Bellator 238 Review
Here we are fight fans, Bellator 238 is here. I've decided to not only review the card, but we will also throw on Rich Chou's shoes and give our take on what could be the next move for the fighters.
If you read our preview you may have noticed some last minute shuffles to the fight card and bout order. The most noticeable change being the removal of Dillon Danis from the card. We will also now see a husband and wife combo fight in back to back fights as Emilee King will now fight Ava Knight and Jason King will take on Raymond Daniels. Both fights now take place on the main card.
If you read our preview you may have noticed some last minute shuffles to the fight card and bout order. The most noticeable change being the removal of Dillon Danis from the card. We will also now see a husband and wife combo fight in back to back fights as Emilee King will now fight Ava Knight and Jason King will take on Raymond Daniels. Both fights now take place on the main card.
Ava Knight Vs. Emile King
Round 1: Heavy favorite Ava Knight, has the privilege of fighting one half of the husband and wife combo, Emilee King. King was aggressive with kicks early but got tagged with a punch before forcing the fight to the ground and looking to grapple. She ends up on top of Ava and gains mount after losing a guillotine. She losses an armbar as well but remains on top and gets a rear naked choke putting Ava Knight to sleep.
Emilee King def. Ava Knight via submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1.
What's next: With Emilee King having played spoiler in this fight and the Bellator women's strawweight division being relatively new it's almost impossible to say what or who could be next. Bellator seemed to be building the division around Ava Knight but the good news for Emilee is they seem commited to having the strawweights stick around.
Emilee King def. Ava Knight via submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1.
What's next: With Emilee King having played spoiler in this fight and the Bellator women's strawweight division being relatively new it's almost impossible to say what or who could be next. Bellator seemed to be building the division around Ava Knight but the good news for Emilee is they seem commited to having the strawweights stick around.
Raymond Daniels Vs. Jason King
Round 1: Daniels lands a side kick as both look to strike. King gets a clinch against the cage but a low blow results in a brief break in action. Daniels is looking for a highlight real as he throws all kinds of spinning kicks. He lands some huge right hands but keeps letting King recover. Jason King looks out of it but the ref lets him continue. King is desperate and lunges for a leg. He is hurt badly and just barely staying in this fight. He holds onto the leg for dear life. Daniels is able to create enough space to unload punches on Jason King until the ref steps in and mercifully ends the fight.
Raymond Daniels def. Jason King via tko in Round 1.
What's next: Raymond Daniels truly is a human highlight reel. When thinking of possible opponents moving forward I know Bellator may look to build Daniels up and get him some more experience in the cage before throwing him to the wolves. If that's not the case there is however, one match that sticks out that I know fans would love to see and that is a fight versus MVP. Michael "Venom" Page is one of the only people you could argue is flashier than Daniels and the two would make for an epic showdown.
Raymond Daniels def. Jason King via tko in Round 1.
What's next: Raymond Daniels truly is a human highlight reel. When thinking of possible opponents moving forward I know Bellator may look to build Daniels up and get him some more experience in the cage before throwing him to the wolves. If that's not the case there is however, one match that sticks out that I know fans would love to see and that is a fight versus MVP. Michael "Venom" Page is one of the only people you could argue is flashier than Daniels and the two would make for an epic showdown.
Sergio Pettis Vs. Alfred Khashakyan
Round 1: Khashakyan, as the announcers mentioned, comes into this fight having scored knockouts in 6 straight fights. Both guys seemingly feeling eachother out early. Pettis is a lot smaller than his opponent. They are both having some success thus far but neither man connecting on anything significant. That is until Khashakyan misses a right hand and Pettis lands a BOMB coming back. The ref, for some reason, allows the fight continue as Pettis lands 10-15 more unanswered punches. He then secured a tight arm in guillotine and puts Khashakyan to sleep. Wow what a fight.
Sergio Pettis def. Alfred Khashakyan via submission (arm in guillotine) in Round 1.
