Bellator 186 ‘Bader vs. Vassell’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Frank Buenafuente vs. Francis Healy

Round 1

Buenafuente launches an overhand right and Healy sidesteps it. Buenafuente shoots for a takedown and Healy defends. The featherweights grapple for position, Buenafuente slams his foe down, but Healy scrambles up instantly. Buenafuente drags Healy down to the mat again moments later. Buenafuente sets up in guard, landing short shots to the body. Healy works his guard up, looking to isolate an arm. Buenafuente keeps the pressure on. Healy briefly goes belly down but loses the submission quickly. Buenafuente lands some ground-and-pound from half guard. Healy is up for a moment before his foe dumps him down and lands in side control. Healy recovers guard and Buenafuente lands some more body strikes followed by a short elbow. The round ends with Buenafuente working ground-and-pound from above. 10-9 Buenafuente.

Round 2

Buenafuente comes out throwing wild overhand rights. Healy looks to get inside and dodges his opponents power punches. Buenafuente changes levels for a single leg and gets his foe down. Buenafuente grinds away from half guard near the fence as Healy tries to frame a kimura. Healy lets it go and Buenafuente remains heavy on top. Healy works his way to his knees, but Buenafuente nearly takes the back before forcing his man back to the mat. Buenafuente moves from half guard to full guard, doing just enough to avoid a standup. Buenafuente lands some punches and elbows in half guard before Healy recovers full guard. Less than a minute to go now and Healy finally stands near the cage. Buenafuente connects with a couple knees before taking his opponent right back down. Buenafuente lands a knee to the body before the bell. 10-9 Buenafuente.

Round 3

Healy moves forward and Buenafuente jabs to control the range. Healy lands a leg kick before engaging in the clinch. Healy drops for a double leg, and Buenafuente responds with a crotch lift. They separate on the feet. Healy punches his way into range, landing a right hand. They clinch again and Buenafuente pulls his foe to the ground. Healy lands some elbows to the side of the head as he holds on to a modified crucifix position with Buenafuente on his knees. After a stalemate, a standup is ordered with a little less than 2:00 to go. Buenafuente lands a right hand and pushes his foe into the fence, eventually landing a takedown. Healy looks for a kimura, but he’s not in position to truly threaten his foe. Buenafuente escapes and lands some ground-and-pound. They stand and separate. Healy rushes forward and tries for a takedown. The fight ends with Buenafuente pressing Healy into the fence from the clinch. 10-9 Healy. (29-28 Buenafuente).

The Official Result

Frank Buenafuente def. Francis Healy via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jonny Bonilla-Bowman vs. Tywan Claxton

Round 1

Bonilla-Bowman comes up short on a jumping front kick. Claxton doubles up on his jab and misses a big left. Bonilla-Bowman lands an uppercut in an exchange. Claxton continues to work behind his jab early. Bonilla-Bowman blocks a high kick. Suddenly, Claxton launches himself at Bonilla-Bowman with a flying knee. Claxton gets plenty of height on his knee and catches his opponent ducking forward. Claxton pulls his opponent’s head into the maneuver and Bonilla-Bowman falls backward instantly, his head bouncing off the canvas. No follow up is needed, and Claxton is victorious in his professional debut with a spectacular knockout.

The Official Result

Tywan Claxton def. Jonny Bonilla-Bowman via KO (Flying Knee) R1 1:29

Logan Storley vs. Matt Secor

Round 1

Storley opens by attacking Secor’s lead leg with low kicks. Storley remains focused on this approach. Secor catches a kick and counters with a right hand. Storley changes levels and takes his opponent down. The decorated wrestler lands short elbows and punches from half guard. Storley picks up the intensity and Secor is cut on his head.. Storley targets the cut with an elbow. Storley continues to land powerful ground-and-pound. Secor tries to roll through and sweep, but Storely scrambles to a front headlock position, where he lands some knees to the shoulder. Storley stands and circles as Secor lays on his back. Storley responds with a hard standing to ground right hand. Storley is content to kick at his foe’s legs and a standup is ordered with 20 seconds to go. Storley ducks under a punch and lands a powerful takedown before the end of the round. 10-9 Storley.

