UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 22, 2016) — While many will be surprised by the news that Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) adkaaday Benson Henderson (23-6) haddii ay dhacdo weyn ee “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson,” the Russian champion made it clear following the bout that he intended to win each and every round inside the cage at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday habeen, and according to the judges scoring the bout at cage side, he did exactly that (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
Over the course of 25 daqiiqo, Henderson, a longtime lightweight competitor, had difficulty closing the distance of the larger “Spartan,” and sustaining damage in the process. “Smooth” was unable to secure takedowns and was upset with his performance, making it clear that he hopes for a quick return to the Bellator MMA cage; whether it’s at 170 or 155-pounds.
“Spartan” makes his first successful defense of the title he took from Douglas Lima in this very arena last year, and has his sights set on fighting one of the main contenders that the Scott Coker-led currently promotion has on its welterweight roster. In addition to the victory, Koreshkov also takes home the newly designed Bellator championship belt.
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire’s Showcases Nasty Guillotine in Co-Main Event
Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3) went all-in with a beautiful guillotine choke 4:09 into the second round of his co-main event fight, forcing Henry Corrales (12-3) inay hesho baxay. Since making his Bellator MMA debut back in April of 2010, “Pitbull” has now collected 13 victories with the promotion, including wins in eight of his last nine bouts. It has been a great week for the “Pitbull” brothers, after older brother Patrick “Pitbull” came out victorious in the main event of "Bellator 152: Freire vs. Souza” last Saturday in Torino, Italy. The loss is only Corrales’ third of his career, two of which have now come via guillotine choke.
“Cyborg” Santos Spoils Ward’s Hometown Reunion With First Round Win
In his Bellator MMA debut, Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (21-16) defeated New London’s own Brennan Ward (13-4) with an ankle lock submission just 30 seconds into the opening round. The victory is Santos’ fourth career win in 30 seconds or less and 16th first round finish. The former Strikeforce competitor has now strung together back-to-back wins and has left an impressive first impression for Bellator fans, aside from the ones in attendance at Mohegan Sun Arena. For Ward, the loss puts an end to a promising streak of four consecutive wins, all of which came in his dominant 2015 Ololaha.
Primus Squeaks Past “Toninho Furia” In Catchweight Marathon
Brent Primus (7-0) remained undefeated with a split decision victory over "Toninho Furia" (27-6) on Friday taking home scores of (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). The Portland, Oregon native connected on several heavy blows and two pivotal takedowns leading him to his seventh career win. The three-round thriller was just Primus’ second fight that went past the first round and was left to the judges’ discretion.
“MVP” Makes Quick Work Of Holloway In Explosive Opening Bout
During the opening contest at "Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson," Michael Page "mariidka xun" (10-0) dhammeeyayna Jeremie Holloway (7-2) with multiple hammerfists and an impressive toe hold submission at 2:15 in the opening round of action. The 28-year-old British phenom, “MVP,” remains undefeated after recording his tenth career win and sixth victory under the Bellator MMA banner. “Venom” now directs his attention to a return home when he meets Fernando Gonzalez on July 16 at "Bellator 158: London.”
Results Card hordhac ah:
Djamil Chan (12-2) adkaaday Richard Patishnock (6-4) via knockout (qaad) at 3:09 ka mid ah wareega
Chris Honeycutt (7-1) adkaaday Matt Secor (7-3) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (30-25, 30-27 x2)
Mike Zichelle (8-4) adkaaday Joe Cronin (2-4) via soo gudbinta (gadaal qaawan ceejiya) at 1:25 ka mid ah wareega
Matt Bessette (18-7) adkaaday Keith Richardson (14-7) via TKO (cut) at 3:14 wareegsanaa laba
Chris Foster (9-4) adkaaday Vovka Clay (3-1) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (29-28 3x)
Sam Watford (2-0) adkaaday Dean Hancock (2-1) via soo gudbinta (armbar) at 1:24 ka mid ah wareega
Tim Caron (4-0) adkaaday Justin Sumter (0-1) via TKO (qaad) at 3:38 wareegsanaa laba
Blair Tugman (8-6) adkaaday Jay Perrin (2-2) via go'aan ku daatay (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)