An action packed two-day stretch for Bellator concluded with Bellator 228 Saturday night from The Forum in Los Angeles.
Gegard Mousasi, a former Bellator champion, survived a late submission attempt by Lyoto Machida to avenge a prior loss. Mousasi scored a split decision from The Forum in Los Angeles live on DAZN.
The Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix also concluded with four final first round matches, including Patricio “Pitbull” Freire with a successful title defense.
Freire, also the Bellator lightweight champion, bested Juan Archuleta to defend his title and advance to the next round of the GP. He swept all three scorecards after five rounds.
Each time Freire competes in the grand prix, his belt will be on the line.
Related: Who All Is Entered Into The Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix?
A.J. McKee made a huge statement in his opening round match, knocking out Georgi Karakhanyan in just eight seconds. Earlier in the night, McKee’s dad, Antonio, claimed a second round victory on the prelims.
Darrion Caldwell dominated Henry Corrales to move on in the GP, with Daniel Weichel feeling the final spot via decision over Saul Rogers.
Before the main event, the quarterfinals of the GP were determined. Freire opted to use his “champion’s choice,” selecting the March 2020 date and Pedro Carvalho as his opponent.
Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix Selection Show
McKee will meet Derek Campos in December, Caldwell takes on Adam Borics in January and Weichel faces Emmanuel Sanchez in February.
On the prelims, AJ Agazarm, Johnny Cisneros and Leandro Higo were among the winners.
Bellator 228 Results
Gegard Mousasi def. Lyoto Machida via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire def. Juan Archuleta via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 49-46) to retain the Bellator featherweight title and advance in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix
A.J. McKee def. Georgi Karakhanyan via KO (strike) at :08 of Round 1 to advance in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix
Darrion Caldwell def. Henry Corrales via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27) to advance in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix
Daniel Weichel def. Saul Rogers via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) to advance in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix
AJ Agazarm def. Jonathan Quiroz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ava Knight def. Shannon Goughary via TKO (strikes) at 1:46 of Round 3
Antonio McKee def. William Sriyapai via TKO (strikes) at 1:17 of Round 2
Johnny Cisneros def. Michael Jasper via TKO (injury) at 2:48 of Round 2
Leandro Higo def. Shawn Bunch via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:34 of Round 2
Weber Almeida def. Castle Williams via TKO (strikes) at :20 of Round 2
James Barnes def. David Duran via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:51 of Round 2
Joshua Jones def. Dominic Clark via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:39 of Round 1