With Chris Curtis out of Bellator 251, Austin Vanderford now meets Vinicius de Jesus

Thursday’s Bellator 251 card has encountered three lineup changes.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] has a new opponent for Thursday’s Bellator 251 card at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Originally expected to fight [autotag]Chris Curtis[/autotag], Vanderford (9-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) now faces former LFA welterweight title challenger and current CES MMA welterweight champion [autotag]Vinicius de Jesus[/autotag] in a middleweight bout.

A promotion official informed MMA Junkie of the booking Monday but did not give a reason for Curtis’ withdrawal. MyMMANews recently reported Curtis withdrew from the fight due to a positive COVID-19 test.

De Jesus (9-3 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) has four of his most recent five fights. Six of his nine pro wins have come by knockout.

Curtis isn’t the only fighter to have withdrawn from Bellator 251. A promotion official also informed MMA Junkie that [autotag]Nainoa Dung[/autotag] is out of his prelim fight against [autotag]Piankhi Zimmerman[/autotag] (5-4-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) and is replaced by [autotag]Ali Zebian[/autotag] (4-2 MMA, 1-0 BMMA).

Additionally, the light heavyweight fight between [autotag]Terrance Jean-Jacques[/autotag] (5-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) and [autotag]Gustavo Trujillo[/autotag] (3-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) has been canceled for unknown reasons, per a promotion official.

With the changes, the Bellator 251 lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (CBS Sports Network/DAZN, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Corey Anderson vs. Melvin Manhoef
  • Tyrell Fortune vs. Said Sowma
  • Vinicius de Jesus vs. Austin Vanderford
  • Derek Anderson vs. Killys Mota

PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, TBA)

  • Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Bryce Logan
  • Julius Anglickas vs. Alex Polizzi
  • Janay Harding vs. Jessy Miele
  • Ali Zebian vs. Piankhi Zimmerman
  • Jaylon Bates vs. Joe Supino
  • Sumiko Inaba vs. Jessica Ruiz

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Bellator 251: Make your predictions for Melvin Manhoef vs. Corey Anderson

We want your predictions for Thursday’s Bellator 251 event in Connecticut.

We want your predictions for Thursday’s Bellator 251 event in Connecticut.

Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we’ll use the official tallies that are registered by Wednesday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

Those MMA Junkie reader consensus picks will be part of the Bellator 251 event staff predictions we release Wednesday ahead of the event. Bellator 251 takes place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on CBS Sports Network and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Make your picks for all four main card fights below.

Austin Vanderford out of Bellator 246; Pat Casey targeted replacement vs. Daniel Madrid

Austin Vanderford is out of Bellator’s upcoming back-to-back-show weekend.

[autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] won’t compete during Bellator’s upcoming weekend of back-to-back shows.

One of Bellator’s rising middleweights, Vanderford is out of his scheduled Bellator 246 fight against [autotag]Daniel Madrid[/autotag]. Now Massachusetts-based fighter [autotag]Pat Casey[/autotag] is being targeted as his replacement to take on Madrid (17-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) on Sept. 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

A promotion official notified MMA Junkie of Vanderford being out for undisclosed reasons and the new targeted booking Friday.

Madrid was supposed to compete against Impa Kasanganay for the LFA middleweight championship on March 20. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Madrid, 36, has won four straight fights – all inside the distance.

Casey (6-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) has won two of his most recent three fights. After defeating Mike DiOrio and Matt Denning, Casey was knocked out by Yu Ji at Premier FC 30 in February. Casey holds three finishes in six victories.

[lawrence-related id=549600,549007,546846]

Bellator 246 takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card will simulcast on DAZN and Paramount after prelims on MMA Junkie.

With the addition, the current Bellator 246 lineup includes:

  • Juan Archuleta vs. Patchy Mix – for the vacant bantamweight title
  • Jon Fitch vs. Neiman Gracie
  • DeAnna Bennett vs. Liz Carmouche
  • Derek Campos vs. Keoni Diggs
  • Daniel Madrid vs. Pat Casey
  • Ty Gwerder vs. George Tokkos
  • Davion Franklin vs. Ras Hylton

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Austin Vanderford booked to fight Daniel Madrid at Bellator 246

Austin Vanderford is set to return to the Bellator cage for the first time since last November.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator’s back-to-back events weekend is starting to fill up.