What's next: Sergio Pettis really just made one of the most impressive debuts in recent memory so I'm sure he'll be right in the mix at bantamweight. As far a title shot goes I think that could be a fight or two away yet. I'd like to see him fight the winner of James Gallagher vs. Cal Ellenor or possibly former champion Eduardo Dantas.
Sergio Pettis def. Alfred Khashakyan via submission (arm in guillotine) in Round 1.
What's next: Sergio Pettis really just made one of the most impressive debuts in recent memory so I'm sure he'll be right in the mix at bantamweight. As far a title shot goes I think that could be a fight or two away yet. I'd like to see him fight the winner of James Gallagher vs. Cal Ellenor or possibly former champion Eduardo Dantas.
Henry Corrales Vs. Juan Archhleta
Round 1: Long feeling out process here. Both guys very patient early. Corrales seems a little more eager to engage but Juan starts to pick up the pace a little. He uses a lot of movement allowing him to throw a few shots and get out of range very fast. There are some good exchanges, a lot of punches coming close but missing. The crowd is a little restless but both guys are fighting smart. Corrales manages to land a few shots of his own. Not the most entertaining but it was a very close round.
Round 2: More feeling out early in the second round. Corrales takes the center of the cage but Juan is still able to land and get out by moving around the outside. Corrales is able to maintain the middle and seems to be the aggressor but for the most part Juan is, in my opinion, doing just enough to maintain the lead in this fight. Missed punches result in Corrales falling into the cage and Juan gets Henry's back momentarily and gets a takedown but can't hold him down. Juan's fainting is causing Henry to react giving Juan the opportunity for counters. Henry does get a late takedown but I don't think it was enough to steal the round.
Round 3: Archuleta misses a huge flying kick at the beginning of the round. He does make it back to his feet though. Juan is getting a lot of single punches and getting out of range. He doesn't want to engage with Henry and get reckless. Henry manages to land an overhand and briefly drop Juan. Back on the feet, Henry is stalking but can't cut Juan off as he moves around the cage. Both guys still finding openings here and there, but nothing significant making it through. Henry is swinging for the fences any time he gets close but can't find the chin. Juan lands a decent punch and cause a slight stumble. Corrales drops the hands hoping to convince Juan to engage but he would rather test the judges score card. A very close fight here.
Juan Archuleta def. Henry Corrales via unanimous decision.
What's next: With the Featherweight Grand Prix ongoing I would say Juan is likely an alternate if someone gets hurt. If that doesn't happen though, I would personally like to see Juan go back down to bantamweight. The title was recently vacated by Kyoji Horiguchi and Bellator will likely look to fill the void very soon. A fight with number one contender Patrick Mix could finally be Juan's ticket to gold after a failed bid against featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull.
Round 2: More feeling out early in the second round. Corrales takes the center of the cage but Juan is still able to land and get out by moving around the outside. Corrales is able to maintain the middle and seems to be the aggressor but for the most part Juan is, in my opinion, doing just enough to maintain the lead in this fight. Missed punches result in Corrales falling into the cage and Juan gets Henry's back momentarily and gets a takedown but can't hold him down. Juan's fainting is causing Henry to react giving Juan the opportunity for counters. Henry does get a late takedown but I don't think it was enough to steal the round.
Round 3: Archuleta misses a huge flying kick at the beginning of the round. He does make it back to his feet though. Juan is getting a lot of single punches and getting out of range. He doesn't want to engage with Henry and get reckless. Henry manages to land an overhand and briefly drop Juan. Back on the feet, Henry is stalking but can't cut Juan off as he moves around the cage. Both guys still finding openings here and there, but nothing significant making it through. Henry is swinging for the fences any time he gets close but can't find the chin. Juan lands a decent punch and cause a slight stumble. Corrales drops the hands hoping to convince Juan to engage but he would rather test the judges score card. A very close fight here.
Juan Archuleta def. Henry Corrales via unanimous decision.
What's next: With the Featherweight Grand Prix ongoing I would say Juan is likely an alternate if someone gets hurt. If that doesn't happen though, I would personally like to see Juan go back down to bantamweight. The title was recently vacated by Kyoji Horiguchi and Bellator will likely look to fill the void very soon. A fight with number one contender Patrick Mix could finally be Juan's ticket to gold after a failed bid against featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull.
