The year of the upset continued in MMA -- this time in Bellator.
Undefeated no more, highly touted prospect Darrion Caldwell was defeated and stopped for the first time by underdog Joe Taimanglo. Arguably needing a finish, Taimanglo took advantage of a careless takedown attempt from his opponent by locking on a guillotine choke right out of the gate in the third round. Caldwell had went 6-0 in Bellator before Bellator 159, including a win over former champion Joe Warren.
Another upset win came from UFC veteran Melvin Guillard. After missing weight for the fourth time in two years, Guillard announced he would be moving up to Welterweight, but not before knocking Bellator mainstay David Rickels out with some disgusting elbows. Guillard may have had his back against the wall after starting out 0-2 in Bellator.
Elsewhere on the show, Emmanuel Sanchez went to an unprecedented fourth consecutive split decision. Unfortunately for him, he was on the short end as Daniel Weichel may have earned a featherweight title shot after a hot start.
You can see full Bellator 159 results below.
Main card
Joe Taimanglo defeated Darrion Caldwell via submission (guillotine choke), Round 3, 0:09
Melvin Guillard defeated Dave Rickels via TKO (elbow) Round 2, 2:14
Emily Ducote defeated Bruna Vargas via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 2, 0:29
Daniel Weichel defeated Emmanuel Sanchez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Prelim Fights
Jessica Middleton def. Bruna Ellen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Gaston Reyno def. L.J. Hermreck via third-round TKO (3:57)
Fernando Martinez def. Marcio Navarro via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Johnny Marigo def. Andy Riley via verbal submission (armbar) Round 1, 2:44
Philipe Lins def. Guilherme Viana via KO Round 2, 1:13
Josh Pfeifer vs. Henry Lindsay
Chuka Willis vs. Brandon Phillips
Manny Meraz vs. Trey Ogden
Chris Harris vs. Matt Foster
Photo courtesy of Bellator MMA.
