If you love world-class mixed martial arts fights chock full of momentum swings you would’ve loved the Bellator 165 main event between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson.
Chandler, Bellator’s lightweight title holder, stormed out of the gates in the first round, hitting Henderson, a former UFC champ, with monstrous right hands, power guillotine choke attempts and a massive suplex.
Henderson’s famous durability was on display, however, and he rebounded with a strong second round. Chandler pushed the pace and was more effective with his striking and wrestling in the third round and most of the fourth, although after the fourth Chandler was visibly exhausted. Henderson took control in the final round but two of the three judges leaned Chandler when the scores were announced.
Chandler earned the split decision win. One judge had it 48-46 Chandler, one had it 48-46 Henderson and the third scored it 48-47 for Chandler, who improved to 16-3. Had Henderson won he would have become the first fighter in MMA history to win a UFC, WEC and Bellator title.
Michael “Venom” Page is one of the most exciting prospects in MMA and remained unbeaten despite a puzzling performance against Fernando Gonzalez in the co-main event. The performance was reminiscent of Anderson Silva’s in his infamous UFC 112 showing against Demain Maia. Page wound up winning a split decision.
Keri Anne Melendez, the wife of UFC star Gilbert Melendez, made quick work of Sheila Padilla in women’s flyweight action. It was Melendez’s professional MMA debut.
Kevin Ferguson Jr., the son of the late Kimbo Slice, lost his professional MMA debut on the preliminary card. He was submitted by Aaron Hamilton in the second round of a 165-pound catchweight bout.
Here are the full results from Bellator 165:
MAIN CARD
— Michael Chandler def. Benson Henderson by split decision
— Michael “Venom” Page def. Fernando Gonzalez by split decision
— Adam Piccolotti def. Brandon Girtz by unanimous decision
— Keri Anne Melendez def. Sheila Padilla by KO
— Linton Vassell def. Francis Carmont by unanimous decision
PRELIMINARY CARD
— Aaron Hamilton def. Kevin Ferguson Jr Submission (guillotine choke)
— Carrington Banks def. Jake Roberts by unanimous decision
— Dominic Sumer def. Justin Roswell TKO
— Dwight Grant def. Danasabe Mohammed by unanimous decision
— James Terry def. Justin Baesman by unanimous decision
