Tag: Bellator 295

Patchy Mix def. Raufeon Stots at Bellator 295: Best photos

Check out these photos highlighting Patchy Mix’s first-round knockout win over Raufeon Stots in the Bellator bantamweight grand prix final.

Check out these photos highlighting [autotag]Patchy Mix[/autotag]’s first-round knockout win over Raufeon Stots in the Bellator bantamweight grand prix final at Bellator 295 from Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. (Photos courtesy of Bellator MMA)

Twitter reacts to Patchy Mix’s Knockout of the Year contender over Raufeon Stots at Bellator 295

The MMA community went crazy for Patchy Mix’s insane knee KO of Raufeon Stots at Bellator 295 to win the $1 million grand prix.

[autotag]Patchy Mix[/autotag] delivered one of the all-time great highlights in Bellator history on Saturday when he knocked out [autotag]Raufeon Stots[/autotag] in the Bellator 295 headliner to win the promotion’s bantamweight grand prix.

Mix (18-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) needed just 80 seconds to land a perfect knee to the chin of Stots (19-2 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) that put him down and out cold, giving him the interim title and $1 million grand prix win in the main event at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.

Check below for the top Twitter reactions to Mix’s Knockout of the Year contender at Bellator 295.

Bellator 295 results: Patchy Mix knocks out Raufeon Stots with vicious knee to win grand prix

From start to brutal finish, Patchy Mix left no doubt about his standing among Bellator bantamweights.

From start to brutal finish, [autotag]Patchy Mix[/autotag] left no doubt about his standing among Bellator bantamweights.

Mix put an exclamation point on a dominant run through the promotions bantamweight grand prix Saturday night when he knocked out interim champ [autotag]Raufeon Stots[/autotag] with a vicious knee in the Bellator 295 headliner at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. All Mix (18-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) needed was 80 seconds to land flush on the chin to polish off Stots (19-2 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) in the tournament final, claim the title belt and earn the $1 million prize.

“People think I’m just a ground guy. I just knocked out 19-1 Raufeon Stots in a minute with my backside knee,” Mix said afterward. “I’ve been working that for months. I knew he dips, and I knew I could catch him. I earned these belts, I earned a million dollars, I earned my black belt tonight. So let’s get it, let’s go.”

Mix, 29, had his way throughout the tournament as he defeated former champ Kyoji Horiguchi by lopsided unanimous decision in the quarterfinals almost one year to the day. Then he submitted Magomed Magomedov with a guillotine choke in the second round of their semifinal last December before Saturday night’s finish of Stots.

Mix pushed his overall winning streak to five and completed a run toward redemption as his previous loss came in a title fight to then-champion Juan Archuleta in September 2020.

Mix will get a chance to unify the belt against the winner of June’s title fight between champ Sergio Pettis, who’s returning from a torn ACL, and former two-division champ Patricio Freire making his bantamweight debut.

Mix can’t wait.

“I’ll be there,” Mix said. “I’ll sit there cageside. I’ll be there to watch. It don’t matter.”

Complete Bellator 295 results:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 295.

Bellator 295 live and official results

Bellator 295 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for a live video stream and official results.

HONOLULU – Bellator 295 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for a live video stream and official results beginning at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).

The event takes place at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

In the main event, interim bantamweight champion Raufeon Stots (19-1 MMA, 7-0 BMMA) meets Patchy Mix (17-1 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) in a title bout that doubles as the final of the Bellator bantamweight grand prix.

In the co-feature, former women’s flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (12-2 MMA, 11-2 BMMA) gets a home fight against Kana Watanabe (11-1-1 MMA, 3-1 BMMA). Plus, Oahu’s own Yancy Medeiros (16-8 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) takes on Charlie Leary (17-13-1 MMA, 3-4 BMMA).

Full Bellator 295 results include:

Bellator 295 results: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane ekes out win over Kana Watanabe, calls for fight vs. ‘sister wife’ Liz Carmouche

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and Liz Carmouche are longtime friends and training partners – but they may fight each other for the Bellator title next.

[autotag]Ilima-Lei Macfarlane[/autotag] encountered a challenge Saturday, but eked out a close split decision victory.

In the Bellator 295 co-main event, Macfarlane (13-2 MMA, 12-2 BMMA) used strong grappling, submission threats, and striking defeat Kana Watanabe (11-2-1 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). The event took place at Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

The crowd was firmly behind their own, as Macfarlane walked out to traditional Hawaiian music, draped in native garb, as has become the norm for her bouts at home.

