Bellator 288 Prelim Wrap-Up

LIVE: WINTRUST ARENA, CHICAGO ILLINOIS-

Bellator MMA delivered fight fans with an exciting 9-fight preliminary card ahead a stacked Bellator 288 main card.

Newman, Anderson Extends Undefeated Streaks, Gouvea Lights Up Crow in Bellator 288 Prelims

A 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗵 to remember for Wladmir Gouvea, who picks up the stoppage win! 💥

Tune in to the #Bellator288 @MonsterEnergy prelims and fueled by #FiestaMart 👇

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— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2022

Opening the card, Wladmir Gouvea, a heavyweight making his pro debut, took on Iowa’s Kory Moegenburg. Gouvea entered the bout as a heavy favorite despite not having ever competed professionally. The crowd, who heavily favored the debuting Gouvea willed the explosive Gouvea onto win round one. In round two, Gouvea unleased heavy pressure and stopped Moegenburg, earning his first professional victory and lighting up the crowd. Certainly, a happy birthday celebration.

In a featherweight matchup, a heavy favored Laird Anderson squared off with hometown favorite, Rob Fenicle. Anderson, who entered the fight 2-0, extended his winnings ways in dominant fashion as he secured a early second round finish.

Crucifix + ground & pound = decisive W for Laird Anderson! 🔥

Tune in to the #Bellator288 @MonsterEnergy prelims and fueled by #FiestaMart 👇

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— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2022

Jordan Newman, Sullivan Caulley, and Archie Colgan all snagged dominant victories in their respective efforts.

Still 𝒖𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒏 👊

Jordan Newman picks up his 5️⃣th straight Bellator win.

Tune in to the #Bellator288 @MonsterEnergy prelims and fueled by #FiestaMart 👇

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— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022

🤯 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗮, @sullytroy100 puts Radick to sleep with some devastating ground and pound. His 5️⃣th 1st round stoppage.

Tune in to the #Bellator288 @MonsterEnergy prelims and fueled by #FiestaMart 👇

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— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022

𝗡𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 ✅

An absolute clinic from the undefeated @king_colgan for a quick victory 👑

Tune in to the #Bellator288 @MonsterEnergy prelims and fueled by #FiestaMart 👇

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— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022

Newman, who found a submission in round two over Jayden Taulker, improved to 5-0. Cauley scored his 5th professional victory in lightning quick fashion, finishing Jay Radick in the first round and Colgan took less than a minute to finish Jesse Hannah.

To wrap up the prelims, Killys Mota outpointed Jairo Pacheco to a unanimous decision and Imamshafi Aliev stopped Sean Fallon in round one.