Bellator 295 ‘Stots vs. Mix’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Masayuki Kikuiri (169) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (170.8)

Round 1

The second straight night of Bellator action in Hawaii gets started with a matchup of welterweights, as former King of Pancrase Kikuiri takes on Andrey Koreshkov training partner Shurkevich. Kevin Yoshida will be the third man in the cage. Kikuiri lands a leg kick to get things started as Shurkevich takes the center of the cage. Another low kick connects for Kikuiri. Shurkevich lands a nice right hand to the head. Another right gets through the guard of Kikuiri. Shurkevich sticks a jab. Shurkevich counters with a jab and then the Russian tags his foe with a crisp straight right. Yet another right gets through for Shurkevich. The Russian lands a kick to the cup during an ensuing exchange and time is called. Kikuiri recovers quickly and we’re back at it. Kikuiri lands a counter left hook. A body kick partially lands for the Japan native. Shurkevich staggers his man with a short right in a quick exchange. A jab lands for Shurkevich and he moves in, allowing Kikuiri to drop him with a perfectly timed counter. Shurkevich hustles up and wraps up Kikuiri with a body lock, pushing him into the fence. Kikuiri reverses position, but Shurkevich smashes him with an elbow and then backs him up with a right hand. Kikuiri shoots for a takedown but Shurkevich stuffs it. Shurkevich with another elbow at short range before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shurkevich
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Shurkevich
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Shurkevich

Round 2

Shurkevich takes the center and fires off a pair of kicks to the body. Kikuiri answers with a leg kick. Kikuiri angles out as Shurkevich moves forward with a combination. Kikuiri connects with a solid jab. A counter right lands for Shurkevich in close quarters. The Pancrase vet jabs forward, but Shurkevich answers with a two-punch combination. Shurkevich lands a pair of leg kicks. The Russian is doing a good job of moving his head as he throws punches. Shurkevich misses the mark on a spinning back fist. A left hook lands for the Russian and he follows up with a straight right at the end of a combination. Another counter right for Shurkevich. A stiff right makes Kikuri stumble back into the fence. Shurkevich with a counter right hook following a Kikuiri combination. Kikuri backs up his man with a front kick down the middle. Shurkevich is doing well throwing straight shots, as his right hand continues to land with regularity. Kikuiri’s left eye is beginning to wear the damage from those blows. Just when it appears that Shurkevich is taking control, Kikuiri blasts his opponent with a right hand to the chin. Shurkevich topples to the canvas, already unconscious. Kikuiri dives in with one follow-up blow before Yoshida can intervene on behalf of the Russian.

The Official Result

Masayuki Kikuiri def. Alexey Shurkevich via KO (Punch) R2 4:33

Bruna Ellen (125.6) vs. Ilara Joanne (125.4)

Round 1

Brazilian flyweights take center stage next, as Pitbull Brothers member Joanne attempts to extend her winning streak to three against Team Nogueira Campinas representative Ellen. Dayne Furuta gets the officiating assignment. A stiff counter right connects for Ellen right off the bat. They trade heavy punches before Joanne forces the clinch and drives Ellen into the fence.Ellen is able to break free and they’re back at range. Joanne moves in with a combination. A leg kick-right hand combo finds the mark for Joanne, who is working on the outside. They trade and it’s a clubbing left hook from Ellen that leaves its mark. Ellen with a low kick and Joanne tries to shoot behind an overhand right but her attempt is denied. Both fighters land left hands in an exchange. The flyweights are throwing heavy punches in virtually every exchange early. Ellen stalks her foe into the fence and lands a solid left. Joanne answers with an overhand right. A counter left from Joanne knocks Ellen off balance momentarily. More wild swings and the combatants briefly tie up and break free. Joanne connects with a left as she avoids Ellen’s offerings. A leg kick finds the range for Ellen before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ellen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ellen
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Ellen

