Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader (30-7, 1 NC) defeated #2 ranked challenger Cheick Kongo (31-12-2, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) in main event of Bellator 280 in Paris,France.
Ryan Bader was not so impressed with his performance, and after the fight he said this to partisan Parisian crowd:
“First and foremost, wrestling right there. If you want to fight MMA then wrestling is the key. I didn’t want the fight to go like that, I wanted to get a finish. No excuses at all, I was like ‘Wow, I’ve got to grind this one out’. It was kind of an uneventful fight but I got the win.”
“I wanted to get him in the handcuff. He’s tough, he’s long, he’s a big body, he’s strong and he’s a veteran and he knows what he’s doing, so I couldn’t get in.
“You know who looks great lately: Linton Vassell. A rematch. He came into heavyweight, he came into his own and he’s rolling through people so let’s run that one back!”
Bellator 280 – Yoel Romero (14-6) defeated #7-Alex Polizzi (10-2) via TKO (punches) at 4:59 of round three
Yoel Romero speaking after a dominant performance in the co-main event: “First and foremost I want to thank all the Bellator fans, all of the MMA fans and to say thank you to Paris.
“I wanted to deliver a message and I think I did.”
Bellator 280 – Davy Gallon (21-7-2) defeated Benjamin Brander (13-9) via TKO (unanswered strikes)
Davy Gallon speaking after securing a third straight Bellator win: “It is amazing to be in the Bellator cage in front of a brilliant crowd. It is great to keep momentum going with this one. I have been working on that crucifix for a while, so it was nice to get the finish.
“Benjamin is a very tough fighter and he has a really good defence and that’s why it took a while to get the win, but I am delighted.”
Bellator 280 – 6-Lorenz Larkin (24-7) defeated Kyle Stewart (15-6) via TKO (strikes) at 4:44 of round one
Lorenz Larking speaking after an impressive first round finish: “Thanks to my team. I have the best team out there. They have been working with me for so long and I have evolved because of them.
“Let’s give it up for Kyle Stewart. He took this fight on 11 days’ notice when he didn’t have to, so massive respect to him for that.
“I am looking forward to going back to welterweight. Scott [Coker], let me fight before August!”
Bellator 280 – Gregory Babene (22-11) defeated Mike Shipman (14-4) via KO (punches) at 2:11 of round one
Gregory Babene speaking following the win in front of his home fans: “I’m so happy to be here. Thank you Paris! I’ve been ready for this fight, I was prepared, I worked all day for three months for this fight and I’m happy.
“Thanks to my opponent, Mike Shipman. He is a very powerful and good fighter.
“I already see this moment and in my vision I win and now it has happened in the present, I am happy!”
Bellator 280 complete results
MAIN CARD
| Ryan Bader | def | Cheick Kongo | unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) |
| Yoel Romero | def | Alex Polizzi | via TKO (punches) at 4:59 of round three |
| Davy Gallon | def | Benjamin Brander | via TKO (unanswered strikes), at 03:18 round:2 |
| Gregory Babene | def | Mike Shipman | via KO (punches) at 2:11 of round one |
PRELIMINARY CARD:
| Piotr Niedzielski | def | Pedro Carvalho | via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) |
| Thibault Gouti | def | Lewis Long | via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) |
| Jordan Barton | def | Fabacary Diatta | via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) |
| Søren Bak | def | Charlie Leary | via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) |
| Yves Landu | def | Gavin Hughes | via TKO (body kick) at 3:01 of round one |
| Lucie Bertaud | def | Katarzyna Sadura | via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) |
| Youcef Ouabbas | def | Matthieu Duclos | via TKO (punches) at 4:17 of round one |
| Bourama Camara | def | Victor Verchere | via KO (punches) at 3:06 of round one |
Ryan Bader vs Cheick Kongo Bellator 280 – photo gallery (Photo credit Lucas Noonan/BELLATOR MMA)
Yoel Romero vs Alex Polizzi Bellator 280 – Photo credit Lucas Noonan/BELLATOR MMA
*Following Romero’s win, it was confirmed that he will face Melvin Manhoef in a light heavyweight bout at BELLATOR DUBLIN at The 3Arena on Friday, September 23.