On the second leg of the two-night doubleheader, middleweights [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] and [autotag]Daniel Madrid[/autotag] will square off at Bellator 246.

Multiple people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the booking on Wednesday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Vanderford (9-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) has not fought since November but has kept himself busy competing in grappling matches. Earlier this week, he and his wife, Paige Vanzant, revealed that Vanderford tested positive for COVID-19. They later said he has tested negative twice since.

[lawrence-related id=546314,545925]

Madrid (17-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) was supposed to compete against Impa Kasanganay for the LFA middleweight championship on March 20. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Madrid, 36, has won four straight fights – all inside the distance.

Bellator 246 takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card will simulcast on DAZN and Paramount after prelims on MMA Junkie.

With the addition, the current Bellator 246 lineup includes:

  • Juan Archuleta vs. Patchy Mix – for the vacant bantamweight title
  • Jon Fitch vs. Neiman Gracie
  • DeAnna Bennett vs. Liz Carmouche
  • Derek Campos vs. Roger Huerta
  • Daniel Madrid vs. Austin Vanderford

Submission Underground 14 results: Craig Jones needs overtime but taps out Vagner Rocha

Grappling superstar Craig Jones was frustrated early but continued his Submission Underground dominance with a tapout win over Vagner Rocha.

Grappling superstar [autotag]Craig Jones[/autotag] was frustrated early but continued his Submission Underground dominance with a win over [autotag]Vagner Rocha[/autotag] via tapout.

Jones submitted four-time UFC veteran Rocha in the main event of Sunday’s SUG 14 event, which streamed live on UFC Fight Pass from a modified grain silo at an undisclosed location in Oregon due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Jones wasted little time moving to a seated position and moving to attack his opponent’s legs. Rocha battled well to break free from each attempt, including a deep entrance into a kneebar. Rocha did his best to engage from the top, but each time he was forced on defense from a leg entanglement. A scramble briefly saw Jones move to the top, but he wasn’t able to maintain the position.

Jones continued to reach for the legs for the remainder of regulation, briefly seeming to indicate Rocha’s limbs were excessively slippery. However, Rocha was checked at the end of regulation and was deemed suitable.

In overtime, Jones started on the back, implementing a squeeze almost immediately. Rocha looked calm at first, but Jones continued working the choke and forced a tap 37 seconds into the two-minute frame.

When it was his turn, Rocha also started on the back. The action was fast-paced at the start, with Jones trying desperately to work free. Rocha was able to lock in a body triangle, but he couldn’t get his opponent into submission trouble fast enough, and time expired, and Jones was handed the win. The result served as a measure of revenge for Jones who lost to Rocha in a 2017 meeting under the Eddie Bravo Invitational banner.

Checco taps out Vanderford

In the night’s co-feature RFA and LFA veteran [autotag]Gabriel Checco[/autotag] was able to earn an impressive submission win over undefeated Bellator welterweight [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag].

Checco pulled guard at the start and looked to attack the arms early, but Vanderford was able to slip free and remain safe in top position. Working from his back, Checco continued to look to control the arms throughout regulation, but Vanderford pushed away each effort and stayed on top, eventually moving to side control, though he didn’t have enough time to capitalize.

In overtime, Vanderford started on the back and looked to transition to an arm-triangle, but Checco was able to break free quickly. It didn’t cost Vanderford, though, as he also powered free in rapid fashion.

In the second overtime, Vanderford again tried for the same submission, but Checco got free in just eight seconds. Checco then started on the back and controlled the position well, racking up control time before eventually slipping his right arm under the chin and using a Gable grip to squeeze for the finish.

Primus stuns Shields

In a featured contest, former Bellator lightweight champion [autotag]Brent Primus[/autotag] earned a surprising submission win over former Strikeforce middleweight titleholder [autotag]Jake Shields[/autotag].

While Primus held top position for much of the regulation period, it ended up being a relativ stalemate. Once the pair went to overtime, Shields started off on the back and earned a full two minutes of control. However, when it was Primus’ turn, he started from the armbar and quickly gained firm control of his opponent’s left arm. Shields did his best to turn and roll free, but Primus held the position and was able to score a tapout victory 31 seconds into overtime.