Round 2

Joanne sticks her jab as Ellen misses the mark. A big left lands for Ellen in an exchange. ellen with a solid low kick. Joanne lands a solid left hook as Ellen moves forward. They trade in the pocket and Joanne times a level change nicely, landing a takedown and setting up in her foe’s full guard. Ellen works to create space and lands an elbow from her back. Joanne is staying close to her opponent, which limits her opportunities for offense from above. Ellen slides to the fence and then walks her way to her feet. Joanne maintains her hold and lands some knees to the thighs while Ellen throws short right hands to the head. Ellen exhibits some frustration as Joanne continues to push her into the fence. Furuta urges Joanne to work. Joanne continues to knee the thighs, but Furuta orders them to break. And Ellen comes out firing, landing a big left hook. Ellen is winging punches, but that allows Joanne to counter. Ellen continues to tee off, and Joanne takes an uneasy step backwards before falling to her knees after eating a combination. She pops up and eats more offense before the horn. A strong finish for Ellen.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ellen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ellen
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Ellen

Round 3

The flyweights are trading once again. Ellen denies a level change attempt from Joanne. Joanne counters a leg kcik with a right hand. Joanne grabs a single leg. Ellen hops on her standing leg as Joanne pushes her into the fence. Joanne is looking for the takedown against the fence, but Ellen is able to circle out. Ellen steps in and lands a jab. Joanne responds with a pair of left jabs. Ellen gives her foe pause with a left hook. Ellen clips Joanne with a winging overhand left and then lands a low kick. Another left tags Joanne as Ellen continues to march foward and throw heavy leather. Joanne shoots for a takedown but Ellen stuffs it and secures double underhooks with her back to the fence. Joanne lands a knee before they separate. Joanne grabs a leg and pushes Ellen back into the fence. Ellen fires off short rights to the head with her back to the cage. Joanne can’t do anything with a position and Ellen escapes. Joanne shoots again and this time she puts Ellen on her butt against the fence. It doesn’t last long, as Ellen powers her way back up despite having one of her legs wrapped up by Joanne. Ellen lands an elbow before freeing herself. Ellen goes on the offensive in the waning seconds of the round, unloading with more heavy punches against the fence before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ellen (30-27 Ellen)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ellen (30-27 Ellen)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Ellen (30-27 Ellen)

The Official Result

Bruna Ellen def. Ilara Joanne via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Kasim Aras (251.8) vs. Davion Franklin (259.2)

Round 1

Jackson-Wink MMA export Franklin will attempt to rebound from his first professional defeat when he locks horns with Germany-based newcomer Aras. Franklin will notably have an 11-inch reach advantage in this heavyweight contest. Frank Trigg will oversee the proceedings. Franklin immediately takes the center and gets to work landing left jabs and a solid right hand. Franklin with an outside leg kcik. Aras attempts to counter a low kick with an overhand right, but it’s partially blocked. Franklin with a one-two before Aras forces the clinch. They quickly separate and Aras lands a big overahnd right. A short elbow finds the mark for Franklin as Aras closes the distance. Franklin denies a takedown and lands a jab at range. An overhand right misses the mark for Aras and Franklin fires off a front kick. Aras is just winging overhand rights, but they’re not landing clean. Franklin tags Aras with a stiff jab and Aras circles away. Franklin pursues his main and just misses a jumping knee as Aras shoots for a takedown. They separately quickly. Frankling with an oblique kick to his opponent’s knee followed by an oustide leg kick. They trade in the pocket and a counter right by Aras puts Franklin on the defensive. Franklin takes a look at the clock as Aras shoves him into the fence. A short elbow lands for Aras, who drops for a single leg takedown with less than a minute remaining. Franklin is now bleeding from his nose as Aras continues to push him into the fence. Franklin breaks free and throws heavy punches in one final flurry before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Aras
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Aras
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Franklin

Round 2

Franklin comes up quickly, tagging his foe with rapid fire punches. Aras answers in turn, and Franklin is on the retreat, and it appears a forearm hit the Jackson-Wink product’s eye. Either way, Aras takes advantage by shoving his man into the fence. Time is called after a punch from Aras lands to the groin of Franklin. Trigg tells Aras he’ll take a point if it happens again and the fight resumes. Franklin blocks a big overhand right from Aras. A high kick partially connects for Franklin. He then kicks the body and tries another jumping knee. Aras wraps the American up and pushes him into the fence. The fight stalls out here, and Franklin is struggling to get the underhooks he needs. Aras isn’t doing anything, and Trigg breaks them up. Franklin jabs, kicks the body and lands a right hand. Aras appears to drop Franklin with a counter shot. Franklin hops up and runs away from his opponent to get some room. They trade punches in another heavy exchange. Franklin kicks the legs and body and then lands a left jab. Another jab halts Aras’ forward movement. Franklin kicks the body and lands a left hand. Another overhand right glances off the shoulder of Franklin. The heavyweighs have slowed considerably as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Aras
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Aras
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Aras

