Bellator 294 ‘Carmouche vs. Bennett 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Anthony Adams (185.6) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (185.4)

Round 1

Middleweights kick off the Bellator MMA doubleheader as Davlatmurodov and Adams engage under the watchful eye of referee Dayne Furuta. Adams is in southpaw, Davlatmurodov in orthodox, but Adams switches repeatedly in the opening moments. They exchange kicks to the legs and midsection. Adams’ left body kick from southpaw scores several times. Davlatmurodov responds with some body kicks of his own. Adams’ jab is swelling the left eye of Davlatmurodov. Adams lands a left hook upstairs and stumbles backwards from the kick that comes back his way. Adams is stalking forward as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Adams
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov

Round 2

Both men kick simultaneously and Davlatmurodov lands low. There is a brief pause, then they resume kickboxing in the center of the cage. Davlatmurodov kicks and Adams replies with a hard body kick. Davlatmurodov is showing some damage on the midsection. Davlatmurodov flicks out a kick to the midsection and slips a pair of counter punches. Adams kicks to the lead left leg of Davlatmurodov, and takes a one-two in return. Davlatmurodov is countering every kick with two or three punches. Another Adams kick strays low and glances off the cup. They acknowledge with a nod and a high-five and there is no pause. Adams changes levels for a takedown with 30 seconds left and gets it, dumping Davlatmurodov to the canvas near the fence. Time expires before he can do much with it, though.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Adams
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov

Round 3

The final round begins, as the first two, with the middleweights in mirroring stances, throwing kicks from distance. Davlatmurodov’s shorts ripped up the left leg seam late in Round 2, and they have elected to let it ride. Davlatmurodov flicks out a front kick that lands. He lands a one-two. Adams lands a nice body kick, which Davlatmurodov catches, running the American to the fence and shoving him to the canvas. Adams gets back to his knees, then to his feet. Now Adams works against the cage, at Davlatmurodov’s waist looking for a possible takedown. Davlatmurodov circles away from the fence and takes Adams down in the middle of the cage with 75 seconds left. Davlatmurodov is in Adams’ full guard, throwing punches to the ribs. Adams answers with some punches from the bottom, but otherwise does not look to sweep or escape. Davlatmurodov stands at the 10-second clapper, but Adams is still on the ground, kicking up, when the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov (29-28 Davlatmurodov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov (29-28 Davlatmurodov)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Davlatmurodov (30-27 Davlatmurodov)

The Official Result

Sharaf Davlatmurodov def. Anthony Adams via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 20-27, 30-27)

Cris Lencioni (152.4: Missed Weight) vs. Blake Smith (146.4: Missed Weight)

Round 1

Lencioni and Smith square off in a featherweight-plus catchweight after both men missed weight, with Lencioni coming in near the lightweight limit. Referee Frank Trigg will be on hand to—hopefully—make sure the fight itself is less of a travesty than the weigh-ins. Lencioni lands a big right hand that stumbles Smith, but eats a hard right hand as well as he gives chase. Lencioni takes Smith down and starts working on a straight armbar or Americana on Smith’s left arm. Smith rolls and Lencioni follows, landing on top in half guard. Smith tries to sit up and regains full guard against the fence. Lencioni stacks him, passes to his back and locks in a body triangle. He works for a rear-naked choke, softening Smith up with punches in between tries. Smith fights the hands, but isn’t doing anything to escape the position. Smith tucks his chin and Lencioni wraps the choke over the face, squeezing anyway. He gives up on the choke and is swinging punches from back mount at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lencioni
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-8 Lencioni
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lencioni

Round 2

Smith lands a low kick before Lencioni charges forward, pushing him to the fence. Lencioni takes Smith’s back standing, sinks the far hook and hauls him to the canvas. Lencioni ends up in half guard, working on the far arm once again. Lencioni has a kimura on that arm, letting go with one hand periodically to land elbows to the body. Smith is concerned enough about the arm that Lencioni is able to step over to full mount, then takes Smith’s back. He locks in a body triangle, then moves up to an inverted triangle on Smith’s neck, working on perhaps an inverted triangle armbar. Smith is struggling to survive, but completely unable to escape the position, and taps out. Fantastic grappling by Cris Lencioni, marred only by the horrible weight miss.

