When it comes to Bellator and the featherweight division, there is no one better than Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.
The reigning champion scored a first round knockout victory over Pedro Carvalho in the main event of Bellator 252 Thursday night. The main card aired live on CBS Sports Network and streamed on DAZN.
Freire advanced in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix with the win. He will meet Emmanuel Sanchez next after Sanchez topped Daniel Weichel.
The other side of the bracket will feature A.J. McKee vs. Darrion Caldwell next week.
Yaroslav Amosov kept his perfect record intact, handing Logan Storley his first loss via split decision.
On the prelims, Aaron Pico improved to 7-3 with a second round knockout with Keri Taylor Melendez, Manny Muro, Jornel Lugo, Lucas Brennan, Roman Faraldo and Trevor Gudde all earning wins.
Complete results are below:
Patricio “Pitbull” (31-4) defeated Pedro Carvalho (11-4) via KO (punch) at 2:10 of round one
Yaroslav Amosov (25-0) defeated Logan Storley (11-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Emmanuel Sanchez (20-4) defeated Daniel Weichel (40-12) via unanimous decision (48-46, 49-46, 49-45)
Aaron Pico (7-3) defeated John de Jesus (13-9) via KO (punch) at 4:12 of round two
Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0) defeated Emilee King (4-4) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of round one
Manny Muro (12-6) defeated Devin Powell (10-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Jornel Lugo (5-0) defeated Schyler Sootho (4-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan (4-0) defeated Andrew Salas (6-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Roman Faraldo (4-0) defeated Pat Casey (6-4) via (TKO) punches at 2:30 of round two
Trevor Gudde (2-1) defeated Khonry Gracie (2-2) via TKO (knee) at 3:28 of round three