UNCASVILLE, CONN. (April 22, 2016) — While many will be surprised by the news that Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) defeated Benson Henderson (23-6) in the main event of “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 night, 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 minutes, 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) to tap out. 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 Patricky “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 campaign.
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 “Venom” Page (10-0) finished 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.”
Preliminary Card Results:
Djamil Chan (12-2) defeated Richard Patishnock (6-4) via knockout (punches) at 3:09 of round one
Chris Honeycutt (7-1) defeated Matt Secor (7-3) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-27 x2)
Mike Zichelle (8-4) defeated Joe Cronin (2-4) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:25 of round one
Matt Bessette (18-7) defeated Keith Richardson (14-7) via TKO (cut) at 3:14 of round two
Chris Foster (9-4) defeated Vovka Clay (3-1) via unanimous decision (29-28 3x)
Sam Watford (2-0) defeated Dean Hancock (2-1) via submission (armbar) at 1:24 of round one
Tim Caron (4-0) defeated Justin Sumter (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:38 of round two
Blair Tugman (8-6) defeated Jay Perrin (2-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)