Bellator 295 went down earlier tonight (Sat., April 22, 2023) in what truly was an action-packed night of fights that featured the finale of the Bantamweight Grand Prix between Raufeon Stots and Patchy Mix. And the fight was over as quick as it began after Mix landed a perfectly-placed knee on Stots’ chin to put him out cold in the first round.
With the win, Mix becomes interim Bantamweight champion, as well as takes home a $1 million check and the Grand Prix strap. He also secured himself a title unification match against the winner of the upcoming championship clash between Sergio Pettis and Patricky “Pitbull” Freire.
Check out a few angles of the spine-tingling knockout below:
@TeamMixMMA's KO is even more INSANE in slow motion!#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/w5IzmqifGl
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
.@TeamMixMMA is the @BellatorMMA Bantamweight World Grand Prix Champion #bellator295 pic.twitter.com/wqrJJ8mE7c
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) April 23, 2023
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Kana Watanabe
In the co-main event, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and Kana Watanabe took part in one of the most competitive fights of the night. Both talented Flyweight’s had shining moments throughout the fight, showing off their well-rounded skill-set. After 15 minutes of back and forth action, Macfarlane took home the razor-thin split decision. Whether or not that win was good enough to earn a shot at Liz Carmouche’s title, remains to be seen.
Check out highlights below:
Those hands from @ilimanator!#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/ljZGGVy8rf
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
It's @KanaWatanabe821 in control here!#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/T9BauZJDFv
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
@KanaWatanabe821 shoots in for the takedown.#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/VZgTLUqETo
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
A dangerous moment for @ilimanator as @KanaWatanabe821 grabs the arm! #Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/w1WnqK7SNM
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
Aaron Pico vs. James Gonzalez
In further action, Aaron Pico returned to his winning ways, dominating James Gonzalez en route to winning a unanimous decision. The win was Pico’s first since returning to action following a devastating shoulder injury six months ago.
Highlights:
@AaronPicoUSA is an animal with these body shots.#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/k8LiJETium
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
THOSE BODY SHOTS! @AaronPicoUSA's best moment in round 1.#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/ERep5yAT1D
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
❌ @AaronPicoUSA drives Gonzalez to the ground.#Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/qwhhBBYHmE
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
Yancy Medeiros vs. Charlie Leary
Yancy Medeiros sent the hometown crowd into a frenzy after he scored a first round submission win over Charlie Leary to earn his second straight victory under the Bellator MMA umbrella. “The Kid” has turned his career around after ending his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) run with four straight defeats.
See all the action for yourself:
WHAT A FINISH!
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2023
The crowd at the Blaisdell Arena erupts for @ymedeiros following his submission win. #Bellator295 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/5IfnJvpaXI
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