Round 2

throws a one-two, but can’t connect. Storley follows an overhand with a takedown and Secor is on his back. Storley is in his opponent’s full guard near the fence. Storley is staying somewhat conservative from this position, and Dan Miragliotta calls for a standup. Storley lands a low kick and drops low for a single leg, but Secor defends. Storley goes back to attacking the legs. Secor isn’t doing anything to check the kicks. Storley explodes for a double-leg takedown and plants Secor on his back. Secor attempts to neutralize Storley’s offense with his guard, and Miragliotta urges Storley to keep busy. They are ordered up with less than minute to go, and Storley shoots moments later. Secor ends up on his back with Storley in his guard. Storley passes to side control and drops a few hard elbows before the bell. 10-9 Storley.

Round 3

Storley continues to attack Secor’s lead leg before changing levels and executing an easy takedown. Storley is in half guard, and he lands some punches to the side of the head. Secor recovers full guard, but Storley stays busy with right hands to the ribs. Storley continues to attack the body with short punches. Storley looks to posture up, and Secor taunts his young opponent to “Hit me, baby.” Miragliotta orders a standup with a little more than 2:00 remaining. Storley lands a couple leg kicks and shoots for a takedown. Secor reverses to his foe’s back but is unsuccessful rolling for a leg lock. Storley cinches a front headlock on the mat. Storley then transitions from an inside cradle to a double leg, and Secor is down again. Secor works his way up, but the round ends with Storley dragging his man to the canvas once more. 10-9 Storley (30-27 Storley).

The Official Result

Logan Storley def. Matt Secor via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Matthew Lozano vs. Dominic Mazzotta

Round 1

Both bantamweights trade kicks early before Mazzotta lands a right hand. Mazzotta connects with a spinning kick to the body before transitioning to a takedown. Lozano has full guard and Mazzotta drops a short elbow, which opens a cut on his foe’s right eye. Mazzotta drops several hard right hands from inside guard. Mazzotta looks to pass as he remains active with ground-and-pound. Mazzotta stands, dodges an upkick and dives back into full guard. Lozano absorbs another short elbow and his cut is spewing blood. Referee Keith Peterson yells for time so he can be examined by a physician. Lozano has multiple cuts, including one in a bad spot on the eyelid. Moments later, the contest is waved off, and Mazzotta has his first Bellator triumph.

The Official Result

Dominic Mazzotta def. Matt Lozano via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R1 2:37

Mike Otwell vs. Michael Trizano

Round 1

Otwell throws a high kick and transitions to a double leg. After an adjustment, Trizano is on his back. Trizano works his way up, and they battle for position against the fence. Otwell goes for a throw and instead pulls Trizano into full mount. Trizano transitions from a key lock to an armbar, but Otwell escapes and gets top position. Otwell lands some short left hands to the ribs. Trizano looks to set up a triangle from his back. He gives up on that and attempts to isolate Otwell’s arm for a kimura. Otwell yanks his limb free and moves to half guard. Trizano sweeps into top position and commits to a guillotine from half guard. Trizano rolls and Otwell is out. They’re up and Otwell drives for a takedown against the fence. Trizano lands some elbows to the side of the head. Otwell gets the takedown but Trizano easily sweeps into top position. 10-9 Trizano.

Round 2

Trizano comes forward and blocks a head kick. Otwell changes levels for a takedown and Trizano defends. Otwell pushes his foe into the fence and is able to turn his foe away from the cage and drag him down. Trizano has a modified rear-naked choke but he is out of position. Otwell briefly gets mount but ends up in half guard instead. Trizano sweeps easily and lands an elbow and some punches as he sprawls. They stand, and Trizano locks up a brabo choke. Trizano works his hips into the proper position, and locks up Otwell’s right arm and leg. Trizano continues to apply the squeeze. Otwell ands on for a few seconds before tapping out.

