Check out the results and video from Bellator 171, including the lopsided beating from Chidi Njokuani vs. Melvin Guillard.
The Kansas Star Arena played host to Bellator 171 as the main even witnessed Chidi Njokuani in a dominant three-round blowout of Melvin Guillard. The co-main event on the night saw Kansas’ own David Rickels put a one-sided beating on Aaron Derrow to ultimately find the finish in the third round.
Main Card:
Chidi Njokuani def. Melvin Guillard by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-26): 180 lbs catchweight
Njokuani took the center of the cage, using his kicks to keep Guillard at range. After a bit of measuring, Big John halts the bout to demand action from both fighters. Guillard landed a knee to the groin of Njokuani, which caused a pause in the action. Guillard shot in and secured a takedown but Njokuani was able to scramble back to his feet almost right away. A massive body kick lands for Njokuani followed by a clinching up from Guillard. Guillard drops down and Njokuani began to punch and knee, however one of the knees turned illegal as it landed to the head of the downed Guillard. The action is paused yet again.
The second stanza saw Njokuani find the top position rather early to land softening ground strikes. Guillard was able to roll out of harms way but again found himself on his back, eating strikes. Njokuani began to add some heat to his ground and pound as the round progressed, but the referee stood the fighters up for the remaining 20 seconds of round 2. A ferocious liver kick landed that hurt Guillard but the round expired before Njokuani could follow up.
Njokuani found top position yet again to start the third round and continued to pepper his opponent. Guillard was unable to return to his feet until the referee stood them up for the the remaining 20 seconds of the fight.
Another dominant win from Welterweight contender @ChidiBangNjoku! #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/Z8kQkGdz3H
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
David Rickels def. Aaron Derrow by TKO at :44 of round 3: Lightweight
David Rickels made a grand entrance to the cage via Mannequin Challenge that the Bellator crew was a part of. Rickels clipped Derrow early and followed him to the ground to deploy his patented caveman ground strikes. Rickels showed no fear for the ground game of Derrow as he continued to rain down elbows upon “Daddy Long Legs.” “The Caveman” allowed his opponent back to his feet with about a minute left in the first round, but instantly gave up the takedown to Derrow.
Rickels found early success with his boxing in the second frame as he buckled Derrow and followed him to the ground, and remained there, to unload leather. The third round involved more of the same as Derrow was rocked early, and then had no answer for the ground and pound onslaught being delivered by Rickels.
Check out David Rickels’ Mannequin Challenge entrance:
What did @TheCaveman316 have up his sleeve for tonight’s hometown walkout? WATCH! #MannequinChallenge #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/TjS7oBAuKF
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Jessica Middleton def. Alice Yauger by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26 x2): Flyweight
The women’s flyweight division put on for the Kansas crowd as Jessica Middleton and Alice Yauger went toe to toe right out of the gate. Middleton came alive in the second round as she started finding a home for her right hand, and began landing at will. Yauger was wearing it all over her face but continued to throw in a tremendous display of heart. Middleton was able to hurt Yauger with a well placed right hand but failed to put her opponent away. Yauger started the third round with an immediate takedown in an effort to swing the momentum in her favor. After minimal ground and pound from Yauger, Middleton was able to scramble to the back where she worked for various submissions until the sounding final bell.
Watch Jessica Middleton land a left on Alice Yauger:
We’ve got a scrap here on @spike #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/nt7rMGYfxK
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
AJ McKee def. Brandon Phillips by unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27): Featherweight
McKee came out looking to take advantage of his length by throwing side kicks while Phillips attacked the legs as he looked for a way inside. The second frame saw another respectful kickboxing bout as neither man was able to inflict much of any damage. There was not much to be seen in terms of grappling until McKee shot a double leg around the 3 minute mark of round 3. Phillips scrambled to his feet rather quickly and began throwing heat, however a punch landed to the groin of McKee. It was a tightly contested tilt that ended with McKee on top as the final bell sounded.
Watch AJ McKee channel his inner Liu Kang with this powerful side kick:
Kicking off #Bellator171 like… @AJMcKeeJr
NOW on @spike! pic.twitter.com/SAxOYFgMvV
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Prelims:
Justin Overton def. Gaston Reyno by submission at :34 of round 2.
BIG right and the victory by @joverton145! #Bellator171 Now on to the TV card at 9/8c on @spike pic.twitter.com/lqVviOVbrA
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Jordan Young def. Chris Harris by unanimous decision.
Jarod Trice def. Kevin Woltkamp by TKO at 3:17 of round 2..
The #Bellator171 prelims on right now!!! @Iam_DOUGH pic.twitter.com/wmyj0yYBmh
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Tyrell Fortune def. Will Johnson by TKO at 4:27 of round 2.
High level wrestlers do high level wrestling things @MrRoseCity #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/5m58fZbgp4
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Bruna Ellen def. Carmella James by unanimous decision.