On Friday, Oct. 23, Bellator MMA hosted its 144th eventĀ from the Mohegan Sun Arena inĀ Uncasville, Conn.
The main event featured a battle for the vacant middleweight championship. Former champion Brandon Halsey looked to regain the belt he once held when he took on BrazilianĀ Rafael Carvalho. Halsey was stripped of the title after missing weight for his first defense at Bellator 137 in May. He went on to defeat UFC veteran Kendall Grove to earn another crack at gold. Carvalho, meanwhile, had not tasted defeat since his MMA debut in 2011. He earned back-to-back wins in the Bellator cage, stopping Brian Rogers and edging Joe Schilling by decision.
Also on the main card, knockout artist Brennan Ward met Dennis Olson, British striking stalwart Michael Page took onĀ Charlie Ontiveros and featherweightĀ Goiti Yamauchi welcomed countrymanĀ Isao Kobayashi to the promotion.
The event kicked off Friday with a preliminary card stream on Combat PressĀ at 7 p.m. ET. The four-fight main card followed at 9 p.m ET on Spike.
Brennan Ward def. Dennis Olson by TKO (punches). Round 1, 4:37
Goiti Yamauchi def. Isao Kobayashi by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 3, 3:50
Michael Page def. Charlie Ontiveros by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 3:20
Kin Moy def. Walter Smith-Cotito by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 3, 3:53
Billy Giovanella def. Brandon Polcare by submission (triangle choke). Round 1, 2:19
Matt Bessette def. Kevin Roddy by submission (heel hook). Round 1, 3:47
Kevin Haley def. Mike Zichelle by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Matt Secor def. Jeremie Holloway by submission (heel hook). Round 2, 4:54
Marius Enache def. Pete Rogers by submission (Americana). Round 2, 2:37
Sam Watford def. T.J. Hepburn by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)