Bellator returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena with Bellator 245 in Connecticut tonight with a light heavyweight main event that will likely see the winner face new champion Vadim Nemkov.
Bellator 245 will see a main event with “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (21-5) meets for the second time former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida (26-9). The two met back at UFC 163 where Davis beat Machida in a controversial decision. Many members of the media had scored the fight for Machida. UFC president Dana White was on record saying “Machida definitely won.” Now Machida has the opportunity to avenge that loss and get a light heavyweight title shot as well. Davis is a former Bellator light heavyweight champion and is on a two-fight winning streak. He also came very close to beating Nemkov when they fought.
In the co-main event, Cat Zingano (10-4) will be making her Bellator debut in the featherweight division when she takes on Gabrielle Holloway (6-5). This is Zingano’s first fight since injuring her eye against Megan Anderson almost two years ago. Holloway won her most recent fight in Bellator knocking out Alexis Dufresne. The winner of this is likely to face the winner of the Cyborg/Arlene Blencowe championship match down the line. If not, a number one contender’s match could happen with the winner of Leslie Smith (11-8-1) vs. Amanda Bell (7-6). That latter fight will be on the prelims.
Also fighting will be the return of the human highlight reel Raymond Daniels (2-1). The former Glory kickboxer and current Bellator kickboxing welterweight champion went viral when with 720 spinning knockout punch. He takes on another former Glory kickboxer Peter Stanonik (5-4).
Rounding out the main card will see outstanding collegiate wrestler Ed Ruth (8-2) making his return to middleweight to take on Taylor Johnson (5-1).
Other fights on the prelims include Kevin Lee’s brother, Keith Lee (6-3) in a 140-pound catchweight bout against Vinicius Zani (10-6). Heavyweight prospect Tyrell Fortune (8-1) takes on UFC and PFL veteran Jack May (11-6). Rafael Carvalho (16-4) takes on undefeated Alex Polizzi (6-0) in a light heavyweight bout.
You can check here for a playlist of all of our interviews with some of the Bellator 245 fighters.
You can check here for our coverage of the weigh-ins where three fighters missed weight.
You can check here for our piece on the debut of Cat Zingano.
Follow along with MMASucka as we provide you with the results throughout Bellator 245.
MAIN CARD (Paramount Network/DAZN – 10 p.m. ET)
Phil Davis def. Lyoto Machida via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Cat Zingano def. Gabrielle Holloway via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Taylor Johnson def. Ed Ruth via inverted heel hook at :59 in Round 1
Raymond Daniels vs. Peter Stanonik ended via no contest due to an accidental groin shot by Daniels at 1:00 of Round 2
PRELIMINARY CARD (Bellator Youtube Channel – 8:15 p.m. ET)
Alex Polizzi def. Rafael Carvalho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Leslie Smith def. Amanda Bell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Tyrell Fortune vs. Jack May ended via no content due to an accidental groin shot by Fortune at 2:42 of Round 1
Keith Lee def. Vinicius Zani via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