The fight was largely a grapple-heavy affair. Both women spent time in advantageous positions. Macfarlane found success on the feet early, but Watanabe tied her up against the fence and threatened an armbar when the fight hit the canvas. Watanabe was sliced open early. She scored another brief takedown on Macfarlane, who got back up.

Round 2 consisted mostly of Watanabe in control, heavy on top. Macfarlane tried strikes from the bottom but was largely unable to keep Watanabe at bay.

Watanabe took Macfarlane down twice in Round 3, once via throw. Macfarlane rose back up both times. In the final minute, Macfarlane landed some strikes before the final horn. The Honolulu crowd was enthused upon the judges’ announcement.

With the win, Macfarlane aligns herself as a potential next title challenger to champion Liz Carmouche, who defeated DeAnna Bennett on Friday at Bellator 294.

Macfarlane and Carmouche are longtime training partners and friends. Carmouche was cage-side to watch the event and visibly cheered for Macfarlane throughout the fight.

“We knew this day was coming,” Macfarlane said in the cage afterward. “It was going to come eventually. … I would love for my last fight to be against Liz right over there.”

Macfarlane, 33, indicated her next fight will be her last – and she wants it to be in Hawaii. Macfarlane advances her winning streak to two, also including an August decision win over Bruna Ellen.

Watanabe loses for the second time in her pro career and falls to 1-2 in her most recent three. Her other career loss was a 35-second TKO defeat to Carmouche in 2021.

Up-to-the-minute Bellator 295 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 295.

Bellator 295 results: Yancy Medeiros batters Charlie Leary, gets submission after wild firefight

Yancy Medeiros defeated Charlie Leary at Bellator 295 in an insane back-and-forth firefight that didn’t last five minutes.

[autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] continues to put on for his home island.

Saturday at Bellator 295, Medeiros (16-8 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) won in front of a raucous Honolulu crowd for the second time in as many appearances when he submitted [autotag]Charlie Leary[/autotag] (17-14-1 MMA, 3-5 BMMA) in a thrilling battle at 4:39 of Round 1.

The fight was a 165-pound contract weight and took place on the main card at Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

A firefight ignited between Medeiros and the Englishman, Leary, seemingly from the opening bell. A moderate underdog, Leary looked like he might play the role of spoiler as he found success in the boxing department. After he ate a few shots, however, Medeiros began to battle back as he tagged Leary more and more.

Punches, knees, a spinning back elbow, and a spinning back kick to the body found its way for Medeiros, who battered Leary. Eventually, Medeiros dropped Leary. Even though Leary rose up, Medeiros continued his onslaught and dragged the fight back down. Medeiros expended a lot of energy with the wild flurry of dozens of strikes, but when it hit the canvas, he pivoted to jiu-jitsu. Medeiros locked in a rear-naked choke, pulled Leary to the canvas, and got the tap.

Medeiros, 35, debuted in Bellator in April 2022. In front of the Honolulu crowd, he earned a multifight deal with the promotion after a thrilling victory over Emmanuel Sanchez. It was his first competition since his UFC departure.

MMA Junkie spent time with Medeiros during that fight week, in which he detailed his upbringing, lifestyle, and uniquely positive outlook on life in a documentary titled, “The Way of a Wai’anae Warrior.”

Up-to-the-minute Bellator 295 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 295.

Bellator 295 results: Aaron Pico’s body shots, wrestling lead to win over James Gonzalez

At Bellator 295, Aaron Pico likely would’ve had a finish if James Gonzalez wasn’t so tough and durable.

[autotag]Aaron Pico[/autotag] utilized a concoction of brutal body punches and heavy wrestling to get back in the win column Saturday at Bellator 295.

If it wasn’t for the toughness of opponent [autotag]James Gonzalez[/autotag], the judges wouldn’t have had much work to do. Pico (11-4 MMA, 11-4 BMMA) defeated Gonzalez (10-6 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) handily by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board.

Pico unleashed big hooks to the body and head throughout the opening round. He remained patient as Gonzalez intermittently countered with short standing elbows that snuck through the guard. Pico utilized the clinch and cagework in between combinations.

In Round 2, Pico went to his wrestling. Heavy on the canvas, Pico was able to control Gonzalez. The threat of the wrestling was there for the remainder of the fight, as Pico used it to open up his striking even more.

