Vadim Nemkov dominated 46-year-old Yoel Romero in the headline event at Bellator 297.
Nemkov completely outclassed Romero during the five-rounds, as he walked away with a clear win by decision: 49-46, 49-46 and 49-46.
The Russian’s output was significantly higher, as Romero was on the defensive in a fast-paced start. The second round was much the same, as Nemkov’s unpredictably led Romero to become gunshy.
The champ Vadim Nemkov landing shots early on!#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Wb4CeDOPbR
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Nothing changed at the halfway stage as Nemkov’s punches and kicks pushed Romero on the ropes.
While Romero did show some resistance in the fourth, with some lunges and a ‘Superman’ punch, Nemkov was unfazed.
Vadim Nemkov unleashing shots on @YoelRomeroMMA! 😳#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/B4sAZwafcb
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Romero did get a takedown in the final round, however, Nemkov cruised to victory. In doing so, Nemkov remained unbeaten with his title intact.
Co-Main Event
In chief support, Sergio Pettis beat Patricio Pitbull in a one-sided affair. From the opening bell, Pettis’ hand speed and striking kept the Brazilian on the backfoot.
Pettits was unfazed by his 18-month break away from the sport, as his jab and counter kicks proved effective.
Sergio Pettis with another big kick to the face of Patricio Pitbull #Bellator297
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) June 17, 2023
In contrast, Pitbull’s counters fell short as Pettis continued his momentum in the second round. The latter landed a kick to Pitbull’s head only to be saved by the bell.
In response, Pitbull began to push the pace in an attempt to make his way back into the bout. However, it was to no avail as Pettis’ combinations peppered his opponent to the body.
Pettis rocks Pitbull 😳 #Bellator297
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) June 17, 2023
In a desperate attempt to change things, Pitbull resorted to takedowns, only for them to be neutralized by Pettis’ clever distance management.
In doing so, Pettis walked away with a win on the cards as follows: 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46.
As a result, Pettis defended his Bellator bantamweight title for a second time. Meanwhile, Pitbull failed to become a three-division champion, having had titles at featherweight and lightweight.
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 🔥#AndStill bantamweight king @SergioPettis clinched the #POTN fan vote after beating #P4P No 1️⃣ @PatricioPitbull in Chicago 👊#Bellator297 pic.twitter.com/t1LEbIG2Zb
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Full Results
Vadim Nemkov def. Yoel Romero via unanimous decision: 49-46, 49-46, 49-46
Sergio Pettis def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision: 49-46, 50-45, 50-45
Corey Anderson def. Phil Davis via split decision: 28-29, 29-28, 28-29
Gokhan Saricam def. Daniel James via unanimous decision: 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Pieter Buist via unanimous decision: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Jaleel Willis via a first-round knockout
Norbert Novenyi Jr. def. Kamil Oniszczuk via a first-round knockout
Archie Colgan def. Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision: 29-28, 30-27, 30-27
Jordan Newman def. Matthew Perry via a first-round submission
Cody Law def. Edwin Chavez via unanimous decision: 29-28, 30-27, 30-27