The Official Result

Cris Lencioni def. Blake Smith R2 3:39 via Submission (Inverted Triangle Choke)

Sergey Bilostenniy (240) vs. Tyrell Fortune (259.6)

Round 1

Fortune, one of Bellator’s most tenured homegrown heavyweight talents, welcomes Bilostennyi to the promotion, with Chris West set to oversee the proceedings. Both men are in orthodox stance. Bilostennyi lands a hard outside leg kick, then a spinning back kick to the body. Fortune shoots a quick double-leg, which Bilostennyi evades, but Fortune re-shoots and gets his man down on the second effort. Fortune sets up in full guard. Bilostennyi closes his guard and traps an arm. Fortune throws some punches from top position, then passes to half guard. Bilostennyi sits up and uses a single-leg to return to his feet. Fortune works for a double-leg against the fence and Bilostennyi lands elbows, some of which appear to hit the back of the head. Fortune drops to one knee, then falls to his side, and Bilostennyi throws several punches directly to the back of Fortune’s immobilized head. Referee West audibly cautions him, then after several more illegal punches, which bring the total to at least 10, he halts the action. After a brief conference, as the cageside doctor attends to Fortune, we appear to have a disqualification, but this one is going to raise a lot of questions.

The Official Result

Tyrell Fortune def. Sergei Bilostennyi R1 3:26 via Disqualification (Strikes to Back of Head)

Kenneth Cross (155.2) vs. Killys Mota (156)

Round 1

Lightweights Cross and Mota face off, with Mota in orthodox stance and Cross switching stances. Kevin Yoshida is the referee. An early exchange of kicks leads to a grazing contact to Cross’s cup, but there is no break in the action. Mota catches a kick, takes Cross’ back and pulls him to the ground, but Cross reverses the position, takes Mota’s back and locks in a body triangle. Mota stands near the fence, Cross still on his back. Cross gets an arm under the chin, then punches with his free hand as Mota fights the choke. Half the round gone, and Cross releases the body triangle. A moment later, Mota spins into him and they disengage. Mota lands a pair of hooks, but Cross returns fire with a punch that hurts the Brazilian. Cross runs Mota to the fence, perhaps looking for a takedown, but Mota defends with an overhook. Mota takes Cross’ back standing, then pulls him to the ground. They are seated at the base of the cage, Mota still on Cross’ back. Cross spins into his guard right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cross
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cross
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cross

Round 2

Mota lands a hard left that hurts Cross. Cross backs into the fence, but spins away before Mota can follow up. Mota drags Cross to the floor and, after a brief scramble, ends up in side control. Mota lands some punches and elbows from top position. Cross sits up and Mota moves to his back. He sinks a rear-naked choke and, with Cross firmly seated, doesn’t need any hooks, as Cross is tapping in seconds.

The Official Result

Killys Mota def. Kenneth Cross R2 2:14 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Levan Chokheli (169.6) vs. Michael Lombardo (170.8)

Round 1

Welterweights Chokheli and Lombardo open the main card, with Jason Herzog drawing the refereeing assignment. Chokheli lands fight, a sharp jab. Lombardo rushes forward with punches and Chokheli slips, but springs right back up. Chokheli scores with a big calf kick to the left leg of Lombardo. They exchange a couple of glancing jabs and one-twos. Lombardo comes in behind a big right hook and Chokheli grabs a body lock, then throws him. Lombardo bounces back up. They remain in a clinch and Lombardo drops levels, dumping Chokheli to the canvas near the fence. Lombardo lands a nice elbow as Chokheli stands. Chokheli throws Lombardo with a whizzer and outside trip. Lombardo stands and Chokheli grabs a guillotine, but lets it go a second later. Chokheli drags Lombardo down and spins to the back. Lombardo springs up again. Chokheli shoots a fast double-leg for a takedown as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chokheli
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chokheli
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Chokheli

