Bellator 269 ‘Fedor vs. Johnson’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Gadzhi Rabadanov (147.5: Missed Weight) vs. Alexander Belikh (146)

The bout has been canceled after Gadzhi Rabadanov missed weight.

Aiden Lee (147.5: Missed Weight) vs. Alexander Osetrov (145.5)

Round 1

Bellator 269 kicks off in my hometown of Moscow at CSKA Arena, the same venue where the UFC helds its own historic event in late 2019. Kicking off the event, young featherweight prospects clash, as Englishman Aiden Lee (9-5) makes the trip into hostile territory to take on Russian Alexender Osetrov (8-2). Referee Kevin McCarthy will start the evening in Moscow. Osetrov starts the fight with a solid leg kick. Lee is firing technical front kicks, but the Russian avoids them. Lee tests him with a head kick, but Osetrov blocks and tries to counter with a punch, which is blocked. Both men are searching for the range, Lee more with kicks and Osetrov more with punches. Osetrov scores on a body punch and soon after may have hurt Lee with a short hook as they clinch. They disengage and Lee looks okay. Osetrov goes for a big overhand left that misses. Osetrov telegraphes too much and gets hit with a Lee straight counter. Osetrov lands a body kick now, drawing applause from the crowd. Osetrov scores with another body kick but misses the follow-up leg kick. Lee throws a few straight punches, but Osetrov's boxing defense is very solid, avoiding all of them. Osetrov lands with a left cross and while he throws a number of follow-up punches, Lee dips out of range. Osetrov is too telegraphed again, and gets clipped behind the ear with a short punch that hurts him very badly. Lee immediately jumps over him, takes the back with both hooks, and hunts for a rear naked choke. Osetrov is too dazed to defend properly and Lee gets it locked in. Osetrov has to tap and the crowd is stunned in silence. Very impressive victory by the Englishman on the road.

The Official Result

Aiden Lee def. Alexender Osetrov via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 3:41 of Round 1

Grachik Bozinyan (170) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (171)

Round 1

Next up, Armenian and capable Bellator veteran Grachik Bozinyan (11-4), who gave a tough fight to Austin Vanderford, faces Alexey Shurkevich (12-4). The oddsmakers have this a complete pick'em. Getting this assigment is referee Bryan Miner. Bozinyan is reckless coming forward and partially eats a Shurkevich overhand right, although Bozinyan's chin holds steady. Shurkevich fires a solid 1-2 that Bozinyan avoids, and then runs away as Bozinyan gives chase. They throw a series of power punches in the pocket and Shurkevich gets the better of it, flooring and hurting Bozinyan with a perfect, tightly arced left hook. He pursues Bozinyan to the bottom and tries to land ground-and-pound, although the Armenian has partially recovered. Shurkevich lands a huge right hand with Bozinyan's head flat against the canvas, causing a sickening thud. He continues to work, sporadically hitting some big blows. Eventually, Bozinyan goes for a heel hook, but Shurkevich defends it well, spinning with the movements. Shurkevich bides his time, and at the right time, standing almost fully up, unloads with clean, hard punches, beginning with a monster left, that leave Bozinyan completely unconsciousness. Sensational performance by Shurkevich, who defeated a very tough foe.

The Official Result

Alexey Shurkevich def. Grachik Bozinyan via KO (Punches) at 2:25 of Round 1

Brian Moore (136) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (135.5)

Round 1

Long-time Bellator veteran Brian Moore (14-7), who is a solid 5-3 in the promotion, travels from his native Ireland to face 22 year-old Russian prospect Nikita Mikhailov (7-1), who hasn't fought in 2.5 years. Referee Bryan Minor will again be the third man in the cage. Mikhailov begins the battle with a lightning-fast spinning back roundhouse kick, though it still misses. Moore inches forward looking for a punch, although an early overhand right misses. Mikhailov responds with a flying switch-knee, though it too misses. Mikhailov goes to something more basic, working for a single-leg in the clinch, and he gets it, dumping Moore to the floor. Moore scrambles up almost instantly however, and gets back up, with Mikhailov in a headlock, landing a few knees to the body of the young Russian. Moore goes for a possible guillotine, but this allows Mikhailov to pick him up and slam him to the canvas. Moore posts up to get on his feet, but Mikhailov has a rear waistlock. He tries to break the base, but doesn't quite manage. Moore tries to flip, but ends up on his back. Moore does, however, try for a reverse triangle from the bottom in north-south position. Mikhailov stays calm, however, and works to get out. Eventually, he does, and explodes with punches. Some miss, but a number land, and Moore covers up. Moore tries to get up, but Mikhailov pushes him back down and lands several hard right hands for good measure. Mikhailov now gets his elbows involved, alternating slashing elbows with brutal punches as Moore is badly bleeding. Mikhailov lands a huge left elbow with 15 seconds left. Very close to a 10-8 here. 10-9 Mikhailov.

