Bellator 237 results: Fedor Emelianenko KOs Quinton Jackson, hints at retirement
On Saturday night, Dec. 28, 2019, Bellator MMA makes its organizational debut in Japan for Bellator 237. The event takes place at the world famous Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan and will be headlined by a heavyweight battle between legends of the sport, as Fedor Emelianenko takes on Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
Bellator 237 takes place in collaboration with RIZIN FF.
Emelianenko had a fantastic run during the Bellator heavyweight grand prix, making it all the way to the finals after picking up finishes of Frank Mir and Chael Sonnen. “The Last Emperor” would end up losing to Ryan Bader in the finale via first round TKO at Bellator 214 coming up just short in his opportunity to become the Bellator heavyweight champion. Emelianenko will look to get back to his winning ways against a fellow legend.
Jackson, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, returns to action for the first time in over 15 months. “Rampage” finished Wanderlei Silva in the second round of the Bellator 206 main event in September 2018 to snap a two-fight losing streak. The longtime Pride veteran returns to the Saitama Super Arena for the first time since 2012 when he faced Ryan Bader at UFC 144.
Here is how the heavyweight main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Quinton Jackson went down at Bellator 237, including round-by-round scoring. For full event results, check them out right here.
ROUND 1
The entrances were phenomenal as I was mentally transported back into the Pride era. “Rampage” weighed in at the heavyweight limit of 265 pounds for this main event and we are off. Fedor lands a left hand early on followed by a five or six punch combination. Jackson eats it and gets back to the center. Right hand lands by Fedor and Jackson comes up short with a left hook. Another nice combination from Fedor as both guys get in close and begin trading leather. Fedor’s quickness is evident here, landing the more significant shots. Jackson slips a Fedor right hand and lands a left jab. Hard leg kick by Fedor and Jackson answers with a right hand to the body. A pair of jabs by Fedor followed by a hard uppercut. Right hand from Fedor and Jackson is down face first. It’s all over! Jackson is protesting the stoppage, bleeding from his left eye, but he looks out of it.
👊@FedorOskol is out here looking for first blood!#BellatorJapan pic.twitter.com/Fiqbhc54BW
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019
MyMMANews.com scores it Fedor Emelianenko def. Quinton Jackson via KO – Round 1, 2:44
Following the win, Fedor Emelianenko may have announced his retirement from MMA, although it doesn’t seem 100 percent clear.
“Unfortunately and regretfully I want to say perhaps my career stops here, on a win in Japan where my career started. I’m finishing my career here,” Emelianenko said.