Round 2

The two exchange hooks in the pocket near the fence. Lombardo shoves Chokheli to the fence and changes levels for a takedown, but there’s nothing doing. Chokheli uses an overhook and tries for a harai-goshi, but slips and gives up his back for a split second. He recovers, and again it’s Lombardo pressing him into the cage. Lombardo throws a knee up the middle. Chokheli tries another hip toss and again cannot get Lombardo down. They disengage and reset in the middle of the cage. Chokheli lands a pair of punches, then shoots a fast double-leg, dropping Lombardo to his seat near the cage. Lombardo springs right back up, then shoots his own takedown and gets Chokheli to a seated position. Chokheli gets right back up and Lombardo shoves him to the fence once again. The bell sounds on a grueling five minutes of clinch wrestling.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lombardo
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Lombardo
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lombardo

Round 3

The final round opens with the two men flurrying in punching range, with Chokheli getting slightly the better of the exchange. Lombardo comes forward with a chopping low kick, and Chokheli’s return punch comes up short. The pace has slowed quite a bit. Lombardo is bleeding from around the right eye, and his lead left leg is visibly bruised. Lombardo shoots a double-leg takedown. Chokheli sprawls and spins to the back, but Lombardo turns, re-shoots and gets him down. Lombardo is in Chokheli’s very open full guard at the base of the fence, throwing short punches and elbows. Chokheli posts up and stands, with Lombardo on his back, and gets a nice scarf hold throw. He briefly looks to keep the scarf hold and crank, but they’re slippery and he can’t hold it. Chokheli lands a few punches and Lombardo stands right before the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chokheli (29-28 Chokheli)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chokheli (29-28 Chokheli)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Chokheli (29-28 Chokheli)

The Official Result

Levan Chokheli def. Michael Lombardo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Marcos Breno (136) vs. Danny Sabatello (135.6)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley is your ref as Sabatello slides around the outside of the cage, while Breno gives chase. Breno lands a big overhand and Sabatello shoots for a takedown. Breno shucks it off. Sabatello tries again and Breno hops away, extricating his foot from the American’s grasp. Sabatello throws a flying knee, which he uses as an entry for another takedown. Breno uses an overhook to deny him. Breno shoots a fast double-leg of his own, and Sabatello hits a beautiful inside switch. Sabatello uses it to move all the way around to Breno’s back. He sinks one hook, then gives it up as Breno gets back to his hands and feet. Breno stands and Sabatello hauls him back down near the base of the fence. Sabatello works for a rear-naked choke, sinking a body triangle as he does. Sabatello flattens Breno out and keeps working for the choke as Breno fights the hands. Breno pushes the choking arm up past his chin right before time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sabatello

Round 2

Breno once again claims the middle of the cage while Sabatello uses lateral movement string him along. Breno lunges forward and lands a couple of punches, and Sabatello drops for a takedown. He gets it, stepping over to mount near the base of the cage. Breno squirms and briefly regains half guard, but Sabatello moves to Breno’s back and puts in one hook. Breno turns and gives up full mount. Sabatello traps an arm and takes the back once again. Breno tries for a kneebar and gets extension, but there’s no real danger as Sabatello’s knee is nowhere near the fulcrum. Sabatello regains top position, takes Breno’s back and sinks a lightning-fast rear-naked choke. This time Breno has no chance to defend, and is tapping within seconds. Slick ground work by the brash “Italian Gangster.”