Round 2

Mikhailov starts off with a nice head kick that Moore blocks. Mikhailov does land a nice leg kick, though. He soon decides to grapple, shooting a blast double and getting Moore onto the canvas. Moore gets up almost immediately, and they grapple along the fence, with Mikhailov attacking the hips. Eventually, he succeeds, dumping Moore back down to the floor. Mikhailov is in side control, looking to pass and landing short blows. Moore manages to get it to full guard, but now his head against the cage with Mikhailov pushing hard, reducing the ability to wall-walk. In fact, Moore tries to wall-walk, but Mikhailov grabs his wrist and keeps him grounded. Mikhailov continues peppering a bloody Moore with short punches as Moore's attempts to get back up are less dynamic. Eventually he does hip-escape and stands up, with Mikhailov holding on to a rear waist-lock. It's not for long, though, as Mikhailov picks him up and sends him back down with a nice mat return, this time in the center of the cage, away from the fence. Mikhailov goes back to work with short punches. Moore hip-escapes again with about 45 seconds left, but Mikhailov stays glued to him and soon forces him down yet again. Mikhailov lans a nice left hammerfist with about 25 seconds left, and continues controlling the wrists well. Moore tries to get up with about 10 seconds left, but can't quite do it by the time the round ends. 10-9 Mikhailov.

Round 3

Mikhailov begins the round with another head kick, which Moore blocks. Moore is cautious in the striking now, worried about the takedown. Indeed, Mikhailov shoots in on a single, and while Moore appears to defend well initially, Mikhailov runs the pipe and gets a rear waist-lock. Things become even worse for Moore, as he gives up the back and Mikhailov gets both hooks in. However, Mikhailov is very high, and thus goes for a Suloev stretch. He is unsuccessful and eventually falls off. An attempt at a leg-lock is unsuccessful and Moore is on top. Mikhailov is reckless in immediately trying to get up and Moore takes his back with both hooks in, and is now threatening with a rear-naked choke! What a crazy and sudden turn-around! However, Mikhailov stays calm and hand-fights well to stay alive. Moore lands the occasional short blow, but each time he goes for the choke, Mikhailov has his supporting arm restrained and correctly turns his head away from the crook of the arm. With 80 seconds left, Mikhailov tries to open the body triangle Moore has on, but is unsuccessful. With about a minute left, Moore lands a few short punches and several awkward elbows to the head. He switches to an armbar with 25 seconds left, abandoning his position. Mikhailov keeps his arm close, though, and the fight ends before Moore can either extend it or Mikhailov can get out. Mikhailov celebrates to end the fight, happy to have escaped some serious danger in the final stanza. 10-9 Moore (29-28 Mikhailov).

The Official Result

Nikita Mikhailov def. Brian Moore via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Irina Alekseeva (129.9) vs. Stephanie Ielo Page (124.5)

Round 1

Next up we have a rare women's catchweight bout, this one at 130 pounds. Frenchwoman Stephanie Page (5-2) makes the trip to fight Irina Alekseeva (3-1), who has the ridiculous nickname of "Russian Ronda". This version of Ronda is very slightly favored against Page. Referee Kevin MacDonald will keep them honest. The women trade leg kicks to begin, the match, as Alekseeva looks massively larger than her oppponent, which the commentators point out. Page lands a few quick, but not especially hard leg kicks. Alekseeva lumbers forward and eats a straight left. Alekseeva badly misses on a leg kick. Alekseeva badly, slowly telegraphs a clinch, but gets it, anyways. They battle in the clinch, and Page is holding her own. Alekseeva lands a few short punches, trying to bully the Frenchwoman with her superior size. Page gets a little separation with 2 minutes left, and Alekseeva decides to bail, missing a knee on her way out. Page tags her with a leg kick. Page partially lands an overhand right. Alekseeva hits her with a straight right that snaps her head back and returns to a clinch against the cage with a minute left. Alekseeva lands a knee to the body. Alekseeva lands a few short punches, but Page turns her around. Page goes for a takedown of her own, but it's ill-advised, as Alekseeva pushes her over and takes her down. She does little with the position, but lands a few short punches to end the round. Close round, but the takedown gave it to Alekseeva. 10-9 Alekseeva.