Round 3

Franklin opens with an outside low kick, then a left jab. Franklin steps in with a knee to the body. Aras lands an overhand right during an exchange. Franklin wisely goes back to distance and lands a few jabs. Aras changes levels and gets Franklin to the canvas. He maintains a body lock as Franklin quickly scrambles to his feet. Franklin defends with his back to the canvas, but he’s breathing heavily. Aras drops low and Franklin lands punches and elbows to the body to deter the attempt. It works as Aras gives up on the try but continues to control the position against the cage. Franklin with a couple more elbows to the side of the head. Aras drops low again, lifts and dumps Franklin to the mat. The slam is impressive, but Franklin is right back up to his feet. The grueling work continues against the fence, and Trigg urges Aras to ijmprove his position. Franklin isn’t doing much to get off the fence, but Trigg orders them to separate. Franklin with a front kick to the body followed by a jab. Another kick to the body and a pair of jabs for Franklin. Franklin with a jab and a leaping knee to the body. Franklin steps back and follows an oblique kick with a left and an elbow. Franklin is mixing up his offense in the waning moments, and he ends the round with more heavy punches and a knee before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Franklin (29-28 Aras)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Franklin (29-28 Aras)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Franklin (29-28 Franklin)

The Official Result

Davion Franklin def. Kasim Aras via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Aalon Cruz (156) vs. Bobby King (155.4)

Round 1

Lightweights get the spotlight next, with Bang Muay Thai product King taking on two-time UFC veteran Cruz. Kevin Yoshida will referee the bout. Cruz pressures and changes levels against the fence. King defends well and breaks free. Cruz with a le kick. King catches Cruz coming in with a right hand. Cruz closes the distance and shoves King into the fence. King defends another takedown attempt. King lands a knee with his back to the fence and they separate. An inside low kick lands for Cruz. King with a low kick of his own. Cruz ducks under a shot and shoves King back. They go back to range and King touches Cruz with a multi punch combination. King is landing cleanly and moving well as Cruz attempts to close the range. A low kick by King makes Cruz stumble to the mat. A lead leg high kick from Cruz finds its mark but doesn’t land flush. Cruz flicks out a front kick to the body. King denies a level change and lands a right to the body. King backs up Cruz with a combination, as he looks very relaxed in exchanges so far. King lands more punches, then catches a Cruz kick and shoves him to the mat. Cruz is up, and King lands another combination, and Cruz seems to be feeling the efects. King jabs the body and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 King
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 King
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 King

Round 2

Blood is seeping from Cruz’s nose as the frame begins. King with an inside leg kick and then a counter left hand. A left hands from Cruz snaps King’s head back. Still, it’s King landing in the greater volume when they trade. Cruz attempts a takedown, but it’s denied again. A body kick lands for Cruz. Cruz shoots for a takedown after landing a front kick to the midsection and this time he gets King down in the center of the cage. Cruz gets to work inside his foe’s full guard. Cruz works hard to pass to half guard and he lands a short elbow. Another short elbow from Cruz as he attacks from half guard. Cruz fires off a couple right hands, but his offense has been limited from above. A couple right hammerfists to the head land for Cruz. Cruz floats over the top of his foe and now he opens up with a series of right hands, hammerfists and elbows. Another hammerfist lands before Cruz stands and hovers over King at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cruz
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cruz
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Cruz

