Bellator 249 Results: Cyborg vs. Blencowe

Bellator 249 took place on October 15, 2020, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Cris Cyborg submitted Arlene Blencowe to retain the women’s featherweight championship. Leandro Higo also won by rear-naked choke, while Steve Mowry earned a first-round heavyweight stoppage.

Main Event: Cyborg vs. Blencowe

The main event of the evening was a featherweight title fight between Cris Cyborg and Arlene Blencowe. Cyborg, the reigning Bellator featherweight champion, was making her first title defense since winning the belt. Known for her aggressive pace, pressure, and evolved striking, Cyborg was the favorite going into the fight.

Blencowe, on the other hand, was a two-time world boxing champion with a solid kickboxing style. She had shown improved wrestling and clinch fighting skills in her recent fights, and was not to be underestimated.

Cyborg secured a rear-naked choke at 2:36 of round two, recording her first professional submission victory. It was also her first Bellator title defense after winning the belt from Julia Budd. The finish added a grappling result to a career primarily associated with powerful striking.

Co-Main Event: Higo vs. Bandejas

The co-main event featured a fight between Leandro Higo and Ricky Bandejas. Higo, known for his submission skills, managed to secure a rear-naked choke in the second round, leading to a submission victory over Bandejas.

Other Notable Fights

Steve Mowry faced Shawn Teed in a heavyweight bout that ended in the first round. Mowry secured a TKO victory using a knee strike followed by ground and pound.

The fight between Saad Awad and Mandel Nallo ended in a no contest due to an accidental groin strike in the first round.

Preliminary Card Highlights

The preliminary card also featured several exciting fights. Andrew Kapel secured a TKO victory over Joseph Creer due to a doctor stoppage. Kemran Lachinov won a unanimous decision over Kyle Crutchmer. Christian Edwards, Da’Mon Blackshear, and Aviv Gozali all secured submission victories over their respective opponents.

Conclusion

Patricky Freire’s planned fight with Jaleel Willis was canceled, so Higo’s second-round submission of Ricky Bandejas became the co-main result. Saad Awad and Mandel Nallo fought to a no contest following an accidental groin strike. A canceled matchup, a no contest and a completed submission are separate outcomes and should not be combined as ordinary wins.

Why the Event Mattered

Cyborg’s championship defense showed how striking pressure can lead into a submission opportunity. Mowry’s first-round technical knockout and Higo’s rear-naked choke supplied contrasting supporting finishes. The card also required care in recording bouts that were canceled or interrupted by an accidental foul.

Sources

MMA Fighting: Bellator 249 results; Sherdog: event record and venue.

Article Tags

Bellator, Bellator 249, Mixed Martial Arts