Tag: Bellator 279

Cris Cyborg contemplates long-awaited boxing match after Bellator 279 win: ‘It’s been one of my dreams’

Could it be time that Cris Cyborg finally puts on boxing gloves for competition.

HONOLULU – [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] has talked about it for years, but now she thinks it might finally be time for the wheels to be put in motion.

Following her Bellator 279 title defense win against Arlene Blencowe, Cyborg (25-2 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) expressed her interest in taking her professional boxing debut next, a dream of hers for quite some time.

“For me, my next fight I’d like to do a boxing fight,” Cyborg told MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference. “It’s been one of my dreams. Maybe it’s going to be the next one I’m working on. I don’t know. I don’t know who is going to be next or who Bellator will put in front of me – Cat Zingano, Amanda Nunes, Kayla Harrison. I like to be (on) the big shows for my fans and enjoy every time I step in there for the title.

“… I’ve been coaching and training boxing for one fight. I’m looking for one fight. I’ve done everything. I did wrestling. I did jiu-jitsu. I did a muay Thai fight. It’s the only one I haven’t done, is boxing. It’s one of my dreams.”

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Cyborg confirmed talks have already been initiated for her jump across combat sports. She could see herself doing so at either 155 pounds or 147 pounds.

Regardless of the when, where, and who, Bellator president Scott Coker said at a post-fight news conference of his own that he will allow Cyborg to take a boxing fight should she choose. In fact, it’s built into her contract that she can do so.

“I think that’s really going to be up to her,” Coker told MMA Junkie. “I’ll be honest with you and I don’t want to get into too much detail, but it’s always been an agreement that we’ve had with her that she can box at any time in our contract with her. She (could) box whether it was a year ago or eight months ago. She’s always had the ability to box in her agreement.”

Bellator 279 took place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center as part of a two-night doubleheader for the promotion in the same venue.

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Bellator 279 results: Cris Cyborg retains title after winning battle with Arlene Blencowe

Arlene Blencowe was tough this time, but Cris Cyborg still came out victorious after 25 hard minutes.

HONOLULU –  Like the first time they fought, [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Arlene Blencowe[/autotag].

Unlike the first time they fought, however, Blencowe (15-9 MMA, 8-5 BMA) went all five rounds against Cyborg (26-2 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) – and had her moments, no matter how brief. But in the end, Cyborg defeated Blencowe by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) for her fourth defense of the Bellator women’s featherweight title.

In the opening round, Cyborg displayed her power early. But unlike their first fight, Blencowe willingly stood and traded in the pocket with the champion. Cyborg made her pay, however, as she flattened Blencowe with a big punch that sent the Australian to the canvas.

Cyborg pounced, but her finish attempt was stopped short when she fouled Blencowe with a knee deemed to be illegal by referee Jason Herzog. After a brief timeout and warning, Herzog docked Cyborg a point, and the action resumed.

Round 2 kicked off frantically with some big Cyborg punches. Blencowe brought the fight to Cyborg at times as she landed a big punch here and there. Bloodied up, Blencowe continued her fearless pocket-exchanges.

Midway through Round 3, Blencowe’s biggest moment came when she dropped Cyborg to a knee with a hard punch. Cyborg smiled and resumed her stalking. The inside of Blencowe’s thigh was discolored from the combination of the blood, sweat and swelling caused by Cyborg leg kicks.

The action hit the mat in the fourth round with a big Cyborg suplex. Cyborg worked from side control for the crucifix position, but Blencowe scrambled up. More exchanges came from both women until the Round 4 horn sounded.

The fifth round was more Cyborg, but Blencowe called her forward multiple times. Unafraid to trade, Blencowe chucked her hardest shots, although labored. Cyborg once again just laughed. The crowd went bananas as the final buzzer sounded. Cyborg was later declared the victor.

The first fight between Cyborg and Blencowe took place at Bellator 249 in October 2020. At that event, Cyborg submitted Blencowe in Round 2 for her first career submission.

With the win, Cyborg continues her reign as Bellator women’s featherweight champion. Other title defenses since she defeated Julia Budd for the title include Sinead Kavanagh and Leslie Smith. As for Blencowe, the loss snaps the two-fight winning streak that followed her original defeat to Cyborg.

The full Bellator 279 results include:

  • Bobby King def. Keoni Diggs via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Dayana Silva def. Janay Harding via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Justin Gonzales def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Lance Gibson Jr. def. Nainoa Dung via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)

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Bellator 279 results: Raufeon Stots knocks out Juan Archuleta with head kick and punches to win interim title

Raufeon Stots turned in one for the highlight reel and won gold in the process,.

HONOLULU – [autotag]Raufeon Stots[/autotag] has another one for the highlight reel – and a gold belt, too.

In the Bellator 279 co-main event, Stots (18-1 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) defeated former champion [autotag]Juan Archuleta[/autotag] (25-4 MMA, 7-3 BMMA) by knockout 16 seconds into Round 3 to win the interim bantamweight title and move on in the promotion’s grand prix. The event took place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

Up until the final exchange, the fight was a relatively grapple-heavy affair. Archuleta scored a takedown early before Stots got one of his own. The second round was mostly striking, topped off by some cage control by Archuleta to close out the frame.