Round 3

This one could be up for grabs in the final round. Cruz lands a front kick to the face. The UFC vet closes the distance and takes King down near the cage. King stays in a seated position as he pushes on his foe’s head. King works his way to his knees, but Cruz has his hands connected — and he dumps King to the mat, pulling him off the fence. Now Cruz is in half guard and he lands some short punches to the ribs. King is able to reverse into mount at the 3:00 mark, but Cruz scrambles back into top position, freeing himself from an armbar in the process. Now Cruz is in King’s full guard. King is active from his back, but Cruz passes to half guard. King has a kimura grip, then switches to an armbar, but Cruz navigates danger and passes to side control. Cruz with a couple short shoulder strikes here, then some knees to the ribs. Cruz works to take the back, getting a hook in as they’re near the fence. Cruz is nearly in full mount, and he puts together a strong ending with punches and elbows from above before the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cruz (29-28 Cruz)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cruz (29-28 Cruz)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Cruz (29-28 Cruz)

The Official Result

Aalon Cruz def. Bobby Cruz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Veta Arteaga (126.8) vs. Sumiko Inaba (124.4)

Round 1

Female flyweights are next, as the undefeated Inaba meets former title challenger Arteaga. Chris West will be in charge of the action. Inaba comes out firing quick jabs. Inaba is moving in and out, landing straight punches. Arteaga with a low kick to her foe’s lead leg. Inaba follows a high kick with a solid left hand. Inaba is visibly quicker to the punch than her opponent early. More jabs find the mark for Inaba. A 1-2 lands for the Hawaiian. Arteaga jabs the body. Two right hands and a high kick land for Inaba, who just misses on a follow-up elbow. A combination lands for Inaba, who then finishes with an elbow in close before moving out of danger. They clinch and Inaba forces her opponent into the cage. Atreaga lands a couple knees with her back to the fence. They separate and Inaba lands a combination in close before they move back to the center of the cage. Inaba lands a front kick to the midsection, then a body kick. A straight right connects for Arteaga. Arteaga has a takedown denied and eats an elbow fro her troubles. Inaba lands a right on the entry and another right on the exit. She punctuates a quick combination with a right hand, and Arteaga’s face is marked up at the end of the period.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Inaba
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Inaba
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Inaba

Round 2

Inaba goes right back to her jab as Arteaga moves forward. A clean right lands for Inaba. She continues to tag Arteaga with quick straight punches before moving out of danger. Inaba double jabs, then double jabs again. A two-punch combination lands for the Hawaiian. Arteaga is struggling to find the range, but her chin is holding up. A counter right lands for Arteaga, who is bleeding from her left eye. Inaba continues the assault, landing combinations behind her speedy jab. Arteaga is game, but she can’t match the volume of her adversary. Another nice double jab for Inaba. Arteaga catches a kick but lets the leg go in short order after eating more punches. A jab and elbow connect for Inaba. Another jab lands clean for Inaba, who is putting on a clinic. Arteaga jabs the body, but Inaba answers with a combination upstairs. Inaba continues to landing rapid fire punches before moving away before Arteaga can answer back. Arteaga connects with her best two-punch combination of the fight, which forces Inaba to go backward momentarily. Inaba defends a takedown and they separate before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Inaba
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Inaba
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Inaba

Round 3

Arteaga’s cut is in a bad place over her eye, but she’s still able to continue. Arteaga comes out with increased aggression, but she eats a hard right hand from Inaba. Another jab and a right hand connect for Inaba before she angles away from her foe. As she has been all fight, Inaba is much quicker to the punch than Arteaga. Inab stalks Arteaga, picking her spots to land more clean straight shots. Arteaga continues to fire back, but she isn’t connecting nearly as often as Inaba. Inaba continues to work behind her jab, and Arteaga has no answers for it. More left hands from Inaba halt the forward movement of Arteaga. This is one-way traffic, but credit Arteaga for staying in the fight. Inaba blocks a spinning back fist from Arteaga and then tags her with a straight right. Arteaga has not been able to overcome the speed deficit in this bout. Inaba closes the show in style, tagging her opponent with multiple punches before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Inaba (30-27 Inaba)
J.L. Kirven scores the round:10-9 Inaba (30-27 Inaba)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Inaba (30-27 Inaba)

The Official Result

Sumiko Inaba def. Veta Arteaga via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Adli Edwards (145.6) vs. Kai Kamaka III (145.4)

