Bellator 293 Results, Highlights: James Stops Golm With Combination Punching In Main Event

Despite a slow start to their heavyweight main event showing, which capped off a 15-bout card by Bellator MMA, Daniel James versus Marcelo Golm ended in absolute fireworks early into the third round.

The first two rounds showed a fairly competitive, yet slow-going, fight between the pair. Golm was having success with chopping leg kicks in an attempt to take the base away from his visibly larger opponent, and was even able to move the fight to the canvas at one point, but was unable to generate much offense from the top position. Additionally, Golm was fighting smart, and landing punishing shots to the body each time they found themselves within the clinch.

🇧🇷 @MarceloGolm gets @djames1981 to the ground.#Bellator293 | Watch LIVE on @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/cWFlx5htS4

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 1, 2023

Prior to the third round, James’ corner told him that he has to gain some space and let his hands go, and that is exactly what he did. Early into the round, he pushed away from the Golm, who was trying to keep him tied up, and advanced forward with two quick jabs. While the jabs were blocked, what followed landed cleanly.

James opened up with a nasty uppercut from within the pocket that rocked Golm, he then followed it up with a left hook and one more powerful right uppercut, which separated the Brazilian from his senses. James moved in to follow up with some heavy ground shots, but referee Jason Herzog was all over the action and stopped the fight, knowing full well that Golm was in no shape to continue.

𝗛𝗘’𝗦 𝗢𝗨𝗧! 👊💥@djames1981 storms out of the gates in round 3 and gets the KO!#Bellator293 | Watch LIVE on @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/3RYahPnsTV

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 1, 2023

Following the heavyweight battle, James (now 15-6-1) went on to call out Ryan Bader and expressed that he wants a shot at the title next.

👀 @djames1981 wants a shot at heavyweight champion @ryanbader NEXT!#Bellator293 | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/9FzKIYDoGD

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 1, 2023

Main Card Results

• Daniel James def. Marcelo Golm via KO (Left Hook / Right Uppercut Combination) – Round 3, 0:26
• Cat Zingano def. Leah McCourt via Decision (Unanimous)
• John Salter def. Aaron Jeffery via Decision (Unanimous)
• Archie Colgan def. Justin Montalvo via KO (Straight Right, Follow-up Punches) – Round 1, 3:33
• Luke Trainer def. Sullivan Cauley via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 2:58

Preliminary Card Results:

• Rakim Cleveland def. Christian Edwards via Submission (Standing 10-Finger Guillotine Choke) – Round 3, 3:55
• Mike Hamel def. Nick Browne via KO (Head Kick to Ground Strikes) – Round 1, 0:42
• Adam Piccolotti def. Mandel Nallo via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 3, 4:26
• Sara Collins def. Pam Sorenson via Submission (Arm Lock From Scarf Hold) – Round 1, 2:43
• Jeff Creighton def. Joey Davis via Decision (Split)
• Lucas Brennan def. Josh San Diego via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 2:14
• Vladimir Tokov def. Lance Gibson Jr. via KO (Power Jab to Ground Strikes) – Round 1, 1:02
• Randi Field def. Ashley Cummins via Decision (Unanimous)
• Bryce Meredith def. Brandon Carrillo via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 3:11
• Mackenzie Stiller def. Maria Henderson via Submission (Armbar) – Round 1, 3:17