(Enjoy it while it lasts.)
Say what you will about Bellator’s recent free agent acquisitions, but let’s not deny that the promotion can provide some great scraps. Exhibit A: Last night’s card was headlined by a middleweight title fight between Alexander Shlemenko and Brett Cooper – an injury replacement for the resurgent Doug Marshall who previously fought Shlemenko at Bellator 44.
But while their initial fight was forgettable, their rematch last night provided a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate. Both fighters landed hard shots early and often, and continued this trend for the duration of the five round bout. It was a close, bloody fight, but in the end, Shlemenko retained his title with a unanimous decision victory.
Elsewhere on the card, “The Arm Collector” retired after being knocked out by Jason Butcher, Mikkel Parlo beat Brian Rogers and Derek Anderson upset Patricky Pitbull, if that’s what you’re into.
Main card
Alexander Shlemenko def. Brett Cooper via unanimous decision
Mikkel Parlo def. Brian Rogers via unanimous decision
Jason Butcher def. Giva Santana via TKO, 1:12 of Round Two
Brennan Ward def. Justin Torrey via TKO, 3:28 of Round Two
Perry Filkins def. Jeremy Kimball via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:18 of Round Three
Derek Anderson def. Patricky Pitbull via unanimous decision
Undercard
Jeff Nader vs. Mike Mucitelli ruled no-contest (accidental eye poke)
Ryan Quinn def. Brylan Van Artsdalen via submission (arm triangle), 2:34 of Round One
Matt Bessette def. Nick Piedmont via TKO, 1:41 of Round One
Rico DiSciullo def. Glenn Allair via KO, 1:21 of Round One
Josh Diekman def. Parker Porter via TKO, 1:12 of Round One