Round 2

Page cautiously throws a leg kick to begin the round, which misses. A follow-up does land, however. She moves laterally and soon lands another one. Alekseeva throws a leg kick of her own, but it's easily checked and Page then lands another one of her own. She continues circling on the outside and lands yet another one. Soon, Alekseeva rushes forward wildly with a headlock, but is rewarded with a takedown nonetheless. Alekseeva begins land right hands to the body. Alekseeva postures up fully, holding onto Page's feet, a dangerous game if Page knows how to upkick. She eventually reuturns to the guard and lands a few hammerfists. Page locks on the closed full guard. She opens up for a possible triangle, but to no avail. Page uses her feet to push Alekseeva off and get back to her feet, although Alekseeva immediately pushes her hard into the cage. Page goes for a high knee, but Alekseeva catches her and slams her back down to the canvas. Alekseeva goes to work with knees to the body. Page posts up against the cage, though Alekseeva attacks her base. Page manages to fully stand up, though. Alekseeva executes a judo throw, although it seems to be more pure physical strength. Alekseeva goes for a possible guillotine from three-quarters mount, but Page hangs tough as the round ends. 10-9 Alekseeva.

Round 3

Alekseeva begins the final stanza with a successful leg kick of her own. Alekseeva throws a slow jab that is easily blocked. Page isn't attacking though, being wary of the takedown. Alekseeva lumbers forward with a kick, has it caught, but Page misses the follow-up punches. Alekseeva lands a front push-kick but doesn't follow it up with much. Page lands a leg kick. Alekseeva comes forward with punches, misses, but lands a body kick. Alekseeva decides to go back to the clinch, pushing Page against the cage and landing a few knees to the legs. Page is actually the one with double underhooks, though, and she uses them to throw Alekseeva off with about 1:45 remaining. Page scores a nice 1-2 and then a leg kick, easily the best sequence of the round. Alekseeva clinches again with 70 seconds remaining. She grinds for a takedown, but can't get it against the much smaller woman. Alekseeva is reckless and actually allows Page to get a standing RNC briefly, although she twists out of it. The round ends. 10-9 Page (29-28 Alekseeva)

The Official Result

Irina Alekseeva def. Stephanie Ielo Page via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Darina Mazdyuk (125) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (125.5)

Round 1

Now at women's flyweight, Polish Katarzyna Sadura (4-4) faces Darina Mazyduk (3-1). Mazyduk is a modest favorite, and if she triumphs, this will be by far her biggest win, as everyone else she defeated was 0-0 at the time. In Mazyduk's defense, her lone loss, via decision, came against a fighter currently 5-0. Referee Kevin MacDonald gets this assignment. Mazyduk fires off punches to begin with her chin upright, but none land. She is winging wild punches and again, none land, although Sadura gets a straight right through. They exchange body kicks, both of which are blocked. Sadura lands a couple fo straight rights as Mazdyuk has her hands completely down. Sadura throws a 1-2, with the right hand clipping Mazdyuk. Sadura lands a solid front-kick to the body and then lands a second one, which Mazdyuk simply eats. A wild Sadura overhand right barely misses. Mazdyuk scores wiht a straight right, possibly her first solid connection of the fight. Mazdyuk comes forward, swarming with punches, although they largely miss. Sadura responds with a few more front-kicks to the body. Sadura lands a stiff jab that Mazdyuk again doesn't even try to defend, but simply eats. Sadura throws several attacks, with a body kick landing. Mazdyuk lands a leg kick. Sadura partially lands another front kick to the body. She lands another one and barely misses an overhand right. She scores with a straight right, however, and Mazdyuk's attempts to counter are unsuccessful. Mazdyuk fires jabs that barely miss. Sadura throws a 1-2 while Mazdyuk throws a body kick, but both miss. Sadura lands a right hand. Mazdyuk gets aggressive as the round ends, but it's Sadura tagging her with clean punches. 10-9 Sadura.

