Stots Had the Final Word in Two Fierce Sabatello Meetings
Raufeon Stots defeated Danny Sabatello twice in Bellator, beginning with a split decision on December 9, 2022, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Their rivalry combined championship stakes, repeated wrestling exchanges and an unusually heated public buildup.
The interim title and tournament semifinal
The first meeting headlined Bellator 289 and doubled as a bantamweight grand prix semifinal. Stots defended the interim championship while pursuing a place in the tournament’s million-dollar final.
Sabatello repeatedly sought grappling control, while Stots worked to limit his opponent’s offense and generate effective responses. The five-round fight reached the judges after a contest with little separation on two of the cards.
Two decisions in two meetings
Bryan Miner and Eric Colon each scored it 48–47 for Stots. Doug Crosby returned a contrasting 50–45 for Sabatello, producing a split verdict that kept the interim belt with Stots and advanced him to face Patchy Mix.
The rematch took place at Bellator 301 on November 17, 2023, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. This time the pairing was scheduled for three rounds rather than five championship rounds.
Stots’s place in the rivalry
Stots won unanimously on three 29–28 cards, making the head-to-head record two victories to none. Sabatello again completed the distance but could not reverse the outcome of their first encounter.
The results explain why the rivalry remained significant beyond its verbal exchanges. One fight determined a championship tournament finalist, and the second supplied a clearer official verdict, leaving Stots with both completed wins in their Bellator series.
