Bellator 265 Results: Kongo vs. Kharitonov

Bellator 265 took place on August 20, 2021, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Cheick Kongo submitted Sergei Kharitonov one second before the end of round two. Logan Storley earned a split decision in the co-main event, while Jornel Lugo and Marcelo Golm delivered first-round finishes.

The co-main event featured a welterweight bout between Logan Storley and Dante Schiro. Storley, fighting in front of his home crowd, managed to edge out a split decision win in a closely contested match. Storley controlled Schiro on the way to a split decision.

Another highlight of the main card was the performance of Jornel Lugo, who continued his undefeated streak by securing a first-round technical submission over Keith Lee. Lugo’s victory was a statement in the bantamweight division, demonstrating his submission skills and potential as a rising star.

Marcelo Golm also made an impact in his Bellator debut, finishing Billy Swanson with a first-round TKO. Golm’s power and finishing ability were on full display, making him a heavyweight to watch in future matchups.

Archie Colgan stopped Ben Simons at 4:04 of round one on the preliminary card. Duane Johnson submitted Deven Fisher with a D’Arce choke at 1:04 of the same round. Both supporting finishes came in the opening round.

Kongo’s rear-naked choke at 4:59 of round two was the defining finish. Lugo’s rear-naked choke against Keith Lee was recorded as a technical submission at the end of round one, and Golm stopped Billy Swanson at 4:57 of that round. The late timing of these finishes showed why fighters must stay alert through the final seconds.

Why the Event Mattered

Storley’s split decision over Dante Schiro contrasted with a card otherwise shaped by stoppages. A close judges’ result and a submission in the closing seconds test different forms of persistence. Together, those outcomes gave the Sioux Falls event more substance than its heavyweight headline alone.

Sources

MMA Fighting: Bellator 265 results; Event results record.

Article Tags

Bellator, Bellator 265, Mixed Martial Arts