Round 2

Mazdyuk throws a slow kick to begin the round and Sadura partially connects on a right cross. Mazdyuk throws more slow kicks, but Sadura easily retreats. Sadura lands a body kick of her own. They exchange blows, and Sadura gets the better of them with more body kicks. A Sadura head kick slightly gets through. Saura lands a jab and touches Mazdyuk with part of her right cross. Sadura lands a leg kick and as Mazdyuk lumbers forward, barely misses a 1-2. Sadura touches Mazdyuk with another 1-2. Mazdyuk scores a very weak leg kick, but she isn't doing much now. Her punches are very slow and pawing now, with Sadura easily evading them. Sadura hits her with an overhand right, although there is little on it. After Sadura misses a 1-2, Mazdyuk clinches, but Sadura easily gets her off, hitting her with knees. After Sadura partially lands a 1-2, Mazdyuk falls over, more from exhaustion than anything, and Sadura dives on her with hammerfists. Mazdyuk has given up, and referee Kevin MacDonald stops it. Mazdyuk was famous for beating up a 500 pound male blogger, but professional female fighters, even those with a 4-4 record, are much better!

The Official Result

Katarzyna Sadura def. Darina Mazdyuk via TKO (Punches) at 3:17 of Round 2

Kirill Sidelnikov (264) vs. Rab Truesdale (247)

Round 1

In the final prelim, Fedor's former protege, Kiril Sidelnikov (12-6), once even nicknamed "Baby Fedor", is now a 33 year-old, 5'11", 264 pound heavyweight who is still a big favorite against Scotsman Rab Truesdale (10-7), who was choked out in round 1 in a fight just 3 months ago. Referee Jacob Montalvo will be keeping a keen eye on the action. Truesdale starts with a leg kick. He throws a fast 1-2, but it misses, and Sidelnikov barely misses his own counter. Truesdale partially lands a jab. A Truesdale overhand right misses and he misses a Sidelnikov right hand. Sidelnikov lands a jab, and then a couple of hard hooks on the inside that stun Truesdale temporarily. He recovers and lands a leg kick. Sidelnikov stalks him and lands a hard hook to the body. Sidelnikov catches a Truesdale leg kick and takes him down, pounding away from the top. He gets to half-guard and then begins unloading with elbows, one after the other, as Truesdale just stays on his back eating them. Referee Jacob Montalvo asks him to move, he doesn't, and the fight is over. A one-sided beatdown by Sidelnikov!

The Official Result

Kirill Sidelnikov def. Rab Truesdale via TKO (Elbows) at 2:01 of Round 1

Anatoly Tokov (185) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (186)

Round 1

Opening up the main card, we have a truly marquee match-up, as excellent middleweight contender Anatoly Tokov (29-3), undefeated in Bellator at 5-0 with 4 stoppages, takes on tough Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1) from Tajikistan. Getting the best view of the action will be referee Kevin MacDonald. Davlatmurodov starts off with a leg kick, but is countered by a straight right that puts him down, although that seems to be more an issue of balance than anything. They are largely cautious to start, doubly so being training partners. Davlatmurodov decides to clinch against the cage a little over a minute into the contest. They are largely stalemated, although Tokov lands a few knees to the body and legs. Tokov spins off the cage and they return to range. Davlatmurodov misses a head kick. Tokov lands a nice 1-2, and soon after, it's him pushing Davlatmurodov into the cage. They push hard against one another, but neither does much. Eventually, Tokov pushes him off while landing a solid knee to the body. Davlatmurodov barely misses a nice left hook. They trade punches in the pocket, but each man moves his head out of the way. Davlatmurodov goes back to the clinch. Tokov responds with a nice guillotine attempt, forcing Davlatmurodov to the ground. They both scramble on the ground, with Tokov eventually getting top position. He lands a few punches to end the stanza. 10-9 Tokov.

Round 2

Tokov throws a leg kick to begin the round, which Davlatmurodov checks. Davlatmurodov throws a solid body kick that partially gets through. Tokov lands a hard leg kick. Tokov is a little wild coming forward and eats a Davlatmurodov right hand. He recovers and the two training partners touch gloves. Tokov lands a nice 1-2 and uses it to clinch. He gets Davlatmurodov down to his butt, and as Davlatmurodov tries to get up, he completes the takedown. Tokov continues moving from the top, trying to take the back as Davlatmurodov builds his base back up against the cage. Tokov is landing short little punches, draped all over his opponent. Eventually, Davlatmurodov gets back up and spins off. Davlatmurodov partially lands a lead right hand with 80 seconds left. He lands a glancing body kick as Tokov again clinches. This time Davlatmurodov pushes forward and briefly gets Tokov down, although Tokov continues wrestling. They run into a stalemate with about 30 seconds left with Davlatmurodov holding Tokov's head down, but Tokov pushes throw and gets top position with 20 seconds left. As the round ends, he lands a glancing elbow. A very close round that could have gone either way. 10-9 Tokov.

