Bellator 21 Fight Card & Results

Bellator Fighting Championships will take place on June 10, 2010 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, and broadcast on Fox Sports Net. The Bellator FC 21 fight card is listed below, and be sure to check back for the official Bellator 21 fight results once the fights have become official.

Mike Hayes vs. Steve Banks

In the night’s first televised fight, Mike “300” Hayes outclassed Steve “The Panda” Banks in a heavyweight special feature and picked up the decision victory.

Banks looked solid early on taking the lead as the aggressor. He used his clinch game that was full of kicks and knees to the body of “300.” Banks was unable to finish the lighter Hayes however, and as the fight grew older, he gained the confidence and momentum that he was looking for. With a fatigued Banks limited to throwing haymakers, Hayes took the opportunity to pick him apart with his technical approach.

Although Banks earned the advantage in the 1st round, there was no debate as to who won the next two; Hayes took the unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 29-28, 29-28. Although not official yet, it looks as if Hayes has earned a spot in the season 3 heavyweight tournament as a result. Hayes (12-3-1), by picking up a win in his Bellator debut, makes it four straight victories. Banks (4-3), also in his Bellator debut, loses for the third time in his last four fights.

Megumi Fujii vs. Sarah Schneider

Japan’s best female fighter, Megumi Fujii, was dominate in her Bellator debut and picked up her first career TKO victory over tough-luck American, Sarah “The White Tiger” Schneider in a women’s 120-pound bout.

Fujii was able to take down the American jiu-jitsu practitioner, Schneider, at will throughout the bout. She mounted her on several occasions, however Schneider proved to be a worthy opponent by resisting the ground and pound of Fujii. It was the final round that included most of the action including a big right hand by Schneider and another takedown by Fujii. This takedown was different, although as she quickly passed guard and moved into mount where she reigned down punches from top position. Even though the punches were not all that powerful, Schneider didn’t fight back causing the referee to step in and call the stoppage.

The official 3rd round stoppage took place at the 1:58 mark by Fujii. Fujii (20-0) remains undefeated with the victory and gains some steam as she enters the season 3 women’s 115-pound tournament this August. Also fighting in her Bellator debut, Schneider (4-5), loses her third straight bout and fifth of her last six.

Pat Curran vs. Toby Imada

Surprising lightweight, Pat Curran, captures the Bellator lightweight tournament crown and will get a chance at the title against Eddie Alvarez after winning a controversial split decision over season 1 runner-up Toby Imada.

There was no doubt about the result of the 1st round, Imada came out full speed, mixing in his judo and striking to take the early lead. Now, the next two rounds were up for debate. On the surface, it looked as if Imada did enough with his striking and takedowns to earn the final two rounds, but Curran didn’t lay down either. He used his speed and power to connect with several hard punches and knees, and wouldn’t allow Imada to capitalize on any of his takedowns. Curran definitely mixed up his punches, knees, and kicks with better technique than Imada.

The official judge’s scorecard read 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 for Pat Curran. Curran (12-3) accepted the six-figure prize money and the chance to fight for the title. It was his fourth straight victory, three of which came in the Bellator tournament. Imada (25-14), who had put together three straight victories since his season 1 loss against Alvarez, will have to climb back up the ladder for his title shot. He is 4-2 overall for Bellator.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer

Bellator 21 Results - None

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Main Bellator 21 Fight Card & Results:

• Pat Curran defeats Toby Imada by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) - Bellator Lightweight Tournament Finals

• Megumi Fujii defeats Sarah Schneider by TKO (Punches) - Round 3 @ 1:58

• Mike Hayes defeats Steve Banks by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Preliminary Bellator 21 Fight Card & Results:

• Luis Palomino defeats Jose Figueroa by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28

• Zach Makovsky defeats Eric Luke via Submission (Kimura) - Round 2 @ 4:28

• Frank Carrillo defeats Sabah Homasi by TKO - Round 3 @ 3:16

• Moyses Gabin defeats Chris Boffil via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1 @ 4:41

• Brian Eckstein defeats Mitchell Chamale by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)