In the third round, Stots erased all meaning of the opening two when he threw a high kick that cracked Archuleta across the skull. The shot clipped and floored Archuleta, who was unable to recover as he was met with brutal follow-up punches.

With the win, Stots also advances to the semifinals of the tournament where he will face the winner of the Bellator 282 matchup between Leandro Higo and Danny Sabatello scheduled for June 24.

The interim title was implemented after undisputed titleholder Sergio Pettis suffered a knee injury in training that knocked him out of the tournament.

The up-to-the-minute Bellator 279 results include:

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Bellator 279 results: Justine Kish spoils Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s homecoming, dominates grappling to snap skid

Bellator 279 took place in front of a thunderous Hawaiian crowd, but Justine Kish defeated Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in dominant fashion.

HONOLULU – While there were boos for her and elaborate entrances for her opponent, [autotag]Justine Kish[/autotag] won Saturday at Bellator 279.

On the main card at Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Kish (8-5 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) defeated Hawaiian former Bellator champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-2 MMA, 10-2 BMMA) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28), much to the dismay of the home crowd.

The first round took place on the feet, though Macfarlane attempted her fair share of takedowns. Kish denied them and utilized her jab. Both fighters landed here and there. Kish looked comfortable in the moment despite being in enemy territory.

In the second round, Kish took grappling into her own hands when she threatened a standing guillotine. The choke attempt lifted Macfarlane off her feet as she toppled backward. The collapse broke the grip, but Kish remained in a dominant position until Macfarlane threatened a heel hook. The attempt was unsuccessful but did enough to mitigate the threat and raise the fighters to their feet until the end of Round 2.

The third round was more Kish as Macfarlane tried to find her range. Midway through the round, Macfarlane landed a big strike that hurt Kish. However, Kish dragged the fight right to the ground and into side control. Macfarlane threatened a submission, but no dice. The two rolled, and Kish threatened an armbar, but Macfarlane reversed position and ended up on top. Too little too late, however, as the round and fight came to a close.

With the win, Kish snaps a three-fight losing skid and picks up her first Bellator win. Meanwhile, Macfarlane loses for the second time in as many fights and for the first time since she recovered from knee surgery.

The up-to-the-minute Bellator 279 results include:

  • Justine Kish def. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Patchy Mix def. Kyoji Horiguchi via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) – bantamweight grand prix opening round
  • Yancy Medeiros def. Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Goiti Yamauchi def. Levan Chokheli via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:49
  • Bobby King def. Keoni Diggs via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Dayana Silva def. Janay Harding via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Justin Gonzales def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Lance Gibson Jr. def. Nainoa Dung via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)

Bellator 279 took place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

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Bellator 279 results: Patchy Mix outgrapples Kyoji Horiguchi, advances to grand prix semifinal

The Bellator bantamweight grand prix has its first seminfinalist.

HONOLULU – If you counted out [autotag]Patchy Mix[/autotag]’s grappling before Bellator 279, you made a mistake.

At Bellator 279, Mix (16-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) largely dominated former RIZIN and Bellator bantamweight champion [autotag]Kyoji Horiguchi[/autotag] (29-5 MMA, 1-2 BMMA) en route to a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47).

Mix took advantage of the backpack position, which he frequently moved to over the course of five rounds and stayed comfortably. Horiguchi was able to reverse on occasion and use his sweeps, but not often enough. In order to maintain the dominance, Mix utilized short relentless punches and submission attempts.

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With the victory, Mix becomes the first fighter to advance to the Bellator bantamweight grand prix semifinal. He extends his winning streak to four, which also includes James Gallagher. The only defeat of his professional career came in a title challenge against Juan Archuleta.

Horiguchi has lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his professional career. In December, he was knocked out by Sergio Pettis bt spinning backfist, a finish that earned Pettis many Knockout of the Year honors.

Bellator 279 took place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center with the main card airing on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

The up-to-the-minute Bellator 279 results include:

  • Patchy Mix def. Kyoji Horiguchi via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47)
  • Yancy Medeiros def. Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Goiti Yamauchi def. Levan Chokheli via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:49
  • Bobby King def. Keoni Diggs via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Dayana Silva def. Janay Harding via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Justin Gonzales def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Lance Gibson Jr. def. Nainoa Dung via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)

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Yancy Medeiros wins Bellator 279 homecoming in Hawaii, outslugs Emmanuel Sanchez in three-round banger

It was a successful homecoming for one of Oahu’s sons as he thrilled fans en route to a skid-snapping victory.

HONOLULU – [autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag]’ Bellator debut was a success – and it couldn’t have come at a location and venue more meaningful to him.

In front of his home island crowd, Medeiros (16-8 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) defeated [autotag]Emmanuel Sanchez[/autotag] (20-8 MMA, 12-7 BMMA) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) and sent the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, including pal Nate Diaz, into a frenzy.

