Bellator 246 Event Overview: Archuleta Crowned Champion

Bellator 246 took place on September 12, 2020, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Juan Archuleta defeated Patchy Mix to win the vacant bantamweight championship. Neiman Gracie, Liz Carmouche and Keoni Diggs all earned submission victories on a main card that paired a five-round title decision with grappling finishes.

Main Event: Archuleta vs. Mix

The highlight of the evening was the bantamweight title fight between Juan Archuleta and Patchy Mix. Archuleta, known as “The Spaniard,” came into the fight with a record of 24-2 and was looking to add the Bellator bantamweight title to his list of accomplishments. Mix, undefeated at the time with a 13-0 record, was aiming to maintain his perfect record and claim the title for himself.

The fight was a true test of skill and endurance, with both fighters showcasing their abilities. Archuleta’s experience and striking prowess were on full display as he managed to outlast Mix through five rounds. Despite Mix’s early attempts to secure a finish, Archuleta’s consistent pace and pressure ultimately earned him the unanimous decision victory, with scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47, crowning him the new Bellator bantamweight champion.

Co-Main Event and Other Highlights

Gracie submitted Jon Fitch with a leg lock at 4:47 of round two. The finish is commonly described as a heel hook, with the results coverage identifying a heel-hook/kneebar hybrid. It ended the welterweight co-main event before the judges were needed.

Liz Carmouche, a veteran fighter, made her presence felt by submitting DeAnna Bennett with a rear-naked choke in the third round. This victory was significant for Carmouche, as it marked her successful debut in the Bellator cage.

Other notable fights included Keoni Diggs’ technical submission win over Derek Campos and Ty Gwerder’s TKO victory against George Tokkos.

Conclusion

Archuleta won the championship main event on scores of 49–46, 48–47 and 48–47, handing Mix his first professional defeat. Diggs secured a technical submission against Derek Campos at 4:59 of round three, while Carmouche’s rear-naked choke of DeAnna Bennett came at 3:17 of that round. Each supporting submission had a different timing and competitive context.

Why the Event Mattered

A vacant-title fight creates a new champion without removing an incumbent. Archuleta filled that opening by overcoming Mix over five rounds. Carmouche’s Bellator debut and Diggs’s submission in the final second of round three gave the supporting card separate milestones beneath the championship change.

Sources

MMA Fighting: Bellator 246 results; Event results record.

Article Tags

Bellator, Bellator 246, Mixed Martial Arts