Bellator Champions Series London saw Sara Collins leave OVO Wembley Arena as the new no.1 contender in the Women’s Featherweight division as she defeated Leah McCourt with devastating strikes on the feet, ultimately finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke in the first round to become the new no.1 contender in the Women’s Featherweight division.
In the co-main event, London’s own Simeon Powell sent the crowd wild as he had his hand raised in victory after defeating Rafael Xavier in a Light Heavyweight bout by split decision. “Smooth” fought back through adversity after being downed by his opponent, with both athletes landing significant blows in a back-and-forth fight that had fans on the edge of their seats.
In another massive Light Heavyweight bout, Luke Trainer put on a huge performance to put his name on the map in the division as he beat Laurynas Urbonavicius by first round rear-naked choke. “The Gent” proceeded to take the microphone and call his shot against Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Corey Anderson, and said he’d defeat fellow 205 lbs athlete Karl Moore if necessary on the way to a title.
The main card was opened by a British domestic showcase, as Marc Diakiese won his Bellator debut by unanimous decision against Tim Wilde, with both athletes throwing their renowned array of strikes in a bid to gain momentum in the Lightweight division.
Bellator Champions Series London Main Card Results:
Sara Collins (6-0) defeated Leah McCourt (8-4) via 1st round rear-naked choke (2:25)
Simeon Powell (10-1) defeated Rafael Xavier (13-8) via split decision (29-28x2, 28-9)
Luke Trainer (9-1) defeated Laurynas Urbonavicius (14-2) via 1st round rear-naked choke (4:15)
Marc Diakiese (18-7) defeated Tim Wilde (17-6-1) via unanimous decision (29-28x3)
Preliminary Card Results
Archie Colgan (11-0) defeated Manoel Sousa (11-1) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28x2)
Mike Shipman (17-4) defeated Eslam Abdul Baset (16-3-0, 1 NC) by 2nd round KO (2:32)
Joseph Luciano (10-2) defeated Steven Hill (7-2) by a 2nd round Anaconda Choke (1:22)
Ciaran Clarke (10-0) defeated Toumas Grönvall (12-8-1) by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27x2)
Darragh Kelly (7-0) defeated Dymtrii Hrytsenko (9-1) by unanimous decision (30-26x3)