Round 3

Davlatmurodov opens up with a probing inside leg kicks. Tokov mises a jab. However, he then throws a 1-2 and the right cross lands solidly, getting Davlatmurodov's attention. Tokov lands a stiff jab. He partially lands two right hands to follow up. He then blocks several Davlatmurodov head kicks. Davlatmurodov throws a front kick to the body, but it's a little labored and thus does little damage despite touching Tokov. Both men have slowed down with about 3 minutes left in the round. They throw punches in the pocket, with Tokov going for straights and Davlatmurodov trying to counter with uppercuts, but neither lands. Davlatmurodov leans forward and while he mostly evades Tokov's punches, a right hook partially gets him. Tokov pumps the jab, with the second touching Davlatmurodov. Tokov tries for a takedown, but Davlatmurodov stuffs him easily and then tries one of his own. Both men end up clinching against the cage, with Tokov pushing him. Tokov lands a knee below the belt line and Kevin MacDonald separates them. They resume, now in the center of the cage. Davlatmurodov lands a nifty short left hand off a 1-2 from the southpaw. Tokov clinches and then gets a nice throw, putting Davlatmurodov on his back. Tokov is in side control and soon steps over into full mount. He lands a single right hand and then Davlatmurodov explodes up, getting all the way to his feet. It's then him who throws Tokov down. Tokov scrambles, but Davlatmurodov takes the back. He is too high to even attempt a rear-naked choke, and the fight ends. A solid win for Tokov, but not an especially brilliant one. His opponent being skilled and tough himself, as well as a training partner surely didn't help matters. 10-9 Tokov (30-27 Tokov)

The Official Result

Anatoly Tokov def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Usman Nurmagomedov (160) vs. Patrik Pietila (158.5)

Round 1

At a 160 pound catchweight affair, we have one of the largest mismatches in a major organization when undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) faces Finnish Patrik Pietila (11-8). Nurmagomedov is a -4500 favorite some places. Yes, you read that correctly. Perhaps this would be a good time to note that Russians and Finns have fought several wars against one another over the centuries and don't like one another. Keeping this one civilized will be again be referee Kevin MacDonald. Pietila begins with a leg kick that lands. Nurmagomedov misses one of his own. Nurmagomedov goes for a spinning back roundhouse kick that misses. Nurmagomedov continues kicking, missing a head kick but partially connecting with a front push-kick. Pietila comes forward and Nurmagomedov immediately changes levels and gets a double-leg takedown. He is in the half-guard now, working hard to pass. Nurmagomedov scores with a few short punches and elbows, but none are especially hard. Nurmagomedov moves to side control, but Pietila quickly regains half-guard. Nurmagomedov scores on two solid elbows that thud off Pietila's head. Nurmagomedov tries to get his leg free to move to full mount, but the Finn hangs tough for now. Nurmagomedov scores on another short elbow as Pietila tries to get up, but is easily stymied. Nurmagomedov gets a knee on belly but his attempt to get to mount is thwarted. He gets into side control, howeer, and then steps over into three-quarters mount, landing a nice left hand. Pietila struggles to get out, but gives up his back. Nurmagomedov instantly gets both hooks in and locks in a rear-naked choke. Pietila is tough, however, fighting off the initial one. However, Nurmagomedov is undeterred and attempts another one, this attempt with a different grip. It's on very tight and Pietila has no choice but to tap. This fight went exactly as expected.

The Official Result

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Patrik Pietila via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 4:06 of Round 1

Vitaly Minakov (265) vs. Said Sowma (243)

Round 1

In the co-main, former Bellator heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1), considered perhaps the best heavyweight outside the UFC for the past 7 years, faces skilled 28 year-old Said Sowma (7-2), who blasted Ronny Markes in a minute with punches in his last outing and whose record should be 8-1, as he was robbed against Tyrell Fortune. Referee Bryan Miner gets this intriguing showdown. Both men are training partners and begin the fight cautiously. Minakov throws a few leg kicks, but Sowma, circling well on the outside, evades them all. A Sowma jab misses. Minakov misses another leg kick, as Sowma continues moving well. Minakov tries to stalk him against the cage, but Sowma simply keeps circling away. Sowma lands a leg kick, although it has little on it. 2 minutes in, and little has happened. Minakov finally opens up with a series of straight punches, which Sowma dodges all of, but it gives Minakov a chance to clinch. Once there, he scores a nice outside trip that gets Sowma down. Minakov quickly postures all the way up, scoring a few kicks to the thighs of the downed Sowma and hunting for a big punch. However, Sowma evades and quickly, neatly gets back to his feet. They return to the striking. Sowma touches Minakov with a front kick to the head. Sowma lands another light leg kick. Minakov comes forward with a big 1-2 and the right cross connects, causing Sowma to stumble around the cage, although partially from being off-balance. Sowma walks right into a huge Minakov jab that stumbles him yet again. Sowma is now on his bike, purely circling, although Minakov is taking matters cautiously. Minakov throws off a 3 punch combination that partially gets through and again hurts Sowma. A Minakov leg kick is checked but still affects Sowma, who still looks wobbly. The round ends. 10-9 Minakov.

