To the surprise of many, Cheick Kongo scored a submission victory over Sergei Kharitonov Friday night at Bellator 265.
The heavyweight encounter served as the main event live on Showtime.
Kongo locked up a rear-naked choke in the second round, getting the win with just a second remaining. He improved to 31-11-2 with a no-contest in his career.
In the co-main event, South Dakota native Logan Storley bested Dante Schiro to move his record to 12-1.
Marcelo Golm and Jornel Lugo were other main card winners on the night.
Bellator 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov Results
#3-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC) defeated Sergei Kharitonov (32-9, 2 NC) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round two
#5-Logan Storley (12-1) defeated Dante Schiro (8-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Marcelo Golm (9-3) defeated Billy Swanson (4-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:57 of round one
#6-Jornel Lugo (7-0) defeated Keith Lee (7-4) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 5:00 of round one
Fabio Aguiar (18-2) defeated Taylor Johnson (7-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Mike Hamel (8-5) defeated Bryce Logan (12-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Archie Colgan (3-0) defeated Ben Simons (3-3) via TKO (punches) at 00:00 of round one
Duane Johnson (6-2) defeated Deven Fisher (4-9) via submission (D’arce Choke) at 1:04 of round one
Bailey Schoenfelder (2-0) defeated Kory Moegenburg (1-3) via TKO (strikes) at 4:11 of round one