Bellator 293 was a highly entertaining card from the Pechanga Resort and Casino in California. In the Main Event, Chicago native Daniel James defeated Marcelo Golm by knockout. James was behind in the fight but delivered a devastating three-punch combination in round three that shut Golm’s lights out. James has made a name for himself in his short time with Bellator earning knockout victories over back-to-back top-ten-ranked Heavyweights. In the Co-Main event, Cat Zingano outlasted Leah McCourt by Unanimous Decision. This was a highly competitive back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments throughout the fight. Also on the Bellator 293 Main Card, MMA veteran John Salter earned a Unanimous Decision victory over up-and-coming prospect Aaron Jeffery. This will be the last win of Salter’s career as he announced his retirement in the cage.

Daniel James (15-6-1) Def. Marcelo Golm (10-3):

Daniel James put on the most impressive performance of his career Friday night, overcoming adversity to knockout Marcelo Golm in the Bellator 293 Main Event. James entered this contest coming off a knockout win against Bellator veteran Tyrell Fortune in his promotion debut. That victory catapulted James into this Main Event opportunity and a top ten ranking. James is one of the heaviest hitters in the sport and possesses one-punch knockout power. Golm is known as a well-rounded grappler who has faced very tough competition while in the UFC. Golm came into this matchup with back-to-back finishes over Billy Swanson and Davion Franklin.

In the first round, Golm immediately pressured James to the fence while in the clinch. Golm’s strategy seemed to be to drain the energy of James in the early rounds. Golm made the bigger and stronger James carry his weight against the cage for the majority of the first round. Once separated and on the feet, Golm landed hard leg kicks on James to keep him at distance. Golm pulled ahead early and seemed to be implementing his game plan. In round two Golm again tried to take James down against the cage. James defended takedowns very well but was being controlled for the majority of the round.

Final round and What’s Next?

In between rounds, James’ corner was imploring him to “let his hands fly” and start throwing punches in combination. This was good advice and seemed to give James a sense of urgency. As soon as round three began, Golm attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful. Once back on their feet, James began to pressure Golm in the center of the cage and landed a devastating uppercut that stopped Golm in his tracks. James followed up this big punch with a left straight and right hand behind it that forced the referee to stop the fight. James has now won back-to-back fights by knockout, both stemming from damaging uppercuts.

Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader was in attendance Friday night and seemed to welcome the idea of defending his title against James. James was ecstatic with his victory and expressed interest in fighting the champion next. Bader just made a successful defense of his title in February against Fedor Emelianenko and needs fresh challengers in a wide-open Bellator Heavyweight division.

Cat Zingano (14-4) Def. Leah McCourt (7-3):

In the Co-Main Event Women’s MMA legend Cat Zingano extended her Bellator record to (5-0) with a victory over a game Leah McCourt. Zingano is a former title challenger in the UFC and holds stoppage wins over UFC Champions Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes. McCourt entered this contest with a four-inch height advantage and put up a very gritty effort in defeat. Each fighter was ranked inside the top five in the division and a title shot may have been on the line. This ended up being one of the most entertaining fights of the night and had fans at the Pechanga Casino on their feet.

In round one Zingano set the tone on the feet using a stinging jab at distance. McCourt countered with straight left hands that got Zingano’s attention and forced her to attempt a takedown. Zingano barely won the first round but found success on the ground at times. McCourt was able to reverse Zingano multiple times throughout the fight with beautiful judo trips and tosses. While grappling both fighters were getting good shots in on the ground. An elbow from Zingano opened up a huge cut over the forehead of McCourt that was bleeding profusely. After three hard-fought rounds, the judges awarded Zingano the victory (29-28, 30-27, 29-28).

John Salter (19-6) Def. Aaron Jeffery (13-4):

In the featured fight of the night Bellator veteran John Salter easily got through talented prospect Aaron Jeffery. Salter is a former title challenger in the Bellator Middleweight division and has tremendous wrestling. Jeffery recently finished Middleweight contender Austin Vanderford (TKO) and was a (-215) favorite at online sportsbooks. Jeffery is a long and rangy athlete who normally looks to strike with his opponent. While Jeffery was the younger fighter he had no answer for the takedown attempts of Salter.

In round one Salter started aggressively and found a takedown early. Jeffery was expending a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet, which seemed to be a theme all fight. Salter found his advantage in the fight and kept going after Jeffery with relentless takedown attempts and top control. This continued into the second and third rounds as Salter easily cruised to a Unanimous Decision victory. (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Salter announced after the fight that he will be retiring from the sport and laid his gloves down.

Bellator 293 Prelims:

The Bellator 293 prelims featured many highly competitive fights. Undefeated Lightweights Archie Colgan and Justin Montalvo went to battle on the Bellator prelims with Colgan earning a (TKO) victory. Colgan landed a damaging straight right hand that sat down Montalvo. Colgan then finished the fight with follow-up punches to move to (7-0). Also on the Bellator 293 prelims, Lucas Brennan extended his professional record to (8-0) earning a Rear Naked Choke submission over Josh San Diego. Bellator will be headed to Hawaii for their next show on April 21st. This card will be headlined by a Women’s Flyweight World Championship match between Liz Carmouche and DeAnna Bennett.

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