Complete Submission Underground 14 results include:

MAIN CARD

  • Craig Jones def. Vagner Rocha via submission (rear-naked choke) – Overtime 1, 0:37
  • Gabriel Checco def. Austin Vanderford via submission (rear-naked choke) – Overtime 2, 1:02
  • Brent Primus def. Jake Shields via submission (armbar) – Overtime 1, 0:31
  • [autotag]Jordan Holy[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Andrew Alexander[/autotag] via submission (toe hold) – Regulation, 0:49

PRELIMINARY CARD

  • [autotag]Roberto Jimenez[/autotag] def. [autotag]Don Stoner[/autotag] submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 1:10
  • [autotag]Joseph McKay[/autotag] def. [autotag]Gustavo Bessa[/autotag] submission (lapel choke) – Overtime 1, 1:15
  • [autotag]Bryan Nuro[/autotag] def. [autotag]Ryan Healy[/autotag] via submission (armbar) – Overtime 1, 0:31
  • [autotag]Nicholas Maximov[/autotag] def. [autotag]Adam Fugitt[/autotag] via submission (guillotine choke) – Regulation, 2:28
  • [autotag]Tobias Baker[/autotag] def. [autotag]Charlie Gilpin[/autotag] via submission (armbar) – Overtime 2, 0:23
  • [autotag]Caleb Stecker[/autotag] def. [autotag]Alex Corrales[/autotag] via escape time – Full time

Submission Underground 13 results: Craig Jones heel hook leads to verbal submission from injured Vinny Magalhaes

Craig Jones’ devastating leglock attempts proved successful once again, earning a verbal submission from fellow standout Vinny Magalhaes.

[autotag]Craig Jones[/autotag]’ devastating leglock attempts proved successful once again, with the Australian grappling ace earning a verbal submission from fellow jiu-jitsu standout [autotag]Vinny Magalhaes[/autotag].

The bout served as the featured contest of Sunday’s Submission Underground 13, which streamed live on UFC Fight Pass from a converted grain silo in Oregon without fans present as a safety precaution due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Jones dropped to guard in the opening seconds of the matchup, initially latching on to Magalhaes’ left leg. Jones then went belly down while attacking the heel, but Magalhaes somehow worked free from an incredibly deep attempt, then went after his opponent’s legs to force a scramble. Jones pulled free, and the two reset on the feet.

Jones went to his back again on the restart, and there were a few odd moments as the two paused to speak while working on the floor. With microphones not quite picking up the conversation, it was difficult to understand the context, though it would become apparent shortly after. Jones continued to attack the left leg as the action resumed, though he would again occasionally stop and gesture toward Magalhaes inquisitively.

Eventually, it became clear that the earlier heel hook had caused some damage to Magalhaes left leg, possibly dislocating the ankle, and after some pressing, he eventually relented, leading to a verbal submission due to injury at the 4:21 mark of the contest.

In the night’s co-main event, Bellator welterweight [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] earned a surprising and quite impressive win over 10th Planet standout [autotag]Richie Martinez[/autotag].

Martinez showed his trademark trickiness early, using rubber guard to isolate his opponent’s right arm, but a few rapid-fire rolls saw an alert Vanderford slip out to safety. Once recovered, Vanderford did his best to try and work past his opponent’s guard, once forcing a brief timeout after accidentally striking Martinez’s face as he looked to dive past the legs. In the end, Martinez’s threatening guard made it tough for Vanderford to stay engaged, and the five-minute regulation ended as a stalemate.

In overtime, Vanderford set the tone with an incredibly quick escape from an armbar in the opening frame. Martinez responded in fine fashion, but his escape from back control was clearly much longer than his opponent’s work.

In the second overtime, Martinez started in back control, but as he transitioned to an armbar attempt, Vanderford again escaped in shockingly quick fashion. With momentum clearly in his fashion, Vanderford started on the back but locked in an arm-triangle choke as Martinez looked to spin inside. Vanderford sold out on the squeeze, and he earned the submission from a frustrated Martinez.

