half-guard position. 30 seconds left and Law remains on top for the remainder. It'll be interesting to see how the judges score this round but it's 10-9 Lencioni for me, as he did enough off his back.

Round 3

Lencioni works his jab well early. Law goes for a takedown and is able to sit his opponent down. Law gets to half-guard and Lencioni isn't in a hurry to get up. Lencioni's body language isn't promising as he just has nothing for the wrestling of Law. The crowd is booing as Law isn't doing much damage, and Lencioni isn't creating any action. Very boring round as it hits the halfway point. Lencioni gives up his back and then gets up to his feet in a scramble. Lencioni jumps for an armbar but Law slips out of it. Law regains control and stays on top. Law ends the round on top, landing small strikes. 10-9 Law, who likely takes a decision, but neither man did much.

The Official Result

Cris Lencioni def. Cody Law via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Kyle Crutchmer (170.8) vs. Jaleel Willis (170)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Willis takes the center of the cage. Crutchmer lands a solid leg kick but Willis counters with one of his own. Neither man has found their rhythm on the feet yet. Willis lands a solid jab. Willis keeps distance with a push kick A nice 1-2 from Crutchmer. Willis is backed up against the cage by Crutchmer. Willis defends the takedown well but eats a few knees. Willis fires back with a solid knee of his own and the two are broken apart by the ref. A nice jab by Crutchmer snaps back the head of Willis. The best punch of the fight so far is a swinging right hook from Willis that temporarily hurts Crutchmer, who holds onto Willis. Crutchmer eats another shot and the two clinch against the fence, separating with mere seconds left in the round. 10-9 Willis.

Round 2

A more confident Willis comes out working his jab and punching the body of Crutchmer. A left hand lands for Crutchmer. The two high-five in the cage for some reason. The clinch up and Crutchmer tries to walk Willis into the cage but can't get it. The ref breaks them up. Willis lands a solid 1-2 but isn't able to hurt Crutchmer. A nice hook from Willis wobbles his foe. Crutchmer charges forward with a double-leg takedown but isn't successful. One minute left and they are once again up against the cage. They are separated once again. Crutchmer lands a jab but once again finds himself on the wrong end of a combination of Willis. Round ends and it's another 10-9 for Willis.

Round 3

Willis is firing in Round 3 and wants a finish. Crutchmer eats a combination and goes for a desperation takedown that fails. Crutchmer goes for another takedown but he isn't setting them up. It's clear Crutchmer has no back-up plan. They are separated after being up against the fence. Willis lands a leg kick and works his jab. Crutchmer goes for a very sloppy takedown attempt and eats a punch cleanly. Willis gets on top and works from guard with 90 seconds left. Willis allows Crutchmer up and lands a knee as he stands. An uppercut for Willis barely misses and it is noted that Crutchmer is 0-12 on takedown attempts. The fight comes to an end and Willis clearly passed this test. 30-27 Willis.

The Official Result

Jaleel Willis def. Kyle Crutchmer via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Denise Kielholtz (124.2) vs. Ilara Joanne (124.8)

Round 1

The final prelim bout is overseen by Miragliotta. Both women come out firing as Joanne isn't afraid to strike with Kielholtz. The center of the cage is taken by Kielholtz, who is looking to counter as Joanne darts in and out with punches. A front kick misses for Joanne. The two trade with Kielholtz landing as Joanne misses her combination. Some really wild punching combinations from Joanne as Kielholtz stays composed and throws straight punches. A left hook visibly rocks Joanne. A series of left and right hooks land for Kielholtz, who is taking over this fight. Another left hook lands for Kielholtz. Joanne lands a left hook of her own, her best punch of the fight. Joanne goes for a leg kick but eats an overhand right as a result. 90 seconds left in Round 1. Kielholtz is stalking her opponent. A wild exchange sees both women land and Joanne then goes for a judo throw but can't take Kielholtz down. The round ends shortly afterward and it should go to Kielholtz 10-9.

Round 2

Kielholtz lands a counter left hook against an aggressive Joanne. Kielholtz continues to. control the center of the cage with Joanne landing shots but never the harder ones, as the counters of Kielholtz are the story. Kielholtz throws a leg kick that doesn't quite land. Joanne goes for a takedown and gets it, although Kielholtz gets right back up. Kielholtz then trips Joanne, although the scramble ends with Joanne in top position. Joanne can't do anything on top and the fight is stood up. Kielholtz pumps out her jab. The two women start wildly swinging, although neither connects. The round ends after a spinning back fist from Joanne. Closer round, but I'd go 10-9 Kielholtz, who is still landing the better shots.