The Official Result

Danny Sabatello def. Marcos Breno R2 4:10 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Arlene Blencowe (146) vs. Sara McMann (145.6)

Round 1

Multiple-time featherweight title challenger “Angerfist” welcomes former UFC bantamweight title challenger McMann to Bellator; Frank Trigg is set to officiate. Both women are in orthodox stance, with Blencowe content to wait for McMann to enter. McMann obliges, coming forward with punches and grabbing a headlock throw. She gets the throw, but Blencowe rolls through and takes top position. McMann kicks back up and takes Blencowe down. McMann sets up in the Australian’s full guard, dropping short strikes. Blencowe squirms and turns, and McMann advances to half guard. McMann begins throwing punches with more power behind them, and moves to Blencowe’s back as she does so. Blencowe turns her back entirely and McMann takes the position, sinking both hooks at the base of the fence. McMann is looking for a choke, while Blencowe throws punches over her shoulder. McMann lands a couple of heel strikes to the thighs of Blencowe. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McMann
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 McMann
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 McMann

Round 2

McMann again comes forward, throws a couple of punches and drops levels for a double-leg takedown. She dumps Blencowe to the canvas and almost immediately moves to the back. Blencowe bucks and squirms, and McMann settles in side control, cradling the neck and dropping strikes to the midsection. Blencowe turns toward her and McMann slides into mount, then takes the back as Blencowe continues to turn. McMann is on Blencowe’s back with both hooks in and half the round left to work. McMann is concentrating on the neck, while Blencowe throws punches over her shoulder. Blencowe explodes to her feet. McMann pursues her to the fence and throws three or four big knees up the middle. Blencowe tries a judo throw but McMann is all over it. They go to the ground, but McMann lands in top position and immediately works for an arm-triangle. She tries for the choke for a long moment, then moves to mount, throwing punches to the ribs. The bell sounds a moment later on a dominant frame for the American.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 McMann
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 McMann
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 McMann

Round 3

Blencowe rushes forward and swings with murderous intent, blasting McMann with both hands. McMann is rocked and bleeding from the nose, but survives and gets a badly needed takedown to buy some time to recover. Blencowe explodes to her feet and McMann follows, remaining stuck to her opponent. McMann moves to the back, sags and flings Blencowe to the canvas, then moves to side control. McMann is on top, chest-to-chest, applying heavy pressure. She spins almost to north-south position. Blencowe tries to explode out of the position, but McMann floats and maintains top control. McMann drops a couple of elbows to the face. The 10-second clapper sounds, McMann lands another elbow, and then the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Blencowe (29-27 McMann)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 McMann (30-27 McMann)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 McMann (30-26 McMann)

The Official Result

Sara McMann def. Arlene Blencowe via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Tim Johnson (262) vs. Said Sowma (239.2)

Round 1

The co-main event features heavyweights in Sowma and former champ Johnson, who will ply their trade under the watchful eye of referee Jason Herzog. Johnson is southpaw, Sowma orthodox as both reach out with pawing jabs. Sowma scores with a right kick to the body. Johnson drives him into the fence and throws knees to the legs and body, while Sowma uses an overhook to control the position. Johnson pulls Sowma away from the fence and tries for a body lock takedown, but Sowma uses double underhooks to defend. They break the clinch and Sowma lands a body kick. Half the round down, and Johnson lands a jab. Johnson charges forward with punches, most of which glance off Sowma’s guard. Johnson rushes forward again as Sowma tries to slide away, but Johnson catches him, lifts and dumps him to the mat. He sets up briefly in half guard, but Sowma stands back up. Thirty seconds left and they’re back on the feet in the center of the cage. Sowma scores with a couple of front kicks up the middle before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

The big men are tentative early in Round 2, until Johnson charges forward with a flurry of punches, chasing Sowma to the fence. Johnson takes a body lock. Sowma uses double underhooks to deny him an easy level change and takedown. Johnson adjusts his position, drops for a double-leg, but Sowma fights it off. They disengage and Sowma fires off an immediate high kick which lands against Johnson’s guard. Johnson barrels forward, grabbing Sowma and shoving him into the cage. Sowma refuses to concede the position and moves back to the center. Sowma is active with kicks, sticking and moving as Johnson gives chase. Johnson appears to be slowing as the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sowma
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Sowma
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sowma