The Official Result

Michael Trizano def. Mike Otwell via Submission (Anaconda Choke) R2 2:07

Brett Martinez vs. Mike Wilkins

Round 1

Wilkins lands a left and is taken down. Martinez can’t keep his foe down and Wilkins unloads with a series of hard punches. Wilkins rocks Martinez with a short elbow against the fence. Martinez dives for a high crotch and Wilkins defends, landing short rights to the ribs. The combatants trade short punches in close quarters against the cage. Wilkins lands three short knees to the midsection. They separate briefly, and then Wilkins lands another short elbow over the top. Martinez responds with an uppercut in close. Wilkins goes back to landing knees to the body as they remain locked up against the fence. Wilkins throws another elbow and they break. Wilkins lands a lead right hook. Martinez has a high kick blocked. Martinez drops for a takedown and Wilkins sprawls, lifts his man up and lands several knees to the head. Wilkins keeps the pressure own, attacking with punches in the clinch. 10-9 Wilkins.

Round 2

Wilkins lands a kick to Martinez’s chest. Martinez lands a body kick and Wilkins responds by punching his way into range. Martinez shoots a desperation takedown and eats more punches as a result. Wilkins pulls Martinez off the fence, takes his opponent’s back and locks in a rear-naked choke. Wilkins has one hook in, but Martinez isn’t defending his neck. It’s a quick tap from there for Wilkins.

The Official Result

Mike Wilkins def. Brett Martinez via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 1:09

Saad Awad vs. Zach Freeman

Round 1

Freeman opens with an outside leg kick, then lands another a few moments later. Awad answers with a leg kick of his own in a tentative beginning in the opening minute. Awad counters a missed uppercut with a right hand behind the ear and Freeman looks to be stunned as he stumbles to a knee. “The Altar Boy” backs up momentarily and then changes levels for a takedown. Freeman is still dazed as he shoots, and Awad shoves his foe to the canvas and Freeman falls like a sack of potatoes. Awad raises his arms in victory and Keith Peterson waves off the lightweight bout.

The Official Result

Saad Awad def. Zach Freeman via KO (Punch) R1 1:07

Ed Ruth vs. Chris Dempsey

Round 1

Ruth moves forward behinds his jab and Dempsey initiates the clinch. Ruth breaks free and returns to the center of the cage. Ruth looks like he wants to test his standup. Ruth lands a body kick and quickly transitions to take Dempsey’s back. Ruth instead uses the wrestling ride to keep Dempsey down. Dempsey attempts to stand and Ruth pulls him back. Ruth gets side control near the fence. Ruth stands and jumps into half guard. He steps into full mount halfway through the frame. Ruth postures up to land some punches and Dempsey gives up his back. Dempsey scrambles up and eats a knee to the ribs on the break. Ruth lands a clean jab while keeping his hands low and utilizing head movement. Dempsey lands a right hand, but Ruth comes right back at his opponent. Ruth forces the clinch against the fence, but they separate quickly. Ruth ducks under a Dempsey combination and gets a single leg. Dempsey grabs a guillotine but Ruth jumps into side control and ends the round there. 10-9 Ruth.

Round 2

A counter right hand from Dempsey lands in an early exchange. Ruth is content to keep boxing, however. He connects with one glancing right hand over the top and remains in the pocket, ready to trade. Moments later, Ruth follows a jab with an overhand right that connects cleanly behind the ear. Dempsey crumbles to the canvas instantly, and referee Dan Miragliotta waves off the middleweight bout. Ruth improves to 4-0 in his burgeoning professional career.

The Official Result

Ed Ruth def. Chris Dempsey via KO (Punch) R2 0:27.

Phil Davis vs. Leonardo Leite

Round 1

Davis follows a missed one-two with a landed outside leg kick. Davis misses another one-two but follows with a clean kick to the body. The light heavyweights tie up and Davis pushes Leite against the cage. The Brazilian ties to trip “Mr. Wonderful” to the mat, but Davis remains upright. They turn away form the cage but remain in the clinch and Davis tosses Leite to the mat. Leite rolls for a leg lock but Davis hops free. The UFC veteran pushes Leite against the fence and lands a knee before the break. Davis lands a thudding leg kick. A left hook connects for Davis, and then he just misses on a head kick. Davis looks to close the distance and eats a left hook for his efforts. Leite rushes forward with a combination but most of it doesn’t land. The round ends with both fighters standing. 10-9 Davis.