From the opening bell, Medeiros and Sanchez slugged it out. When Sanchez tried to take Medeiros down, he defended successfully – a theme for the rest of the bout. Sanchez had his moments in the striking department, as he rocked Medeiros on multiple occasions with his punches. Sanchez’s leg kicks were on point.

Things went solidly for Sanchez in each round until they didn’t. Medeiros rallied with his striking and landed wobble-inducing shots. In the final round, Medeiros pointed to the center of the cage and the two slugged it out. The exchanges leaned toward Medeiros, who ultimately won the fight.

The fight was a one-off for Medeiros, who parted ways with the UFC in 2021. The victory snapped a four-fight skid for the Oahu-born fighter and could lead to further opportunities with Bellator.

As for Sanchez, the loss is his fourth in a row. Sanchez moved up to lightweight for this bout after multiple failed title attempts at featherweight.

  • Yancy Medeiros def. Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Goiti Yamauchi def. Levan Chokheli via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:49
  • Bobby King def. Keoni Diggs via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Dayana Silva def. Janay Harding via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Justin Gonzales def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Lance Gibson Jr. def. Nainoa Dung via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)

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Bellator 279 live and official results (8:30 p.m. ET)

Bellator 279 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for a live video stream and official results beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT).

Bellator 279 takes place Friday, and you can join us for a live video stream and official results beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET (6 p.m. PT).

The event takes place at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. It is the second of back-to-back nights of Bellator events in Hawaii’s capital city. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

In the main event, women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (25-2 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) puts her title on the line in a rematch with Arlene Blencowe (15-8 MMA, 8-4 BMMA). Plus, the show has a pair of bantamweight grand prix bouts, including Juan Archuleta (25-3 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) vs. Raufeon Stots (17-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) for the interim 135-pound title.

Official Bellator 279 results include:

MAIN CARD (Showtime, 10:30 p.m. ET)

  • Champ Cris Cyborg vs. Arlene Blencowe – for women’s featherweight title
  • Juan Archuleta vs. Raufeon Stots – for interim bantamweight title
  • Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Patchy Mix – bantamweight grand prix opening round
  • Justine Kish vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane

PRELMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, 8:30 p.m. ET)

  • Randi Field vs. Maraya Miller
  • Yancy Medeiros vs. Emmanuel Sanchez
  • Janay Harding vs. Dayana Silva
  • Keoni Diggs vs. Bobby King
  • Levan Chokheli vs. Goiti Yamauchi
  • Sunuki Inaba vs. Whittany Pyles
  • Nainoa Dung vs. Lance Gibson Jr.
  • Ryan Dela Cruz vs. Jordan Winski

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Bellator 279 discussion thread

Bellator 279 takes place Saturday in Honolulu, and you can discuss the event here.

Bellator 279 takes place Saturday in Honolulu, and you can discuss the event here.

Bellator 279 takes place Friday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. It kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT). You can discuss the event here.

Be sure to follow along with the latest card updates in our Bellator 279 live results post, and then discuss the event in the comments section below.

Round-by-round updates and official results begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET for the preliminary card and 10:30 p.m. ET for the main card.

Bellator 279 video: Juan Archuelta, Raufeon Stots on point ahead of interim title bout

Bellator 279 co-headliners Juan Archuleta and Raufeon Stots made weight ahead of their interim title fight clash in Honolulu.

HONOLULU – The co-main event for the second of two back-to-back Bellator shows in Hawaii is official after both title fighters made weight.

Former Bellator bantamweight champion [autotag]Juan Archuleta[/autotag] (25-2 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) and fellow top contender [autotag]Raufeon Stots[/autotag] (15-8 MMA, 8-4 BMMA) both hit their marks on the scale Friday in Honolulu to make the Bellator 279 co-headliner official. The fight is both an interim title fight and a tournament bout for the opening bout of the Bellator bantamweight grand prix.

Stots was the third fighter to weigh in and made his mark at exactly 135 pounds. Archuleta followed shortly thereafter and came in under the limit at 134.6.

Bellator 279 takes place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. It is the second of back-to-back Bellator events in Hawaii’s capital city. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out the co-headliners’ trips to the scale in the video above.

Bellator 279 video: Cris Cyborg, Arlene Blencowe come in under the championship limit

The main event for the second of back-to-back Bellator shows in Hawaii is official after Cris Cyborg and Arlene Blencowe made weight.

HONOLULU – The main event for the second of two back-to-back Bellator shows in Hawaii is official after both title fighters made weight.

Women’s featherweight champion [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] (25-2 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) and challenger [autotag]Arlene Blencowe[/autotag] (15-8 MMA, 8-4 BMMA) both hit their marks on the scale Friday in Honolulu to make the Bellator 279 headliner official.

Cyborg was the first fighter to the scale in the one-hour official weigh-in window. She came in under the title-fight limit at 144 pounds. Carmouche was right behind her, also under the limit at 144.6.

Bellator 279 takes place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. It is the second of back-to-back Bellator events in Hawaii’s capital city. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out the headliners’ trips to the scale in the video above.