Round 3

The final frame opens with an exchange of body kicks. Johnson’s strays low, but Sowma lets it go with an acknowledgement and they fight on. Johnson shoves Sowma into the fence but Sowma pushes off immediately and they’re back to exchanging in the center of the cage. Johnson comes forward and lands a glancing right cross. Johnson explodes forward with a body lock and throws Sowma down, landing in side control. Sowma explodes back up a second later and separates. Johnson marches forward behind the right hand once again, driving Sowma to the fence. Sowma takes dual underhooks and reverses the position. Johnson charges forward at the 10-second clapper and throws a series of hooks, most of which come up short.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sowma (29-28 Sowma)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Johnson)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Johnson)

The Official Result

Tim Johnson def. Said Sowma via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bellator MMA Women’s Flyweight Title Fight:
Liz Carmouche (125) vs. DeAnna Bennett (126.2: Missed Weight)

DeAnna Bennett is ineligible to win a championship Friday night after missing weight on Thursday. Bellator MMA 125-pound queen Liz Carmouche can successfully defend with a victory; if she loses the title will be vacated.

Round 1

Referee Kerry Hatley sends the participants in tonight’s flyweight title headliner into action. Carmouche throws a one-two, then a spinning hook kick that Bennett crashes, leading to an awkward-looking takedown with Carmouche triangling Bennett’s neck. Bennett extricates her head from the champ’s legs and sets up in full guard. Bennett scoots Carmouche to the base of the fence, as Carmouche works to control and perhaps isolate an arm. Carmouche is very active on the bottom, closing her guard but moving constantly from side to side and changing from controlling the head to controlling the arms. Bennett throws short punches and elbows. Carmouche slides in a knee shield and appears close to escaping, but Bennett shuts it down and Carmouche sticks her back in full guard. Under 90 seconds left, Carmouche still on the bottom at the base of the fence, and the round ends there.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bennett
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Bennett
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Bennett

Round 2

The women exchange long jabs which come up short. Bennett bounces into range and lands a jab. Carmouche scores with a sweeping right hand. Bennett comes forward with a one-two, then Carmouche drops levels and lunges forward for a takedown. She gets it, but Bennett rolls through and lands on top. Carmouche gets a kimura grip but can’t get anything done with it. Bennett tries to move to the champ’s back, but Carmouche stands up and they break up. Carmouche strikes with a calf kick followed by a hard right-left combo, then charges in and clinches. Bennett reverses the clinch and tries for a single-leg. Carmouche defends with a kimura, then an over and underhook, but Bennett gets the takedown anyway, depositing Carmouche on the canvas with 30 seconds left. The round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Bennett
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Carmouche

Round 3

Bennett and Carmouche set up in matching orthodox stances to open Round 3, both women throwing jabs and right crosses at range. Most of them fall short or glance of their opponent’s guard. A little over a minute in, Bennett changes levels for a takedown against the fence. Carmouche defends with a guillotine attempt, but lets go quickly and concedes the takedown, with Bennett on top in half guard. Bennett is chest-to-chest on top, throwing elbows at the body. Carmouche uses her arms to control the challenger’s posture. Bennett postures up and Carmouche tries to create separation. Bennett is still on top, throwing short strikes, when the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bennett
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Bennett
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Bennett

Round 4

The championship rounds kick off with Bennett the more active fighter on the feet, coming forward with feints and jabs. Carmouche lands a punch that knocks Bennett off balance, but she recovers by driving for a takedown. Carmouche counters with a front headlock once again, but this time she succeeds in denying the takedown. Bennett adjusts, dropping to a knee against the fence and grabbing a single-leg. Carmouche takes a kimura grip to fight the takedown and try to avoid being picked up. Bennett keeps working for the takedown and Carmouche briefly traps her arm between her legs, an almost crucifix-like position, and elbows the head. They disengage and now it’s Carmouche driving for the takedown, landing in half guard near the fence. Carmouche steps over to mount, throwing punches to the ribs and trying to frame and arm-triangle choke. She cinches up the choke and slides off to side control. There isn’t much room for her to go that way, since she’s stuck between Bennett in the fence, but with her brutal squeeze it’s enough—Bennett taps, feet pounding the mat in panic. Nice finish by Liz Carmouche in a fight in which she was probably behind on the scorecards.

The Official Result

Liz Carmouche def. DeAnna Bennett R4 4:29 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)