Bellator is returning to the Mohegan Sun Arena for their second show in the pandemic era of MMA. Bellator 243 is headlined by a highly anticipated rematch between Michael Chandler (20-5) and Benson Henderson (28-8). In their first match, Chandler defended the lightweight championship against Henderson in a five-round fight. The end saw Chandler get a split decision win. This time they meet for three-rounds.
In the co-main event, Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will take on Timothy Johnson (13-6). Both are former UFC fighters and looking for a big win. Mitrione is coming off two losses to two-division champion Ryan Bader and Sergei Kharitonov. Johnson in his last fight knocked out Tyrell Fortune and is looking to get a winning streak started.
The other two main card matches are Curtis Millender (18-5) vs. Sabah Homasi (13-8) in a welterweight match and a lightweight match with Myles Jury (18-5) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (29-10-1, 1 NC).
The preliminary card will include six fights. Two of the notable fights will include the sole women’s fight on the card. Flyweights will clash when Valerie Loureda (2-0) will make her return as she takes on Tara Graff (1-1). Graff has been critical of Loureda due to her use of social media promotion calling it “demoralizing.”
The other notable preliminary fight is BJJ world champion AJ Agazarm (3-1) taking on Cris Lencioni (6-2). Lencioni also has major grappling experience with two wins in Submission Underground this year.
To see what some of the fighters had to say before their fights, check out our one-on-one interviews. Also, check out our coverage of the weigh-ins including one fighter who missed weight.
Follow along with MMASucka as we provide you with the results throughout Bellator 243.
MAIN CARD (Paramount Network/DAZN – 10 p.m. ET)
Michael Chandler def. Benson Henderson via knockout at of Round 1
Timothy Johnson def. Matt Mitrione via TKO (strikes) at 3:14 of Round 1
Myles Jury def. Georgi Karakhanyan via split decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sabah Homasi def. Curtis Millender via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD (Bellator Youtube Channel – 7:15 p.m. ET)
Adam Borics def. Mike Hamel via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Cris Lencioni def. AJ Agazarm via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
Valerie Loureda def. Tara Graff via TKO (strikes) at 5:00 of Round 2
Grant Neal def. Hamza Salim via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-24)
Charlie Campbell def. Nainoa Dung via TKO (leg kicks) at 1:42 of Round 2
Dalton Rosta def. Mark Gardner via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1