Round 1

Four-time UFC competitor Kamaka will lock horns with Edwards, who fell to Aaron Pico in his Bellator debut. Jason Herzog gets his first assignment of the evening for this featherweight affair. Edwards opens with an inside leg kcik. Kamaka fires back with one of his own. Edwards shoots for a takedown early, but Kamaka is back up, eating a couple punches as he returns to his feet. Kamaka with a body kick before they clinch. Edwards is able to trip his man down, but Kamaka pops right back up. A knee to the body lands for Edwards. Kamaka attempts to answer, but his knee lands low and Herzog calls time. Edwards shakes it off quickly and lands a a pair of leg kciks when the action resumes. They clinch and Kamaka muscles Edwards down. Edwards quickly scrambles to his feet. Edwards with a front kick down the middle and Kamaka responds with a body kick. Kamaka connects with a left to the body and Edwards smiles. Kamaka sticks a left jab and checks a low kick. Edwards blocks a head kick. A hard body kick lands and Edwards looks for a takedown. Kamaka shucks his man off and lands a straight right to the body. A leg kick lands for Edwards and Kamaka shakes his head. Another leg kick for Edwards and he has a high kick crash off his forearm. Kamaka stalks and lands a low kick followed by a left hook to the body. Kamaka lands a stiff jab. Kamaka follows a right hand with a shot against the fence. He digs to the body and they separate. Kamaka catches a kick and shoves his foe back. Edwards lands a leg kick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Edwards

Round 2

Kamaka goes back to the body kick at the outset and Edwards answers with a pair of leg kicks. Kamaka with a leg kick of his own. They trade low kicks again. Kamaka digs a left hook to the body. Kamaka blocks a high kick by Edwards. A body kick lands for Kamaka, then another. He’ shunting the body. A leg kick lands for Edwards. A straight right snaps Edwards’ head back and Kamaka follows up with a body kick. Edwards continues to target the legs of his opponent. Kamaka lands a front kick to the midsection. He stalks Edwards and kicks the body. Another body kick is caught by Edwards but Kamaka denies the subsequent takedown try. Kamaka rushes in with a right, then shoves Edwareds back. He lands a body kick at range. Another body kick finds the mark for Kamaka. A right to the head is followed by a left hook to the body and a kick to the body for Kamaka, who is having his way. Kamaka sidesteps a takedown shot with ease. Edwarsd with a glancing high kick but he absorbs yet another body kick in return. Kamaka is battering the body with kicks, as another one lands. He digs the body with a left hook, and then shoves Edewards away following an attempt to tie up. Kamaka punctuates a punching combination with a body kick, and Edwards has no answers for this approach. A front kick down the middle lands for Edwards. Kamaka blocks a high kick before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka

Round 3

Kamaka opens up with a body head combination. Edwards misses the mark on a head kick, then shoots for a takedown. Kamaka reverses and dumps Edwards to the mat. Kamaka passes to mount and then takes the back briefly as Edwards scrambles. Edwards continues to scramble and Kamaka elects to stand. A left hook lands for Kamaka to the head. Kamaka moves forward behind a pair of lefts. Kamaka kicks the body. Edwards wants a foul but Herzog says it’s good. Another body kick for Kamaka, who executes his second takedown of the round shortly thereafter. Edwards attempts to hold Kamaka close to prevent ground-and-pound. Kamaka finds an opening for a couple left hands. Edwards scrambles to his feet and eats an uppercut. Kamaka rips the body with another kick, a prevailiing theme of the fight. A hard low kick connects for Edwards. Kamaka with a combination. They clinch in the center of the catch and Edwards with a nice knee to the chin. Kamaka with a punching combination punctuated by a kick. Kamaka holds his hands low and fires off a left jab before the bell, slamming his mouthpiece to the ground in triumph.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (30-27 Kamaka)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (29-28 Kamaka)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Kamaka (29-28 Kamaka)

The Official Result

Kai Kamaka III def. Adli Edwards via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Mads Burnell (144.4) vs. Justin Gonzales (145.6)