Pico hasn’t had a linear path toward his current position as a top featherweight contender in Bellator. Since his professional debut, Pico has had his ups and downs. But since January 2020, Pico has only lost once – and it was in his previous fight before Saturday night and it was a TKO due to shoulder injury against Jeremy Kennedy.

Gonzalez was a short-notice replacement who filled in for Otto Rodrigues. A member of Longo and Weidman MMA, Gonzalez found some big promotion success with a win over Cody Law in Bellator and a victory over Vikas Singh Ruhil in PFL Challenger Series before Saturday’s fight snapped the two-fight winning streak.

Up-to-the-minute Bellator 295 results include:

  • Aaron Pico def. James Gonzalez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Mads Burnell def. Justin Gonzales via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Kai Kamaka def. Adli Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Sumiko Inaba def. Veta Arteaga via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Aalon Cruz def. Bobby King via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Davion Franklin def. Kasim Aras via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Bruna Ellen def. Ilara Joanne via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Masayuki Kikuiri def. Alexey Shurkevich via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 4:33

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 295.

Bellator 295: Best photos from Honolulu

Check out these photos highlighting the action from Bellator 295 at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.

Check out these photos highlighting the action from Bellator 295 at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. (Photos courtesy of Bellator MMA)

 

 

Bellator 295 video: Masayuki Kikuiri starches Alexey Shurkevich with massive knockout cross

Alexey Shurkevich’s eyes were eerily open as Masayuki Kikuiri landed a follow-up blow to his unconscious opponent at Bellator 295.

Former Pancrase titleholder [autotag]Masayuki Kikuiri[/autotag] made a powerful promotional debut Saturday at Bellator 295 when he starched [autotag]Alexey Shurkevich[/autotag] with a second-round knockout punch.

The bout took place as part of the event’s prelims at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The stoppage came at 4:33 of Round 2.

Kikuiri (9-2-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) found success with his striking throughout the bout and was always a step ahead of Shurkevich (13-6 MMA, 1-1 BMMA).

At impeccable distance, Kikuiri found a home for the right cross, which he blasted Shurkevich with late in Round 2. Upon impact, Shurkevich flew backward to the canvas. When he hit the ground, Shurkevich’s eyes were eerily open as he stared in the opposite direction of the charging Kikuiri. A la Dan Henderson, Kikuiri put the nail in the coffin with a follow-up blow that seemed to knock consciousness back into Shurkevich.

Kikuiri, 27, was the Pancrase interim welterweight champion when he signed with Bellator in September 2022. The win Saturday was his third in as many consecutive outings. Shurkevich, 30, loses for the first time in the Bellator cage and falls into a two-fight skid.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 295.

Bellator 295 predictions: Stots or Mix in $1 million bantamweight grand prix final in Hawaii?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the Bellator 295 main card in Honolulu.

Stots
vs.
Mix		 Macfarlane
vs.
Watanabe		 Leary
vs.
Medeiros		 Gonzalez
vs.
Pico
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
53-38		 stots2023
Stots
(53%)		 macfarlane2023
Macfarlane
(60%)		 medeiros2023
Medeiros
(89%)		 pico2023
Pico
(90%)
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
58-33		 stots2023
Stots		 macfarlane2023
Macfarlane		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Matt Erickson
@MattE
57-34		 mix2023
Mix		 macfarlane2023
Macfarlane		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
56-35		 mix2023
Mix		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Nolan King
@mma_kings
56-35		 mix2023
Mix		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
53-38		 mix2023
Mix		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Matthew Wells
@MrMWells
53-38		 mix2023
Mix		 macfarlane2023
Macfarlane		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohn
52-39
trophy copy 2014 Champion		 mix2023
Mix		 macfarlane2023
Macfarlane		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Danny Segura
@dannyseguratv
51-40		 stots2023
Stots		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
51-40
trophy copy 2018, 2022 Champion		 stots2023
Stots		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
50-41		 mix2023
Mix		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
49-42
trophy copy 2017 Champion		 mix2023
Mix		 watanabe2023
Watanabe		 medeiros2023
Medeiros		 pico2023
Pico

Bellator 295 predictions: Stots or Mix in the bantamweight grand prix final?

The second of back-to-back Bellator shows in Hawaii goes down Saturday with $1 million on the line at the top of the card in the bantamweight grand prix final between interim champion Raufeon Stots and challenger Patchy Mix.

Bellator 295 takes place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

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

Check out all the main card picks above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 295.