Darrion Caldwell Vs. Adam Borics (Featherweight Grand Prix Quarter Finals)
Winner moves on to face AJ McKee at a later date.
Round 1: Borics threatening with kicks early but Caldwell throws one of his own. Caldwell then gets wild throwing punches and kicks to create a scramble where he can get ahold of Borics legs. He does, and eventually secure top position. Borics tries to create space but Caldwell gets his back and traps an arm. It's from here he gets his hands under Borics chin, as they work against the cage, and he secures a tight choke.
Darrion Caldwell def. Adam Borics via submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1.
What's next: I guess there are no surprises here as we can almost guarantee (injuries aside) the next fight for Darrion Caldwell is AJ McKee. The undefeated phenom AJ McKee has faced consistent steps up in competition since making his Bellator debut. That trend will continue as he will now take on former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell. All I can say is: wow what a fight.
Round 1: Borics threatening with kicks early but Caldwell throws one of his own. Caldwell then gets wild throwing punches and kicks to create a scramble where he can get ahold of Borics legs. He does, and eventually secure top position. Borics tries to create space but Caldwell gets his back and traps an arm. It's from here he gets his hands under Borics chin, as they work against the cage, and he secures a tight choke.
Darrion Caldwell def. Adam Borics via submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1.
What's next: I guess there are no surprises here as we can almost guarantee (injuries aside) the next fight for Darrion Caldwell is AJ McKee. The undefeated phenom AJ McKee has faced consistent steps up in competition since making his Bellator debut. That trend will continue as he will now take on former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell. All I can say is: wow what a fight.
Julia Budd (C) Vs. Cris Cyborg (Bellator Women’s Featherweight Championship)
Round 1: Cyborg comes out firing shots but ends up against the cage. Budd looking to lean on her and wear her down. Knees and foot stomps are effective here but Cyborg breaks out and gains a takedown. Budd back up quickly here. Cyborg once again ends up against the cage with Budd working with knees and short punches. Cyborg is too strong and manages to reverse position and she now holds Budd against the cage before landing a big punch on the break. A slip results in Budd on top. Cyborg fishes for the triangle choke but can't get it. And Budd stays on top. A knee, directed for the shoulder by Budd hits Cris in the head and the ref restarts the fight on the feet. Big mistake by Budd. Missed kick by Budd and Cyborg counters with a big hook dropping Budd. Looking to finish the fight, Cyborg follows up but ends up in Budds guard. Budd kicks off and Cyborg lands a few big leg kicks before leaping back in with some big shots. Not enough time left in the round for Cyborg to finish.
Round 2: Budd is likely still hurt here and Cyborg is aggressive early. She catches a kick from budd and follows through with a barrage of punches. Budd gets back up and they end up clinched briefly. When they break Budd is still looking to throw punches of her own. Cyborg is just too strong so anytime they lock up Budd is unable to hang on or create any opportunities to get Cyborg down. Budd is eager to trade now and Cyborg is looking a little tired. She does manage to clinch Budd against the cage though. Knees and elbows from Cyborg as she explodes. Budd avoids eating a lot of the real damaging blows. And they break from the clinch. Cyborg a lot more patient now while they are in standing position.
Round 3: As they engage Budd gets ahold and forces Cyborg to the cage once again. After a moment Cyborg reverses position again and works some knees. Budd now turns Cyborg against the fence and gets a few knees of her own in. A big punch and leg kick from Cyborg as she breaks from the clinch. Budd does look to have more in the tank as Cyborg slows down a bit. The power is still there though as Cyborg follows through with a punch and secures a takedown. She stacks from Budd's guard and lands a few more punches. When she engages again she passes to side control. Elbows from Cris land to the body of Budd as they remain on the ground. Budd is unable to create much space at all and Cyborg ends the round with some brutal punches after gaining mount. Budd potentially saved by the clock here.
