Both champions competing in Bellator’s Season 8 debut Thursday night retained their belts with impressive performances.
At the Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif., lightweight champion Michael Chandler submitted Tristar Gym’s Rick Hawn in the second round, and featherweight title-holder Pat Curran won a split decision over Patricio (Pitbull) Freire.
Meanwhile, in the light-heavyweight tournament, two UFC veterans were knocked out by rising fighters in the first round to advance to the semi-finals. Seth Petruzelli was stopped by Jacob Noe, while Russia’s Mikhail Zayats defeated Brazilian Renato (Babalu) Sobral.
Here are the full results of Bellator 85:
Lightweight title fight: Michael Chandler defeats Rick Hawn via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:02 of round two
Light heavyweight tournament quarterfinal: Jacob Noe defeats Seth Petruzelli via technical knockout (punches) at 2:51 of round one
Light heavyweight tournament quarterfinal: Mikhail Zayats defeats Renato “Babalu” Sobral via technical knockout (punches) at 4:49 of round one
Featherweight title fight: Pat Curran defeats Patricio “Pitbull” Freire via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Featherweight fight: Aaron Miller defeats Joe Camacho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight fight: Jason Lambert defeats Hector Ramirez via submission (inverted straight armbar) 3:59 at round one
Catchweight fight (165 pounds): J.J. Ambrose defeats Brian Warren via submission (guillotine choke) at :50 of round two
Light heavyweight tournament quarterfinal: Emanuel Newton defeats Atanas Djambazov via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:21 of round two
Lightweight fight: Savant Young defeats Mike Guymon via knockout (punch) at :48 of round two
Welterweight fight: Joe Williams defeats Jamie Yager via technical knockout (punches) at 4:02 of round one
Featherweight fight: Cleber Luciano defeats Mario Navarro via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
(Results courtesy Spike.com)