After a successful weekend in New York City for Bellator 222, Scott Coker and company go across the pond for Bellator London/223. Gegard Mousasi will look to defend his Bellator Middleweight Championship for the second time against Rafael Lovato Jr. inside the SEE Arena in London, England.
Mousasi (45-6-2) last fought in September, beating Welterweight Champion Rory MacDonald at Bellator 206 to retain his belt. On an eight-fight win streak and 3-0 in Bellator, “The Armenian Assasin” was supposed to defend his title in January. He pulled out in December due to a back injury. Now healthy, he will look to continue his dominant run which can lead to more opportunities.
A patient man, Rafael Lovato Jr. (9-0) also had his last fight in September, beating John Salter via submission at Bellator 205. A Jiu-Jitsu medalist, the 35-year old has won six fights via submission. The Bellator London title fight will be taking place on the Bellator app at 5 p.m. ET.
The event in London has a few more matches taking place, but not all at the same time. Bellator 223 will feature Paul Daley looking to return to form as he faces Erick Silva while the young James Gallagher will look to impress once again against Jeremiah Labiano. These fights will be broadcasted at 9 p.m. ET on DAZN via tape delay.
FIGHT SPORTS brings you live coverage of Bellator 223/London!
Bellator London (Bellator App, 5 p.m. ET)
Rafael Lovato Jr. def. Gegard Mousasi (c) via majority decision (47-47, 48-47, 48-47) – Bellator Middleweight Championship
Melvin Manhoef def. Kent Kauppinen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Aaron Chalmers def. Fred Freeman via triangle submission (4:05 into round two
Bellator 223 – Main Card (Paramount Network broadcast/Delayed simulcast on DAZN, 9 PM ET)
Paul Daley def. Erick Silva via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
James Gallagher def. Jeremiah Labiano via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fabian Edwards def. Jonathan Bosuku via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Costello van Steenis def. Mike Shipman via knockout (1:34 into round two)
Charlie Ward def. Justin Moorevia TKO/punches (3:23 into round three)
Bellator 223 – Preliminary Card (Bellator App, 11:30 a.m. ET)
Denise Kielholtz def. Bryony Tyrell via TKO (2:48 into round three)
Charlie Leary def. Chris Bungard via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)
Kate Jackson def. Kena Ovchynnikova via TKO/Doctor stoppage (4:20 into round one)
Terry Brazier def. Alessandro Botti via Americana submission (2:17 into round three)
Luke Ord def. Nathan Rose via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-25)
Alfie Davis def. Jorge Kanella via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Justin Burlinson def. Wendle Lewis via TKO submission (injury) (00:09 into round one)
Galore Bofando def. Keith McCabe via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Kevin Fryer def. John Redmond via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Frans Mlambo def. Nathan Greyson via D’Arce choke (4:22 into round two)
Amazing transition from @LovatoJrBJJ in round two!#Bellator223 pic.twitter.com/B7jVh8oPnP
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 22, 2019
The reversal in round three goes to @Mousasi_MMA!#Bellator223 pic.twitter.com/cfqsMpbwvJ
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 22, 2019
🥋 @LovatoJrBJJ with the heavy takedown in the final round.#Bellator223 pic.twitter.com/4lzPUnsXD5
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 22, 2019