Round 1

Denmark’s Burnell will attempt to halt a two-bout skid against former Dana White’s Contender Series competitor Gonzales in a featherweight duel. Frank Trigg will be the third man in the cage for the bout. Gonzales backs up Burnell with a right hand. Gonzales lands multiple punches to the body in close. He’s mixing up his punches early on Brunell, landing to the head and body. Burnell counters a low kick with a left. Gonzales explodes for a takedown at range. Burnell quickly sweeps and reverses into top position. Burnell sets up in side control, maintaining heavy pressure. Burnell goes back into half guard, then returns to side control. Burnell goes knee on belly but Gonzales kicks out. Burnell is back in half guard, and he looks to set up a choke. Gonzales stands briefly but can’t escape Burnell, who drops an elbow after regaining top position. Burnell passes to side control once more. He drives a short elbow into Gonzales’ chin. Another short elbow for Burnell and he bounces his foe’s head off the canvas. Burnell punches the body as he’s back in half guard. The round will end with Burnell on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Burnell

Round 2

Gonzales explodes for a takedown within five seconds and puts Burnell on the canvas. Burnell scrambles up and shoots for a takedown against the fence. He puts Gonzales on his seat and then transitions to a north-south position near the cage. Burnell steps into half guard, which is where he spent much of the opening round. Burnell moves to side control, keeping pressure on his foe’s neck with his shoulder. Burnell with a few knees to the body. Halfway through the round, and Burnell drops a short elbow from above. Burnell creates an opening to land a couple hard right hands. The Dane continues to alternate between working from half guard and side control, and Gonzales doesn’t seem to have any answers for his foe’s ground game. Burnell sets up an north-south choke, but Gonzales frees himself and gets to his feet. Burnell maintains a body lock with less than a minute to go. Gonzales defends a single leg against the fence and he keeps a grip on Burnell’s neck as they go to the canvas. The choke isn’t a serious threat, though, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Burnell

Round 3

Gonzales fires off a right. Burnell tries to lure his man to the mat, but Gonzales isn’t taking the bait. Gonzales with a double jab and a right hand. Burnell trips Gonzales to the mat as he attempts to change levels, and the Dane quickly assumes top position. It’s a familiar scene now, with Burnell controlling the fight with his grappling while occasionally finding openings for ground-and-pound. Gonzales slides toward the fence, and Burnell fires off some left hands. Gonzales is up to a seated position, but Burnell powers him right back down. More left hands follow. Gonzales is working hard to get to his feet, but it’s a losing battle against the skilled Burnell, who once again moves to side control with ease. Burnell unloads a few short elbows while keeping heavy shoulder pressure on Gonzales. Burnell with knees to the body as the boo birds come out in the waning seconds of the fight. A very clear-cut win for Burnell here.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burnell (30-27 Burnell)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Burnell (30-27 Burnell)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Burnell (30-27 Burnell)

The Official Result

Mads Burnell def. Justin Gonzales via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

James Gonzalez (145.8) vs. Aaron Pico (145.6)

Round 1

Pico makes his return after suffering a shoulder injury in a loss to Jeremy Kennedy last October. He’ll meet replacement foe Gonzales, a Longo and Weidman MMA product who is coming off a victory on the PFL Challenger Series. Jason Herzog will officiate the first main card bout of the evening. Gonzales is throwing kicks early, then he steps in with a solid right hand. Gonzalez continues to attack with kicks to all levels. Pico closes the distance and showves his foe into the fence. Gonzalez separates and fires off a front kick to the body. Pico moves forward behind a right hand and a left, and he digs to the body with multiple shots in close quarters. Gonzalez circles away but Pico ties him up and lands a short elbow in the clinch. Gonzalez answers with an elbow of his own, but Pico responds. Pico is doing work in the clinch against the fence. Landing punches and elbows to the head while mixing in body shots. More elbows and body punches land before the combatants separate. Pico lands a low kick. Pico moves in and lands two punches to the body, a knee to the gut and an elbow upstairs. Pico backs off after a couple more body punches. Gonzales rushes forward, Pico catches a leg and then digs to the body yet again. Pico closes the distance behind a right hand. He lands a pair of elbows to the head and a left to the ribs while pressing his man into the cage. They break and Pico throws a high kick. Gonzalez answers with a body kick. Gonzalez rushes forward and Pico changes levels and grounds his foe near the fence. Gonzalez stands and eats more shots. Gonzalez lands a backward elbow with Pico attached to this back. Pico responds with a high kick. An impressive round for Pico.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pico
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Pico
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Pico

