WINTRUST ARENA-CHICAGO, ILLINOIS-Bellator MMA kicked off Bellator 297 with a bang with a massive 11-fight preliminary card. With the Windy City crowd behind them, here are the best performers from the preliminary action.
Prelim Stars of Bellator 297
Jordan Newman Dominates to 6-0
SUBMISSION! 🔥
Jordan Newman remains undefeated inside the Bellator cage following his Americana tap over @CareBearMMA.
📺 #Bellator297 @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by @superiorgrocers LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/I9y6YDmmZT
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 16, 2023
It was a quick night in the office for Jordan Newman. The undefeated middleweight dawned the red gloves in his bout against Indiana’s Matthew Perry. From the sound of the first round bell, Newman dominated all aspects of the 185-lb. encounter. At 4:20 of the first round, Newman, from the top mount position, secured an Americana submission, forcing a tap and improving to 6-0 professionally.
Archie Colgan Wins War Against Grizzled Vet Emmanuel Sanchez
That was close for @MatadorSanchez_ but @King_Colgan survives.
📺 #Bellator297 @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by @superiorgrocers LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/KjV83gvll1
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 16, 2023
Undefeated rising star Archie Colgan met 28-fight vet Emmanuel “El Matador” Sanchez in a lightweight encounter. The pair of 155ers went to war throughout their 3 round contest. All three judges gave the 27-year-old Colgan the nod.
Norbert Novenyi Jr. Find Brutal First Round Knockout
Even BETTER in slow-mo! 👀
Middleweights beware, @magicnorbi is coming…
📺 #Bellator297 @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by @SuperiorGrocers LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/TMt7PzkkwZ
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 16, 2023
It did not take long for Norber Novenyi Jr. to secure his seventh career victory. After landing several hard crosses early on, Novenyi Jr. would land one final blow on Kamil Oniszczuk to close out the show in the very first round.
Ramazan Kuramagomedov Shines in Welterweight Matchup
THAT’S A PERFECT DEBUT! 😳
Welcome to the Bellator cage, Ramazan Kuramagomedov. 🫡
📺 #Bellator297 @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by @superiorgrocers LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/FQbUPMx9JR
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Ramazan Kuramagomedov made quick work of his opponent Jaleel Willis. The Russian welterweight found a knee inside the clinch just 84 seconds into the first round, climbing to 11-0.
Bellator 297’s main card is right around the corner. Stick around for live results.
