On Friday, July 22, Bellator MMA hosted its 159th event from the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan.
In the night’s main event, undefeated bantamweight Darrion Caldwell looked to continue his march towards the title when he took on veteran Joe Taimanglo. The 28-year-old Caldwell moved his record to 9-0 in March when he choked out former champion Joe Warren via rear-naked choke. Guam’s Taimanglo entered the contest having won three straight. Sixteen of his 22 career wins had come before the final bell.
The co-main event featured hometown favorite David “Caveman” Rickels against UFC and WSOF veteran Melvin Guillard.
The action kicked on Friday at 6:45 p.m. ET with a live preliminary card stream. The night’s main card aired live on Spike TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
Melvin Guillard def. David Rickels by knockout (elbows). Round 1, 2:14.
Daniel Weichel def. Emmanuel Sanchez by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Philipe Lins def. Guilherme Viana by knockout (punch). Round 2, 1:13
Jessica Middleton def. Bruna Ellen by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Emily Ducote def. Bruna Vargas by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2, 0:29
Gaston Reyno def. L.J. Hermreck by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 3:57
Trey Ogden def. Manny Meraz by submission (guillotine choke). Round 2, 2:37
Chris Harris def. Matt Foster by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 1:23
Fernando Martinez def. Marcio Navarro by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Johnny Marigo def. Andy Riley by submission (armbar). Round 1, 2:44.
Josh Pfeifer def. Henry Lindsay by submission (armbar). Round 1, 3:43
Brandon Phillips def. Chuka Willis by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)