Round 2

Minakov lands a powerful leg kick to begin the round. Sowma returns the favor, hurting Minakov, who is hopping one one leg for a brief moment. He lands a second, although this one is not as hard. Minakov retaliates soon after with a big leg kick of his own, now hurting Sowma! Quite a difference from Round 1 and the non-committal leg kicks there. Minakov throws punches, but Sowma manages to dodge all of them. They trade punches in the pocket, all missing, but then Sowma comes forward and right into another heavy Minakov jab that stops him in his tracks. Not long after, Minakov lands another big leg kick that damages Sowma. Sowma is now thinking defense again, circling on the outside, and eats another solid leg kick. Sowma tries a few of his own, but Minakov defends better, avoiding them. Sowma misses a left hook while retreating. Minakov fires punches, misses, and then Sowma tries to counter, but Minakov evades well. Minakov lands another leg kick. Sowma tries a head kick which is blocked. Minakov lands a body kick and then Sowma spins around, missing a leg kick. Minakov scores another inside leg kick. Minakov lands an overhand right but is partially countered by a 1-2. Minakov goes to the body with punches, scoring, and adds another leg kick. Sowma lands a leg kick and jab, but then gets hit with another hard jab by Minakov. Clear round for Minakov and I don't understand why the commentators are claiming Sowma might have evened it up. 10-9 Minakov.

Round 3

Minakov goes for a leg kick that misses. Sowma lands a leg kick of his own and misses a follow-up jab. Minakov goes for a big left hook but Sowma is well out of the way, continuing to circle well. Minakov lands a leg kick soon after. Minakov throws a right cross that is blocked and Sowma partially counters with a 1-2. Sowma misses a jab and Minakov evades a follow-up leg kick. Minakov reaches on a left jab but misses. Minakov partially lands a leg kick. Sowma lands a nice leg kick and misses a follow-up left hook. Minakov connects on a big spinning backfist, the most damaging connection of the round. Minakov then follows it up with a few follow-up right hands that hit the mark. Minakov tries another spinning backfist, this one blocked. However, Minakov is trying to pull his fingers back into place, as he evidently broke them. Referee Bryan Miner correctly stops the fight due to injury. A disappointing result for Minakov. Sowma stayed tough, although it's hard to call this a highly impressive victory, as I had Minakov up 20-18 and winning round 3.

The Official Result

Said Sowma def. Vitaly Minakov via TKO (Injury) at 3:08 of Round 3

Fedor Emelianenko (233.5) vs. Timothy Johnson (264)

Round 1

In the main event, Fedor Emelianenko (39-6), arguably the greatest fighter in MMA history, looks for his 40th victory at the age of 45 against tough and talented veteran Timothy Johnson (15-7), whose last fight was a decision loss to Fedor's pupil Valentin Moldavsky for the Bellator interim heavyweight title. Johnson is only about a -180 favorite despite Fedor's age and chin concerns. Referee Jacob Montalvo gets the final call of the card. Johnson tries a right cross to begin the fight which Fedor jumps out of the way of. Fedor partially gets a right hand through and Johnson's counters miss. Johnson misses a leg kick. Fedor connects on another right hand and they trade punches in the pocket, with the faster Fedor getting the better of it. Johnson misses a couple of punches as Fedor still moves very well. Johnson comes forward with punches again and partially connects with the right hand this time. Johnson throws a right hook that Fedor ducks under, nailing Johnson cleanly with a left hook and then, as Johnson is still reeling, immediately follows up with a gorgeous right hook that puts Johnson completely out. Wow! Even at 45 years old, there are very few heavyweights in the world who can move as quickly and fluidly, or hit as hard as Fedor Emelianenko can!

The Official Result

Fedor Emelianenko def. Timothy Johnson via KO (Punches) at 1:46 of Round 1