Round 2

Davis lands a left hook as he attacks from the outside. Davis lands a body kick behind a left jab. Time is called after an accidental eye poke by Davis. Leite takes a few moments to recover and the action resumes. Davis clinches with Leite and shoves him away. Leite lands a combination to the body and head. They clinch in the center of the cage and Davis shoves Leite away again after a few seconds. Davis lands a low kick. The UFC vet feints his way in and clinches with Leite against the fence. They eventually separate and return to the center of the cage. They clinch again and Davis shoves the Brazilian into the fence. Davis lands a knee as they jockey for position. Davis maintains a body lock and Leite drops to a knee. Davis lands a few short rights to the side of the head before Leite stands and breaks away. Davis misses a right hand but follows up and connects with a left hook. 10-9 Davis.

Round 3

Davis ducks under a Leite combination. The former Bellator champ continues to work from the outside, throwing from unorthodox angles and keeping Leite off balance. Davis connects with a combination to back Leite up. Davis closes the distance and clinches with Leite, who attempts to execute a trip. Davis thwarts the maneuver and they’re back up. Davis jabs and changes levels but is denied by Leite. A one-two for Davis finds a home and another combination lands shortly thereafter. Davis isn’t extremely damaging with his offense, but he’s in control. A left hook from Davis finds Leite’s chin and the Brazilian pauses briefly. Davis forces the clinch and forces his foe into the fence. Davis lands three knees to the body and then a right hand on the break. Leite seems to be fatigued as time winds down. Davis lands a right hand as he avoids a Leite combination before the bell sounds.

The Official Result

Phil Davis def. Leonardo Leite via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Bellator 125-Pound Women's Title Fight:
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Emily Ducote

Round 1

Macfarlane answers a Ducote leg kick with a two-piece combination. Ductoe goes with another low kick before Macfarlane jumps into the clinch. Macfarlane lands a few knees to the midsection before they separate. A right hand from Macfarlane lands and she backs Ducote into the fence with a combo. Ducote shrugs off the linch and moves to the center of the cage. A counter right lands for Macfarlane and the San Diego resident unloads with more combinations as she attempts to cut of the cage. Macfarlane grabs the clinch and begins landing hard knees to the body. Macfarlane drags Ducote down and works a neck crank. She gives it up in favor of landing ground-and-pound. Macfarlane drops some short elbows from half guard and looks to frame a kimura. Macfarlane works diligently to pass Ducote’s guard, but she can’t quite get through. finally Macfarlane gets free and spins for an armbar. She leans back but doesn’t have enough time to get the submission. 10-9 Macfarlane.

Round 2

Macfarlane lands a two-punch combo in an exchange. Macfarlane lands a counter left after a Ducote low kick and Ducote is bleeding from her nose. Another crisp two-piece combo finds a home for Macfarlane. A right lands for Ducote, but Macfarlane is landing more consistently in exchanges. Macfarlane goes to the body, while Ducote lands anohter leg kick. Macfarlane’s pace seems to be slowing somewhat. They trade inside leg kicks. Ducote counters a leg kick with a right hand. Macfarlane is finding success with her left jab. Ducote misses combination but follows it with a hard leg kick. Macfarlane continues to find the range on her punching combination. A left hand backs Ducote up briefly. Macfarlane grabs a single leg with 10 seconds to go but Ducote breaks free. 10-9 Macfarlane.