In the night’s first main-card contest, RFA and LFA veteran middleweight [autotag]Gabriel Checco[/autotag] submitted longtime UFC welterweight contender [autotag]Jake Ellenberger[/autotag] via reverse triangle choke.

MAIN CARD

  • Craig Jones def. Vinny Magalhaes via verbal submission (injury) – Regulation, 4:21
  • Austin Vanderford def. Richie Martinez via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Overtime 2, 0:44
  • Gabriel Checco def. Jake Ellenberger via submission (reverse triangle choke) – Regulation, 1:52

PRELIMINARY CARD

  • [autotag]Ethan Crelinsten[/autotag] def. Andrew Alexander via submission (rear-naked choke) – Overtime 1, 1:00
  • [autotag]Don Stoner[/autotag] def. [autotag]Alex Larmey[/autotag] via escape time – Full time
  • [autotag]Joe Baize[/autotag] def. [autotag]Nicholas Maximov[/autotag] via submission (heel hook) – Regulation, 2:31
  • [autotag]Cris Lencioni[/autotag] def. [autotag]Gabriel Austin Daffron[/autotag] via escape time – Full time
  • [autotag]Charlie Gilpin[/autotag] def. [autotag]Jake Smith[/autotag] via submission (kimura) – Regulation, 1:38
  • [autotag]Eric McConico[/autotag] def. [autotag]George Martinez[/autotag] via submission (armbar) – Overtime 1, 0:04
  • [autotag]Cody Kenaga[/autotag] def. [autotag]Jake Hargis[/autotag] via submission (toe hold) – Regulation, 2:06

Submission Underground 11: Boehm, Magalhaes claim tag-team win; Mike Perry outlasts Al Iaquinta

In a tag-team matchup, Kyle Boehm and Vinny Magalhaes claimed overtime victory over Craig Jones and Nicky Rodriguez at SUG 11.

In a tag-team matchup that Submission Underground founder Chael Sonnen calls “the future of grappling,” [autotag]Kyle Boehm[/autotag] and [autotag]Vinny Magalhaes[/autotag] claimed overtime victory over [autotag]Craig Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Nicky Rodriguez[/autotag].

The bout served as the headlining contest of Sunday’s Submission Underground 11, which streamed live on UFC Fight Pass from Roseland Theater in Portland, Ore.

With Magalhaes and Rodriguez starting in the center, Magalhaes quickly scooted near his partner in a seated position. Rodriguez spent the better part of two minutes trying to gain control of either an arm or a leg in hopes of dragging his opponent to the other side of the cage, but his grip kept sliding off. Referee Dave Hagen then brought the competitors to their feet on a restart.

After some brief engagement, Magalhaes again took a seated positioin and backed to his teammate, leading to another restart. Shortly after, Rodriguez was warned for his aggressive hand clasps to the back of the head. Hagen tried to reposition the two, but it continued as a stalemate.

Hagen stood the pair again with a little more than two minutes left, but Magalhaes was able to get close enough to his partner for a potential tag, leaving Rodriguez cautious as he walked forward and resulting in a contest incredibly light on action. The eight-minute regulation period without a single submission attempt, and the contest went to overtime.

In the extra session, Rodriguez started on the attack, but Boehm stepped in for Magalhaes and escaped in near instantaneous fashion. Rodriguez’s teammate Jones – who later explained he chose to sit out because he had been ill all week – protested the call, but the rapid work stood. Boehm also started on the back in his attacking session, and though he didn’t get a submission, he did spend nearly the entire two minutes in control.

Rodriguez started on the back again in the second, and things got interesting when he switched to an armbar, but Boehm escaped the threat and worked free in 17 seconds. Boehm then saw Rodriguez roll briskly in his defense, and he also notched a rapid escape.

In the third overtime, Boehm again escaped almost instantaneously, and while Rodriguez also worked free in just 14 seconds, the lengthy opening ride ensured victory for Boehm and Magalhaes, who remained unapologetic for their strategy despite clear frustration from the crowd in attendance.

‘Boogeyman’ too much for Jake Shields

In the night’s co-main event, veteran grappler [autotag]Richie Martinez[/autotag], the 10th Planet black belt known best as “Boogeyman,” was able to submit former Strikeforce and EliteXC champion [autotag]Jake Shields[/autotag].