Round 3

Kielholtz is able to drop an aggressive Joanne, who is continuing to punch wildly. Joanne goes for a single-leg takedown. Kielholtz uses a whizzer to temporarily take the back of her opponent but Joanne scrambles and ends up in the guard. Joanne isn't able to do anything as Kielholtz holds her, and the fight is stood up. Kielholtz goes back to outstriking Joanne, whose lack of technical striking is showing, and her power isn't a difference-maker here. 90 seconds left. The two women clinch and Joanne reverses a trip by Kielholtz. Every time Kielholtz tries to trip, she winds up on the bottom. Joanne takes the back of Kielholtz. Joanne never comes close to a choke and the round ends. Closest round of the fight. 10-9 Kielholtz, who still edged out the round despite Joanne having some grappling success as she wasn't able to do any damage.

The Official Result

Ilara Joanne def. Denise Kielholtz via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Dalton Rosta (185.6) vs. Anthony Adams (185.4)

Round 1

Bryan Miner is your referee for the main card opener. Rosta takes the center of the cage and lands a leg kick. Adams answers back with a kick of his own. A body kick for Rosta lands. Adams works his jab. Very methodical start thus far but not boring. A 1-2 is thrown by Adams, who is throwing some tight combinations. Rosta lands a solid left hook that is the best punch of the fight so far. Adams lands a thudding body kick. Rosta lands an overhand right and is throwing with bad intentions. 90 seconds left. They exchange leg kicks. A Superman punch from Rosta, who has found some momentum late. A huge left hook whiffs for Adams. Rosta lands some leg kicks before charging in with overhands. Adams catches Rosta with a left hand but doesn't do too much damage. 10-9 Rosta.

Round 2

Good start to the round by Rosta, who gets a takedown and is in the guard of Adams. Rosta is able to get into full mount briefly. Adams gives up his back. Rosta gets a hook in and is showing that he's the better fighter on the feet and on the floor. Adams eats a few punches and is unable to get up. Rosta pulls Adams down and gets both hooks in. Rosta is looking for a rear-naked choke with two minutes left. Adams reverses and gets back up to his feet, landing an elbow in the process. Neither fighter is able to do much in the last minute. 10-9 Rosta, who is in full control so far.

Round 3

A strike goes low at the start of Round 3, and Adams has time to recover. Adams comes out swinging hard punches, likely knowing he is down. Rosta applies pressure but hasn't landed anything notable thus far. Adams lands a solid body kick. Rosta looks for a left uppercut, which looks gorgeous but only hits air. Rosta lands a body kick of his own. Rosta is getting a bit wild in the exchanges as he hasn't been punished for doing so. Round hits the halfway point. Rosta lands a nice 1-2. Adams has lost any momentum and isn't throwing combinations. 90 seconds left. Adams goes for a desperate takedown and is stuffed. Rosta takes the back and secures his win by landing some damaging punches. Easy 30-27 for Rosta.

The Official Result

Dalton Rosta def. Anthony Adams via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.

Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix Semifinal:
Patrick Mix (135) vs. Magomed Magomedov (134.4)

Round 1

This five-round semifinal will be reffed by Dan Miragliotta. Both men meet at the center to start the fight. Mix tests the water with some leg kicks and then begins throwing out his jab. Magomedov lands a leg kick and avoids a flurry of punches from Mix. Magomedov tries to charge in but can't get past the jab of Mix. Magomedov catches a kick of Mix and gets a takedown but lands up in a guillotine choke. Mix flips over Magomedov and cranks on the neck before rolling on top. Impressive display by Mix. Magomedov gets back to his feet and stuffs a takedown by Magomedov. 30 seconds left. Magomedov lands a lead left hook. 10-9 Mix.

Round 2

Mix throws a side kick to open the second frame. A nice body kick from Magomedov lands before he clinches. Mix is able to disengage and get free before peppering Magomedov with his jab. A left high kick from Mix. Magomedov tries to charge forward but can't connect with the punches he throws. Magomedov goes for a takedown and gets it, but Mix catches a guillotine choke. Mix is really cranking and Magomedov has gone completely out. Super impressive win by Mix, who was in control the entire fight.

The Official Result

Patrick Mix def. Magomed Magomedov via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke); R2, 2:39.

Bellator Flyweight Title Bout:
Liz Carmouche (124.8) vs. Juliana Velasquez (124.2)

Round 1

Overseeing the title fight is Kevin MacDonald. It doesn't take long for the two fighters to be clinched up against the fence. Carmouche is in control, landing knees and foot stomps. Velasquez is able to spin Carmouche around but is promptly put in the position she just was in. It's been three minutes of largely unimpactful clinch work. Make that four. Carmouche finally drags Velasquez down and achieves full mount with 10 seconds left, unable to do anything. Terrible round but it was an easy 10-9 Carmouche.

Round 2

Seconds into Round 2 and Carmouche gets a takedown. Velasquez pops back up, and they're back to being clinched against the fence. Velasquez lands some body punches and then pulls away, landing a knee. Carmouche gets another takedown. Velasquez is trying to wall walk and starts elbowing. However, Carmouche keeps at it and is able to get into mount position with 90 seconds left. Carmouche postures up and throws some elbows. Carmouche then locks in an armbar and gets the tap! No controversy this time.

