Get full results and highlights here from Bellator 141.
Brandon Girtz def. Melvin Guillard, SD (29-27, 28-29, 29-27)
This entire card was built around one thing: the Bellator debut of Melvin Guillard. And in that respect, the show failed. For roughly 14 minutes, Guillard showed absolutely nothing against Girtz, who dominated the fight from the opening bell. In the first minute, he landed a nice shot on Guillard, then grabbed the veteran and delivered a high altitude, powerful slam. From there, Girtz maintained ground control, and Guillard had nothing to offer. More of the same in rounds 2 and 3, but then late in the round, Guillard came alive when Girtz left an opening on the feet. Guillard fought hard to capitalize on that opening, throwing everything at Girtz and very nearly getting the come from behind late fight stoppage, but it was not to be as Girtz secured another takedown, stopping the Guillard rally dead in its tracks and claiming the fight. Outside of that 30 second rally, this was a terrible showing from Guillard, but a huge win for Girtz.
Score cards were a split decision, but don’t be fooled by that – this was clearly a Girtz win, and that Guillard card is terrible.
Patricky Pitbull def. Saad Awad, UD (30-27 x 3)
This one had a lot of hype about the bad blood between the two men, but it didn’t deliver on that promise. Instead, the two strikers were cautious and technical, largely cancelling each other out in a rather dull affair. It was a close fight, far closer than the cards indicate, largely because of the relatively low amount of action in the fight. Post-fight, Pitbull first praised his “bitter rival” Awad, then called for a fight with champion Will Brooks, calling him a clown.
Justin Wren def. Josh Burns, UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Heavyweight MMA. What can you do? These two big men were gassed before the first round was over, and the result was a clinch heavy, stalling affair, with more than one moment where a fighter just paused to lean down and catch his breath. Wren is a feel good story, and he had a few nice moments with some quality knees so it’s nice to see him win, but this was not a good fight. Here’s a clip that sums it all up pretty well.
Marloes Coenen def. Arlene Blencowe, Sub R2 3:23
Strong performance from the veteran and former Strikeforce champion Coenen here, who dominated most of the fight on the mat. On the feet, Blencowe had some success at times, but Coenen was effective at getting things down. Once they were there, her superior ground skills carried the day, controlling Blencowe for most of the ground battle and ultimately taking the win with a deep armbar. It’s a shame she can’t make it to Bantamweight, as she would be an interesting addition to the UFC division.
Prelim Results:
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane def. Maria Rios, SD (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Brent Primus def. Derek Anderson, SD (29-27, 29-28, 28-29)
A.J. Matthews def. Emiliano Sordi, TKO R1 5:00
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