Round 3

A jab for Macfarlane lands and Ducote answers with a leg kick. Another leg kick lands for Ducote. Macfarlane presses forward with punches but Ducote sidesteps her foe’s takedown attempt. Macfarlane punches her way into the clinch and lands some knees to the ribs. They remain tied up in the center of the cage for a bit before Ducote breaks Macfarlane’s grip. A multi-punch combination lands for Macfarlane. A straight left tags Ducote. Macfarlane ducks under a Ducote punch and tries for a single-leg takedown. She pushes Ducote into the fence and continues to pursue the takedown. Macfarlane commits to the double leg and after a few tries, dumps Ducote on her back with about 20 seconds to go. Macfarlane finishes the stanza with some ground-and-pound inside Ducote’s guard. 10-9 Macfarlane.

Round 4

Heading into the championship frames, Macfarlane is still looking crisp with her combinations. Macfarlane lands a left uppercut followed by a straight right hand. Ducote moves forward and is countered by a two-punch combination. Macfarlane misses a spinning backfist. Ducote lands an outside leg kick, which has been her most consistent offense so far. They continue to trade, with Macfarlane landing more consistently. An overhand right from Ducote misses and Macfarlane counters with a leg kick. Moments later, Macfarlane connects with a hook to the body. A three-punch combination connects for Macfarlane. Ducote rushes her foe and is tossed to the canvas. Ducote winds up on top in a scramble, but she has less than 30 seconds to work from side control. Ducote ends the round absorbing some elbows from top position. 10-9 Macfarlane.

Round 5

A short left counter lands for Macfarlane as Ducote presses the action. Macfarlane then connects with a Superman punch. Macfarlane is still using her superior range, landing crisp combinations. Ducote’s best offense continues to be leg kicks. Macfarlane catches a low kick and tries for a takedown but Ducote ends up on top. Macfarlane shows a flexible guard from her back to neutralize her opponent. Ducote isn’t mounting any offense from above as Macfarlane controls her posture nicely. Macfarlane lands a few short right hands but keeps Ducote wrapped up. Macfarlane looks like she’s going to ride out the round from this position, but suddenly she begins to frame a triangle. “The Ilimanator” then isolates Ducote’s arm and extends it for an armbar. In a matter of seconds, Ducote is forced to ask out of the fight. Macfarlane is the first ever Bellator women’s flyweight champion.

The Official Result

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane def. Emily Ducote via Submission (Armbar) R5 3:42

Bellator 205-Pound Title Fight:
Ryan Bader vs. Linton Vassell

Round 1

Bader shoots for a takedown behind a right hand and pushes Vassell into the fence. Vassell turns the Arizonan and almost has a takedown, but instead Bader executes a throw and lands in side control. Vassell fights his way back up and they break. A stiff left jab lands for Vassell, followed by a kick to the body. A low kick by the Englishman buckles Bader’s knee. Vassell again with a low kick. another low kick makes Bader stumble. Vassell is landing punches and kicks effectively and Bader elects to plant Vassell on his back with a double-leg. Vassell holds on and looks to control Bader’s posture. Vassell scrambles back to his feet and pushes Bader into the fence. Vassell tries to land a trip but Bader reverses him and lands in top position near the fence. Bader still isn’t creating much space to land ground-and-pound, but he does land a hard knee to the body and a couple short punches before the end of the frame. 10-9 Bader.

Round 2

Bader just misses a high kick, and moments later he changes levels and powers Vassell to the canvas. Vassell sits up near the fence as Bader applies pressure. Bader lands some short punches as referee Keith Peterson urges the fighters to keep working. The Power MMA Team member grinds away and Vassell decides to turn his back in hopes of returning to his feet. “The Swarm” finally stands but Bader stays attached and takes him right back down. Bader lands about four hard hammerfists from the wrestling ride. The round hasn’t been pretty, but it’s undeniably effective for Bader. Bader finds an opening and begins to hammer away with left hands to the side of the head. Vassell isn’t defending himself with one arm trapped, so Bader picks up the intensity of his assault, landing about 10 unanswered punches before Peterson dives in to intervene and halt the bout. Bader is successful in his first Bellator MMA light heavyweight title defense.

The Official Result

Ryan Bader def. Linton Vassell via TKO (Punches) R2 3:58