With neither man able to secure a submission in either regulation or the first overtime, Martinez started from spider armbar in the second overtime, using a slick figure-four to peel off the defending right arm and extending the left rm while also securing the left leg to score a tap just eight seconds into the period.

In a featured match between two UFC stars, [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] was able to outlast a gritty [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag] in a clash that started as a grudge match but ending in both men showing respect for each’s effort.

Iaquinta earned a takedown almost immediately, but Perry responded from his back, looking to secure the arm. Iaquinta slammed his way out of the hold, and the two scrambled back to the feet shortly after. Iaquinta was able to secure a powerful trip-slam to the canvas, but he was immediately forced on defense with Perry attacking his leg. Iaquinta patiently worked his way free, and the two finished the regulation period in a stalemate on the feet.

In the first overtime, Iaquinta started on the back, but he was unable to secure the upper body, and Perry escaped in just 16 seconds. Perry took his offensive period on the back, as well, and while Iaquinta briefly worked to his feet, “Platinum” stayed firm. Iaquinta showed heart in squeezing off a rear-naked choke that seemed destined to end the contest, and Perry had to settle for the satisfaction of a near-two-minute ride.

In the second period, Iaquinta again started on the back and tried to start the setup for a twister. However, after giving up control of the upper body, referee Hagen ruled Perry was out of trouble and awarded him an escape in just 17 seconds. Iaquinta kept himself in the match though, escaping from Perry’s seatbelt in just 23 seconds.

In the final overtime, Iaquinta elected to start from the spider armbar setup and nearly extended the limb, but a gutsy effort saw him get through in about 14 seconds.

Perry then started on the back in his final attacking period, but Iaquinta turned and slam free in his fastest escape of the contest, just 10 seconds into the final frame. However, the initial lengthy ride from Perry earned him the win via escape time.

Austin Vaderford picks up controversial submission

In the night’s first main card matchup, undefeated Bellator welterweight [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] picked up a slightly controversial submission win over Canadian 10th Planet black belt [autotag]Micah Brakefield[/autotag].

Working in overtime, Vanderford was able to escape from his opponent’s seatbelt position in just six seconds. When it was his turn to attack, Vanderford nearly locked in a rear-naked choke, but his opponent refused to relent. When Brakefield was able to roll to his back, he thought he was awarded an escape. However, Vanderford was allowed to transition to an arm-triangle choke, and he earned a frustrated tap from his foe, who didn’t agree with the ruling.

Complete Submission Underground 11 results include:

MAIN CARD

    • Kyle Boehm and Vinny Magalhaes def. Craig Jones and Nicky Rodriguez via escape time – Full time
    • Richie Martinez def. Jake Shields via submission (armbar) – Overtime 2, 0:08
    • Mike Perry def. Al Iaquinta via escape time – Full time
    • Austin Vanderford def. Micah Brakefield via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Overtime 1, 1:15

PRELIMINARY CARD

    • Alex Larmey def. Andrew Marshall via escape time – Full time
    • Frank Rosenthal def. Brent Smith via submission (heel hook) – Regulation, 0:17
    • Samantha Bonilla def. Danielle Perry via submission (rear-naked choke) – Overtime 1, 0:59
    • Joe Baize def. Clay Davidson via submission (reverse heel hook) – Regulation, 1:11
    • Andrew Gundlach def. Logan Skinner via submission (cloth choke) – Regulation, 4:42
    • Andrew Sidelinger def. Scott Jutras via submission (armbar) – Overtime 1, 0:13

Bellator 234 results: Linton Vassell TKOs Sergei Kharitonov, Austin Vanderford still unbeaten

Check out the results from Bellator 234, where Linton Vassell got back in the win column in a big way.

[autotag]Linton Vassell[/autotag] is back in the win column – and in a big way.

In his return to heavyweight, Vassell, a former two-time light heavyweight title challenger, defeated [autotag]Sergei Kharitonov[/autotag] via second-round TKO on Thursday. The fight between Vassell (20-8 MMA, 8-5 BMMA) and Kharitonov (30-8 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) served as the headliner for Bellator 234, which took place at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Israel, and aired on Paramount/DAZN on Friday via tape delay.