Round 2

Gonzalez opens with a low kick. PIco denies a shot and shoves his foe back. Gonzalez rushes in again and Pico shoves him into the fence. Pico works the body with hooks before they return to the center of the cage. Pico follows a front kick to the body with a takedown near the fence. Gonzalez works his way up while Pico maintains a body lock. Pico peppers Gonzalez with lefts to the head. gonzalez drops to a knee. Pico powers him down and lands several more lefts. Gonzalez stands and aborbs a big left to the body. Gonzalez moves in and lands a solid left but is taken down right after. Pico backs away and allows his foe to stand. They trade in the pocket and a Pico combination appears to have Gonzalez reeling. Gonzalez covers up on all fours and Pico lands ground-and-pound. Herzog takes a close look but Gonzalez appears to be OK. Pico allows his man up and Gonzalez swings and misses wildly. Pico lands a hard low kick and dodges and overhand counter. Pico ties his foe up and digs another left to the body before seaprating. Gonzalez lands a kick to the body. Pico pursues his opponent, lands a left to the head and drives his back into the fence. Another wicked left uppercut is followed by a knee to the face. Pico ducks under a punch and takes Gonzalez down near the fence before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pico
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Pico
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Pico

Round 3

Gonzalez begins by landing a left hook, but he’s taken down within the first 10 seconds. Pico stands and hovers over his foe. Pico lets him up. Gonzalez lands a head kick, but Pico takes it and secures another takedown. Pico lands some punches while working from half guard. He lets Gonzalez up once again. He counters Gonzalez with a pair of uppercuts. Pico ducks under a punch from an onrushing Gonzalez and grounds his man again. Pico lets him up again. They trade, and Pico backs him up with a right hand to the head. A left to the body follows for Pico, and he takes Gonzalez down shortly thereafter. Working from half guard, Pico chips away with left hands. Gonzalez does his best to stay active with punches from his back. Pico stands and tags his foe with a right uppercut-left hook combo to the head. Gonzalez moves forward with a series of front kicks and then backs up Pico with a spinning back kick. Pico ties up Gonzalez after eating a right hand. He shoves Gonzalez into the fence, creates space and lands two more shots to the body. Gonzalez is still game and he attempts a flying triangle. Pico is keen to it, and they’ll end the fight standing. Gonzalez ends the fight moving foward attacking with kicks and punches, but it won’t be enough to get the win.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pico (30-27 Pico)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Pico (30-27 Pico)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Pico (30-27 Pico)

The Official Result

Aaron Pico def. James Gonzalez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Charlie Leary (164.2) vs. Yancy Medeiros (162.4)

Round 1

Medeiros ended a four-bout skid in his Bellator debut, and his catchweight clash against England’s Leary was elevated to the main card following the cancellation of Ray Borg vs. Kyoji Horiguchi. Frank Trigg will referee the bout. Leary fires off a jab. Medeiros with a leg kick. Medeiros mixing up his kicks and punches early. Leary walks foward and Medeiros lands a left to the body. Leary backs up the Hawaiian with a right hand. Medeiros with a solid low kick, but Leary tags his foe with a combination. A counter right lands for Leary. Leary backs up Medeiros with a left jab. Another jab lands for the Brit and then he follows with a left hook to the body. Medeiros forces the clinch but they separate quickly. Leary tags him with a straight right at range. Medeiros is cut near hit eye. Another right gets through for Leary. Medeiros bites down on his mouthpiece and he drops Leary with an overhand right in an exchange. Leary gets to his feet and a brawl ensues. Medeiros sends his man to the canvas with a left hand to the chin. Leary somehow gets to his feet and Medeiros tees off with more offense ear the fence, including a spinning back fist. Medeiros decides to shift gears and drags Leary to the mat. He jumps on his foe’s back and locks in a rear-naked choke, forcing a dazed Leary to tap in a matter of moments.

