Official ‘Bellator 143’ Results – Warren Earns Shot
JOE WARREN’S GROUND GAME PROVES TO BE TOO MUCH FOR L.C. DAVIS IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 143’
HIDALGO, TEXAS (September 25, 2015) — With plenty on the line for the pair of bantamweights headlining “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis” on Spike, it wasn’t surprising that both Joe Warren (13-4) and L.C. Davis (23-7) looked to showcase their strengths in front of a capacity crowd at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.
For Warren, his game plan was obvious, utilize his world renown ground game to nullify the striking of Davis and — much as he’s done throughout the numerous victories in his career — receive the nod from the judges scoring at cage side. After 15 minutes, the strategy worked perfectly, as “The Baddest Man on the Planet” managed to completely dominate Davis with his wrestling and earn a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
After the fight, the Colorado native pulled no punches, making it clear that he feels his next fight should be for Bellator MMA Bantamweight gold.
“Everything was on that fight. I had to get that win tonight and [L.C.] Davis was an extremely tough opponent,” Warren said. “I don’t really care who wins the Galvao vs. Dantas fight, but I will get another shot at the title.”
With the victory, you can’t really argue with the 38-year-old, who already owns victories over both Eduardo Dantas and the incumbent champion, Marcos Galvao
“Da Spyda” Puts “The Mexicutioner” Down For The Count
Kendall Grove (22-15, 1 NC) and Joey Beltran (16-12, 1 NC) set aside their longstanding friendship on Friday to compete in the co-main event of “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis,” a bout that saw “Da Spyda” take home the emphatic knockout victory.
After the fight, the 38-fight mixed martial arts veteran made it clear that he wants a rematch with former Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion Brandon Halsey.
“You can’t get into a firefight with Joey that’s where he made his name. He’s dangerous. I knew if I kept my composure, then eventually the knockout would come and it did,” Grove said. “I was trying to set him up and get him comfortable and once I saw him at the end of my jab I knew it was going to end. I just wish it didn’t have to go until the third round. I want the winner of Halsey and Carvalho.”
With the win, Grove has now finished 16 of his 22 wins via finish and in the process spoiled Beltran’s undefeated record as a middleweight.
Sanchez Bounces Back From Defeat With Split Decision Win
Following a frenetic, back-and-forth contest that saw both featherweights have their shining moments, Emmanuel Sanchez (11-2) grinded out a split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28) victory against Henry Corrales (12-2) on Friday night in Hidalgo, Texas.
There were multiple instances in the fight where Corrales seemed close to tapping, but following some nifty escapes, the former King of the Cage champion managed to escape and keep the contest close on the feet.
“It felt really good to get the victory. I pride myself on strong defense. I’m a strong Mexican warrior and I put it all on the line,” Sanchez said following the bout. “I’m a proud Mexican man who wants to become the Oscar De La Hoya of MMA.”
If Sanchez keeps stringing together performances like the one he showcased on Friday, being mentioned in the same air as De La Hoya likely won’t be an issue going forward.
“Spartan” Chokes Out Teixeira Following Two-Year Layoff
In the opening bout of Friday’s Spike-televised main card, Vinicius “Spartan” Queiroz (8-3) finished Ewerton Teixeira (3-1) with a slick arm-triangle choke submission from half guard at 4:00 of the second round to earn his first victory after nearly two years away from the Bellator MMA cage
“I’m very proud of the victory. I was calm and looking forward to the finish I look forward to fighting for the belt,” Queiroz said. “I was totally prepared going into this fight. I’ve never felt like this before and I was able to go into a fight without any pre-existing injuries.”
With the victory, “Spartan” has now strung together two consecutive victories before reaching the judges’ scorecards and solidifies himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Bellator MMA heavyweight division. Teixeira recently signed with the Scott Coker-led promotion and will look for a quick return to action following the first loss of his professional career.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS:
Darrion Caldwell (8-0) def. Shawn Bunch (4-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:35 of round one
Quote: “I’m one of the top bantamweights in the world and I think I showed that tonight. [Shawn] Bunch is a world class wrestler, a tough opponent, and a friend of mine. Too bad for him that he had to get in there with me because I’m simply on another level,” Caldwell said. “I hope Coker gives me the winner of Galvao-Dantas. I think Dantas is gonna take that belt and keep it warm for me for a hot minute, but I’m coming!!”
Dan Charles (10-3) def. Chase Gormley (12-5) via knockout at 4:35 of round two
Quote: “You know, [Chase] Gormley is a tough dude. A former Titan FC champ who was mouthing off saying he could get an easy fight here with me. Well, welcome to Bellator!” Charles said. “I’m just really happy that I was able to show Bellator and the fans here what I’m able to do with a full fight camp. I’d love a rematch with Bobby Lashley, I know I kinda sh*t the bed there coming in on nine days notice. If I can’t get him, I want someone at the top, and I want the world to know that I belong there.
John Teixeira (19-1-2) def. Gleristone Santos (27-5) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Abdul Razak Alhassan (4-0) def. Bryce Shepard-Mejia (3-1) via knockout (punch) at 1:26 of round one
Amador Ramirez (5-4) def. Saul Elizondo (6-6) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Steve Garcia (6-0) def. Eduardo Bustillos (4-2) via technical knockout (punches) at 4:59 of round one
Jared Chaffee (5-1) def. Guilherme Costa (5-1) via submission (guillotine choke) at :39 of round one
Luke Flores (4-0) def. Gilbert Jimenez (7-12-1) via technical knockout (body kicks) at 2:22 of round one