The fight opened with Kharitonov stalking Vassell, who was content to circle on the outside during the opening couple of minutes of Round 1 before shooting in for a takedown. It was initially stuffed, but Vassell managed to complete it despite Kharitonov’s initial grabbing of the fence. Vassell spent the second half of the round controlling from top position with composed ground-and-pound until the horn sounded.

Round 2 opened the same way as the first, but Vassell mixed things up with a high kick that was blocked before shooting for another takedown. This time, Vassell completed it on his first attempt, and the two men crashes to the canvas. It didn’t take long for Vassell to control Kharitonov’s back. At one point, Vassell sunk in a rear-naked choke that he released in favor of throwing punches from a back mount. All Kharitonov could do was turtle up, forcing the stoppage midway through the round.

With the victory, Vassell snapped a three-fight losing streak that consisted of losses to champion Ryan Bader, former champ Phil Davis and highly touted prospect Valentin Moldavsky. Kharitonov, meanwhile, suffered his first defeat in eight fights dating back to March 2017.

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Gozalis earn victories, leading to Haim’s retirement

Father and son had a successful night at home one last time.

First, 46-year-old [autotag]Haim Gozali[/autotag] (12-6 MMA, 4-3 BMMA) was victorious, defeating [autotag]Artur Pronin[/autotag] (16-4 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) by first-round heel hook submission. Then, in the night’s next bout, 18-year-old [autotag]Aviv Gozali[/autotag] (4-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) won with his own first-round submission, using an anaconda choke to finish [autotag]Zaka Fatullazade[/autotag] (14-9 MMA, 0-1 BMMA).

Afterward, as expected, Haim, affectionately known as “Batman,” announced his retirement after more than 21 years as a professional fighter.

Batman as left the cage thanks to @bellatormma to give me opportunity to fight in the biggest organisation in the world.
And thanks to all my fans that give me the strength to continue.
And to all my fans I love you!!!
and to all the haters I love you too!!!

His son replied:

Love you pops good luck on your new way I’m here to continue the Legacy

Vanderford remains undefeated

[autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) still has a perfect record.

Vanderford, who made his debut with Bellator earlier this year, won his third fight with the promotion, earning a unanimous decision over [autotag]Grachik Bozinyan[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 0-1 BMMA).

Vanderford, the husband of UFC star Paige VanZant, has gotten off to a good start in Bellator since being denied a UFC contract last year following a submission win on “Dana White’s Contender Series.” He’s 3-0 with the promotion and 9-0 overall.

Complete Bellator 234 results include:

  • Linton Vassell def. Sergei Kharitonov via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:15
  • [autotag]Sidney Outlaw[/autotag] def. [autotag]Roger Huerta[/autotag] via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Aviv Gozali def. Zaka Fatullazade via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 0:56
  • Haim Gozali def. Artur Pronin via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 4:12
  • Austin Vanderford def. Grachik Bozinyan via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Sinead Kavanagh[/autotag] def. [autotag]Olga Rubin[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:37
  • [autotag]Robson Gracie Jr.[/autotag] def. [autotag]Amir Bashir[/autotag] via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 4:39
  • [autotag]Adam Keresh[/autotag] def. [autotag]Vladimir Fedin[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:29
  • [autotag]Simon Smotritsky[/autotag] def. [autotag]Illia Hladkii[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:10
  • [autotag]Vuqar Keramov[/autotag] def. [autotag]Gustavo Wurlitzer[/autotag] via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:29
  • [autotag]Kirill Medvedovsky[/autotag] def. [autotag]Akhmed Al Farazha[/autotag] via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 0:46
  • [autotag]Raz Bring[/autotag] def. [autotag]Naziri Daniliuk[/autotag] via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Mihail Dulgher[/autotag] def. [autotag]Ofir Leibel[/autotag] via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • [autotag]Ron Becker[/autotag] def. Artem [autotag]Kazartsev[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:57
  • [autotag]Ben Cohen[/autotag] def. [autotag]Maksym Tkachuk[/autotag] via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:17
  • [autotag]Eli Aronov[/autotag] def. [autotag]Sari Hleihil[/autotag] via split decision (30-26, 27-28, 30-26)
  • [autotag]Itay Lipszyc[/autotag] def. [autotag]Yizhak Yakobov[/autotag] via submission (ankle lock) – Round 1, 2:51
  • [autotag]Noam Voldman[/autotag] def. [autotag]Nisim Rozalis[/autotag] via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Itay Tratner[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Elias Mamadov[/autotag] declared a split draw declared a split draw (28-27, 28-29, 28-28)
  • [autotag]Tomer Maslis[/autotag] def. [autotag]David Malka[/autotag] via TKO (exhaustion) – Round 3, 1:32