The Official Result

Yancy Medeiros def. Charlie Leary via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 4:39

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (126) vs. Kana Watanabe (125.6)

Round 1

Former flyweight queen Macfarlane will look to make one last run at championship gold by besting Watanabe, who has won three of four under the Bellator banner. The winner will presumably get a shot at reigning champ Liz Carmouche. Kerry Hatley will be in charge of the co-main event matchup. Macfarlane can’t find the range on her right hand. They trade leg kicks. Macfarlane finds the range on a straight right. They clinch briefly and Watanabe connects with a knee to the head. Another right for Macfarlane leads to a tie up in the center of the cage. Watanabe shoves the Hawaiian into the fence and she works her way to her foe’s back. Macfarlane wants to break her opponent’s grip as they jockey for position against the fence. Watanabe gets the takedown and transitions to a slick belly down armbar. Macfarlane frees herself in a matter of seconds. They stand and again it’s Watanabe working for the takedown. Macfarlane uses a kimura to escape and return to range. Macfarlane connects with a 1-2 combination. She steps in and lands on Watanabe again, and the Japan native is bleeding. Another right finds the mark for Macfarlane. Watanabe lands a jab but eats another right. Watanabe ducks under a punch and takes her foe down with 30 seconds to go. Macfarlane stands but Watanabe attempts to jump on the back. Macfarlane survives to the bell just as Watanabe appeared to be hunting for another armbar.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Watanabe

Round 2

They tie up right away and Watanabe lands a knee. Macfarlane with a straight right. Watanabe looks for a takedown but Macfarlane defends the initial attempt from the judoka. Watanabe sweeps the foot and takes the Hawaiian down. Macfarlane scrambles to her feet, but Watanabe is still attached to her. They go back to the canvas, and Macfarlane is hunting for a kimura from her back. Watanabe isn’t in danger, but Macfarlance has locked in a scissor choke with her legs with the combatants in the north-south position. Macfarlane relinquishes the hold and Watanabe is in side control. Macfarlane is attempting to push off the fence with her feet with Watanabe maintains heavy pressure from above. Macfarlane explodes to her feet, but she can’t break free from Watanabe’s grasp. Watanabe uses an outside trip to put Macfarlane back on the mat. Macfarlane throws elbows from her back. Watanabe postures up and attempts to land punches of her own. A couple solid hammerfists and punches get through for Watanabe. Macfarlane stays active with strikes, but none that are especially damaging. Watanabe drops more punches before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Watanabe
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Watanabe
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Watanabe

Round 3

Macfarlane with a short right before Watanabe shoves the ex champ into the fence. Macfarlane defends a trip attempt and they battle for position. Watanabe with a hip toss attempt that isn’t completely successful. A determined Macfarlane powers her way up, but Watanabe executes a hip toss and gets her foe down. Macfarlane has her feet on the fence, attempting to push off as Watanabe works from side control. The crowd is firmly behind Macfarlane as we reach the halfway point of the final round. Watanabe works her way to teh back as Macfarlane stands. Again, Watanabe maintains her grip. Watanabe laces her left leg around Macfarlane’s. Macfarlane lands some short right hands while on the defensive, and eventually separates. She doesn’t have space for long, as Watanabe closes the distance and shoots for another takedown. The crowd voices its displeasure. Macfarlane is forced to defend with her back to the fence with landing short shots. Watanabe responds with strikes of her own. Watanabe drops low for the takedown, but Macfarlane keeps her feet. Watanabe won’t get the takedown before the horn sounds. A very closely contested round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Watanabe (29-28 Watanabe)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane (29-28 Macfarlane)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Macfarlane (29-28 Watanabe)

The Official Result

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane def. Kana Watanabe via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Grand Prix Final:
Raufeon Stots (134.2) vs. Patrick Mix (135)

Round 1

The finals of the bantamweight grand prix are upon us, and either Stots or Mix will go home with the interim belt, $1 million and a future shot at the winner of the upcoming clash between Sergio Pettis and Patricio Freire. Jason Herzog will officiate the headliner. Stots opens up with a leg kick. Mix is already looking to close the distance behind his punches. A jab lands for Stots. Mix with a front kick down the middle. Mix moves in behind a 1-2. Mix with an inside low kick. Seemingly out of nowhere, Mix steps in with a knee that lands flush on Stots’ chin. Stots goes stiff immediately as he collapses to the canvas. Mix has earned a walkoff knockout in spectacular fashion. He’s the new interim title holder and the winner of Bellator’s 135-pound tournament.

The Official Result

Patrick Mix def. Raufeon Stots via KO (Knee) R1 1:20