On Friday, Aug. 21, Bellator MMA hosted its 244th event from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
In the night’s main event, two-division champion Ryan Bader put his light heavyweight title on the line against challenger Vadim Nemkov. Bader’s current unbeaten streak spanned eight fights, going back to his time with the UFC. Russia’s Nemkov entered the title affair having won six straight, including four straight in the Bellator cage.
The co-main event featured former women’s featherweight champion Julia Budd, who took on Jessy Miele.
Budd earned a decisive three-round victory over Miele. In the main event, Nemkov blasted Bader with punches in the second round to win the belt with a TKO victory. He is the first Russian light heavyweight to win a title in a major North American promotion.
Julia Budd def. Jessy Miele via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Valentin Moldavsky def. Roy Nelson by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
John Salter def. Andrew Kapel by submission (arm-triangle choke). Round 3, 3:11
Yaroslav Amosov def. Mark Lemminger by TKO (doctor stoppage). Round 1, 5:00
Sidney Outlaw def. Adam Piccolotti by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Josh Hill def. Erik Perez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Weber Almeida def. Salim Mukhidinov by KO (punches). Round 1, 3:57
John De Jesus def. Vladyslav Parubchenko by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Chris Gonzalez def. Vladimir Tokov by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan def. Will Smith by TKO (punches). Round 2, 4:14