The Official Result

Liz Carmouche def. Juliana Velasquez via Submission (Armbar); R2, 4:24.

Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix Semifinal:
Raufeon Stots (134.4) vs. Danny Sabatello (135)

Round 1

The referee for the main event is Blake Grice. Sabatello starts with a body kick that lands. Stots misses a leg kick. Sabatello goes for his first takedown attempt but Stots is able to stay upright initially. However, Sabatello clinches against the cage and is able to finish the attempt. Sabatello gets a hook in and takes the back while looking for a rear-naked choke. Stots defends well but is unable to get up. We reach the halfway point of the first round. Stots is able to roll and escapes from the submission threat. Sabatello still has control in north-south position, though. A whizzer from Stots allows him to get back to his feet with 70 seconds left. They're clinched against the fence and Sabatello lands some sneaky knees to the head. 10-9 Sabatello.

Round 2

Neither fighter can find their rhythm on the feet early in Round 2. Sabatello goes for a takedown but it's easily stuffed by Stots. The jab of Stots is being thrown but nothing behind it. A nice left hook lands for Stots, who then stuffs another takedown. Stots is starting to find his rhythm. Sabatello is stuffed again and is not setting up his attempts. Again, another takedown attempt is stuffed. Stots is pressured against the cage, and Sabatello is able to drag his opponent to the cage. Sabatello is in guard and holding on for dear life. Sabatello starts to take the back but Stots gets up. Stots lands some short elbows against the cage. Sabatello gets another takedown and rolls for a back take. 30 seconds left. Stots goes for a leg lock but Sabatello immediately slips out and gets in top position. Sabatello was never able to do anything on top so the superior striking of Stots evens it up 19-19.

Round 3

The third frame opens with Stots working his jab and countering a body kick by Sabatello. 45 seconds in, Sabatello shoots for a double-leg takedown. Sabatello blatantly lands an illegal knee while Stots had one of his knees down. The position is broken up but no point is taken. Stots is getting aggressive and stuffs two more takedowns. Sabatello uses his front kick before getting stuffed again. A Stots head kick is blocked. Stiff jabs from Stots are getting through. Stots gets a takedown of his own and grabs the back of Sabatello. Stots looks for a rear-naked choke briefly before settling in side control. Sabatello gets to his feet and Stots begins landing knees. Sabatello escapes and is able to take the back of Stots briefly before settling on a headlock. The round ends with them separating and Stots throwing a head kick. Another 10-9 round for Stots.

Round 4

We enter the championship rounds. Sabatello looks fresher but he's also down on the cards, so this will be interesting. Sabatello lands a pawing left hook. A nice right hook by Stots lands. Sabatello goes for a takedown, which is stuffed, but he throws a knee and then goes for another takedown that is successful. Sabatello just won't stop until he gets the fight to the floor. Sabatello secures a cradle but has done zero damage so far. Sabatello starts taking the back but can't get his hooks in. Two minutes left in the round. Sabatello gets pushed back to guard. Stots gives up his back but Sabatello rolls him back down and now has a hook in. Stots reverses position with 70 seconds left and gets back up. Stots throws a wild overhand right that misses. Sabatello flashes his front kick and eats a left hand for doing so. Stots needs to do more damage if he wants to steal the round, but instead, he goes for a takedown that is stuffed. Sabatello lands a solid knee before Stots throws a flying knee that comes nowhere close. 10-9 Sabatello, and the fight is now even going into Round 5.

Round 5

Sabatello is the fresher fighter and comes out smiling. Stots is throwing his right hook and straight left hands. Sabatello shoots and is stuffed. After struggling on the feet, Sabatello fails on another takedown. Stots lands a good shot and Sabatello goes for another takedown, grabs a leg and trips up Stots. Sabatello grabs the back and is looking to get his hooks in. Stots drops elbows while Sabatello just holds on, not doing anything. Stots is warned for illegal elbows, so he thinks about going for a leg lock before giving up. Sabatello is able to roll and keeps the back. 90 seconds left. Sabatello has done zero damage and hasn't threatened with any submissions so far despite a lot of control time. Sabatello jumps and continues holding onto the body of Stots. Just zero attempt at a finish but Stots also has to do better at getting up as that's on him. 15 seconds left and Stots gets up. He misses another flying knee and then eats a right hand from Sabatello. Very close round as neither man managed to do much of consequence. Funny enough, Sabatello's best punch of the round came at the end after Stots got up. I'd narrowly go 10-9 Sabatello, giving him a 48-47 victory, but neither man made a statement or imposed their will.

The Official Result

Raufeon Stots def. Danny Sabatello via Split Decision (45-50, 48-47, 48-47); R5, 5:00.