Bellator 234 predictions: Is anyone picking Linton Vassell over Sergei Kharitonov in Israel?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the Bellator 234 main card in Israel.

Kharitonov
vs.
Vassell
Huerta
vs.
Outlaw
Fatullazade
vs.
A. Gozali
H. Gozali
vs.
Pronin
Bozinyan
vs.
Vanderford
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
2019: 194-120 (62%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
(89%)
outlaw2019
Outlaw
(61%)
agozali2019
A. Gozali
(69%)
pronin2019
Pronin
(71%)
vanderford2019
Vanderford
(87%)
Simon Head
@simonhead
2019: 110-62 (64%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Dan Tom
@DanTomMMA
2019: 200-114 (64%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Nolan King
@mma_kings
2019: 106-61 (63%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
2019: 198-116 (63%)
trophy copy 2018 Champion
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
2019: 197-117 (63%)
trophy copy 2017 Champion
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
hgozali2019
H. Gozali
vanderford2019
Vanderford
John Morgan
@MMAjunkieJohn
2019: 195-119 (62%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
2019: 195-119 (62%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohnMMA
2019: 194-120 (62%)
trophy copy 2014 Champion
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
hgozali2019
H. Gozali
vanderford2019
Vanderford
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
2019: 190-124 (61%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
2019: 96-65 (60%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
2019: 184-130 (59%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Dave Doyle
@davedoylemma
2019: 122-100 (55%)
kharitonov2019
Kharitonov
outlaw2019
Outlaw
agozali2019
A. Gozali
pronin2019
Pronin
vanderford2019
Vanderford
Matt Erickson
@MMAjunkieMatt
2019: 167-147 (53%)
vassell2019
Vassell
huerta2019
Huerta
agozali2019
A. Gozali
hgozali2019
H. Gozali
vanderford2019
Vanderford

Bellator is back in Israel this week, and a pair of heavyweight standouts are atop the bill.

Bellator 234 takes place Thursday at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Israel. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN on Friday via tape delay.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

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In the main event, [autotag]Sergei Kharitonov[/autotag] (30-7 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) takes on [autotag]Linton Vassell[/autotag] (18-8 MMA, 7-5 BMMA) in a heavyweight fight. Kharitonov is just a -175 favorite, but our 13 MMA Junkie editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers are picking him almost unanimously. Only one picker is taking Vassell in an upset.

In the co-main event, [autotag]Sidney Outlaw[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) is a 5-1 favorite against [autotag]Roger Huerta[/autotag] (24-11-1 MMA, 1-4 BMMA) in their lightweight fight. And like in the main event, it’s a huge picks lead for the favorite. Only one picker is taking Huerta to pull the upset.

Also on the main card, [autotag]Aviv Gozali[/autotag] (3-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) is one of two unanimous picks. He takes on [autotag]Zaka Fatullazade[/autotag] (14-7 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in a lightweight fight, and he’s a 13-0 pick to stay unbeaten.

The other unanimous pick belongs to [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] (8-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA), who is more than a 6-1 favorite at some sports books in his middleweight fight against [autotag]Grachik Bozinyan[/autotag] (10-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA).

And [autotag]Haim Gozali[/autotag] (11-6 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) will fight likely for the last time on the same card as his son, Aviv. He takes on [autotag]Artur Pronin[/autotag] (16-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) at welterweight. But unlike his son, who is a unanimous pick from our staff members, Haim Gozali is down 10-3 in the picks to Pronin.

In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Kharitonov (89%), Outlaw (61 percent), Aviv Gozali (69 percent), Pronin (71 percent) and Vanderford (87 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

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