Bellator 259 took place last night and we’ve got all the results for you below.
In the main event of the evening, Cris Cyborg faced Leslie Smith for the second time in her career after previously having TKO’d her in the UFC after just 81 seconds back in 2016.
This time it took her a lot longer – until just 9 seconds before the final bell in fact, as Smith showcased her toughness despite being dominated for much of the fight.
Smith was dropped several time early in the fight, but refused to give in, and so by the time the championship rounds came along, Cyborg’s pace had slowed, though she was still in complete control of the action.
Then deep into the final round, Cyborg caught Smith with a counter right hook that floored her and then waded in with follow-up punches to deliver a TKO finish at 4.51mins.
Earlier, Leandro Higo narrowly defeated Darrion Caldwell by split decision in a catchweight fight, while Austin Vanderford maintained his unbeaten record with a decisive decision win against Fabian Edwards.
Check out all the Bellator 259 results below.
Main Card
Cris Cyborg def. Leslie Smith via TKO – Round 5, 4:51
Leandro Higo def. Darrion Caldwell via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Austin Vanderford def. Fabian Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jaleel Willis def. Maycon Mendonca via unanimous decision is (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Hannah Guy def. Valerie Loureda via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Prelims
Saad Awad def. Nate Andrews via KO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:16
Grant Neal def. Tyree Fortune via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:20
Sumiko Inaba def. Kristina Katsikis via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 3:35
Aviv Gozali def. Sean Felton via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:17
Davion Franklin def. Tyler King via KO (punch) – Round 1, 2:02
Leah McCourt def. Janay Harding via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 2:42
Danny Sabatello def. Brett Johns via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alexander Shabliy def. Alfie Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