Round 4: Down three rounds, Budd needs something big now. After feeling eachother out for a minute or so Cyborg manages to get Budd near the cage she unloads a few nice punches, mixing in a nice leg kick, and Budd can't eat anymore and drops down. Cyborg doesn't let up and the ref has no choice but to jump in and end this fight.
Cyborg def. Julia Budd via TKO in Round 4.
What's next: I think Cyborg's main concern was remaining active following her time with the UFC, where there wasn't much for featherweight competition. Now with Bellator, the featherweight options are here. She also has the option to compete in boxing, which is a dream of hers. There had previously been rumblings of a boxing match with Claressa Shields. That may now be an option. Or with Bellator's relationship with Rizin being quite strong these days the fan in me can't help but get excited over the idea of Cyborg versus Rizin's Gabi Garcia. How realistic that matchup is remains to be seen but the future is definitely looking bright for the newly crowned champion.
Prelim Results:
Joshua Jones def. Brandon Bender via unanimous decision
Aaron Pico def. Daniel Carey via knockout in Round 2
AJ Agazarm def. Adel Altamimi via submission (triangle) in Round 3
Jay Jay Wilson def. Mario Navarro via submission (armbar) in Round 2
Curtis Millender def. Moses Murrietta via unanimous decision
Anthony Taylor def. Chris Avila via majority decision
Miguel Jacob def. Pacheco via unanimous decision
Round 2: Budd is likely still hurt here and Cyborg is aggressive early. She catches a kick from budd and follows through with a barrage of punches. Budd gets back up and they end up clinched briefly. When they break Budd is still looking to throw punches of her own. Cyborg is just too strong so anytime they lock up Budd is unable to hang on or create any opportunities to get Cyborg down. Budd is eager to trade now and Cyborg is looking a little tired. She does manage to clinch Budd against the cage though. Knees and elbows from Cyborg as she explodes. Budd avoids eating a lot of the real damaging blows. And they break from the clinch. Cyborg a lot more patient now while they are in standing position.
Round 3: As they engage Budd gets ahold and forces Cyborg to the cage once again. After a moment Cyborg reverses position again and works some knees. Budd now turns Cyborg against the fence and gets a few knees of her own in. A big punch and leg kick from Cyborg as she breaks from the clinch. Budd does look to have more in the tank as Cyborg slows down a bit. The power is still there though as Cyborg follows through with a punch and secures a takedown. She stacks from Budd's guard and lands a few more punches. When she engages again she passes to side control. Elbows from Cris land to the body of Budd as they remain on the ground. Budd is unable to create much space at all and Cyborg ends the round with some brutal punches after gaining mount. Budd potentially saved by the clock here.
Round 4: Down three rounds, Budd needs something big now. After feeling eachother out for a minute or so Cyborg manages to get Budd near the cage she unloads a few nice punches, mixing in a nice leg kick, and Budd can't eat anymore and drops down. Cyborg doesn't let up and the ref has no choice but to jump in and end this fight.
Cyborg def. Julia Budd via TKO in Round 4.
What's next: I think Cyborg's main concern was remaining active following her time with the UFC, where there wasn't much for featherweight competition. Now with Bellator, the featherweight options are here. She also has the option to compete in boxing, which is a dream of hers. There had previously been rumblings of a boxing match with Claressa Shields. That may now be an option. Or with Bellator's relationship with Rizin being quite strong these days the fan in me can't help but get excited over the idea of Cyborg versus Rizin's Gabi Garcia. How realistic that matchup is remains to be seen but the future is definitely looking bright for the newly crowned champion.
Prelim Results:
Joshua Jones def. Brandon Bender via unanimous decision
Aaron Pico def. Daniel Carey via knockout in Round 2
AJ Agazarm def. Adel Altamimi via submission (triangle) in Round 3
Jay Jay Wilson def. Mario Navarro via submission (armbar) in Round 2
Curtis Millender def. Moses Murrietta via unanimous decision
Anthony Taylor def. Chris Avila via majority decision
Miguel Jacob def. Pacheco via unanimous decision
