Bellator 268 results and highlights: Nemkov, Anderson secure spots in Grand Prix final 

Check out the results and highlights from Bellator 268 in Phoenix, Arizona

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson will be competing for both the Bellator light heavyweight title and the $1 million tournament prize. Nemkov, who is the reigning champion, overcame a brief scare in the form of an opening round flash knockdown and eventually submitted Julius Anglickas in the Bellator 268 main event. He’ll be taking on UFC veteran Corey Anderson, who made it 3-for-3 in Bellator with a 51-second TKO of Ryan Bader in front of a stunned home crowd in Phoenix, Arizona.

Vadim Nemkov def. Julius Anglickas via submission (kimura) at 4:25 of Round 4

In the main event of Bellator 268, light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov took on Julius Anglickas for the light heavyweight title and a spot in the final of the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. Anglickas came into the fight as a late replacement for Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, who pulled out due to illness about a month ago. Around two minutes into the fight, Anglickas dropped Nemkov to his knee with a right hand. Nemkov responded with a double leg takedown and worked his ground and pound. Anglickas eventually worked his way back to his feet, where Nemkov’s speed and power started to give Anglickas problems.

Vadim Nemkov’s punches continued to find a home early in the 2^nd round before scoring another takedown. From the top position Nemkov opened some big cuts on Anglickas with a series of punches and elbows that left Anglickas wobbly as he returned to his corner.

The 3^rd and 4^th rounds both started with early takedowns by Nemkov as he continued to pursue the ground and pound strategy that led to so much of his success in round 2. He continued to land hard shots from the top position before securing a kimura that forced Julius Anglickas to tap out at 4:25 of round 4. With the win Nemkov retained his light heavyweight title and secured his spot in the Grand Prix final that’ll go down in early 2022.

Corey Anderson def. Ryan Bader via TKO at 0:51 of Round 1

In the co-main event, current Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader took on ground and pound expert Corey Anderson in a semifinal matchup of the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. Corey Anderson came out swinging dropped Bader early with a big right hand that landed behind the ear, much to the dismay of Bader’s hometown crowd in Phoenix. Bader covered up as Corey landed additional shots before the referee called a stop to the action. With the win, Anderson punched his ticket to the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix final.

Brent Primus def. Benson Henderson by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) – Lightweights

In a feature lightweight bout, former WEC and UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson took on former Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus. Round 1 saw “Smooth” open the fight with some strong leg kicks while Primus countered with some powerful combinations. Benson eventually secured a takedown, where Primus threatened off his back with a kimura that nearly finished Benson.

Benson went back to his kicks to open the 2^nd round, using the threat of the leg attacks to land a few left hooks as well. Primus forced Benson to the cage where he secured double under hooks, transitioning his way to Benson’s back and ultimately locking up a body triangle. Primus ended the round on Benson’s back, but was unable to finish as Benson’s defense was on point.

In the 3^rd round, Benson went back to his leg kicks and dropped Primus with a left hand early. He attacked a guillotine that resulted with Primus taking top position, again working towards Benson’s back and eventually locking the body triangle, where Primus stayed for the remainder of the fight. Primus control of the grappling exchanges earned him a unanimous decision win and a case for a shot at the lightweight title.

Henry Corrales def. Vladyslav Parubchenko by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – Featherweights

Bantamweight fighters Henry Corrales and Vladyslav Parubchenko kicked off the main card of Bellator 268, both coming into the fight off of losses. Parubchenko opened the contest with a quick takedown and looked to impose a clinch based strategy in round 1 while Corrales looked to create space and turn it into a striking contest. The 2nd round saw Corrales start to get the better of the striking exchanges as he landed some significant combinations. In the 3^rd, Henry built on the momentum from the 2^nd round and dropped Vladyslav with a left hook early in the round. He continued to dominate the striking exchanges, landing multiple power punches that kept Parubchenko off balance throughout the remainder of the fight, scoring a unanimous decision victory.

Preliminary Card Results

Karl Albrektsson def. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Jaleel Willis via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:05 of Round 1

Nick Browne def. Bobby Lee via submission (heel hook) at 1:38 of Round 1

Javier Torres def. Gregory Milliard via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Sumiko Inaba def. Randi Field via submission (arm triangle choke) at 2:02 of Round 2

Lance Gibson Jr. def. Raymond Pina via TKO at 1:44 of Round 2

Jaylon Bates def. Raphael Montini via submission (armbar) at 3:49 of Round 1

Sullivan Cauley def. Deon Clash via TKO at 4:59 of Round 1

Maria Henderson def. Collette Santiago via submission (rear naked choke) at 0:40 of Round 1