Bellator 171 is in the books and it had some pretty memorable moments. This card flew under the radar a bit, as it was sandwiched between Bellator 170 (Tito Ortiz’ farewell fight against Chael Sonnen) and Bellator 172 (Bellator debut of Fedor Emelianenko).
The main event saw Chidi Njokuani absolutely dominate Melvin Guillard. Judges scored the fight 30-25, 30-24, 30-26 unanimously for Njokuani.
Chidi and Melvin looked like they were in 2 different weight classes. Njokuani boasted a 6 inch height advantage over Guillard, yet had difficulties finding his range. Njokuani found success in nullifying Guillard’s takedowns and that was the main reason he won the fight.
The Bellator welterweight division is one of the more stacked divisions in the promotion. The potential matchups for him at welterweight seem limitless. It will be interesting to see where Njokuani goes from here.
Another dominant win from Welterweight contender @ChidiBangNjoku! #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/Z8kQkGdz3H
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Hometown favorite, David Rickels, pulled off an entrance that may never be duplicated. Enlisting some help from the fans in attendance; Rickels did the mother of all ‘mannequin challenges’ which involved everyone in the arena.
The fans stood behind their local guy and cheered him on to a 3rd round TKO win over Aaron Derrow.
What did @TheCaveman316 have up his sleeve for tonight's hometown walkout? WATCH! #MannequinChallenge #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/TjS7oBAuKF
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Jessica Middleton kept her unblemished in tact by earning a unanimous decision win over Alice Smith Yauger. Yauger sits with a sub .500 record and will need to head back to the drawing board to get herself back on track.
We've got a scrap here on @spike #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/nt7rMGYfxK
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
The main card of Bellator 171 opened with a featherweight fight between AJ McKee and Brandon Phillips. McKee used a flurry of kicks throughout the match to control the distance and ultimately the fight. Mixing in crisp jabs with good combinations, McKee managed to keep his undefeated record in tact as he prepares for a big 2017.
And @AJMcKeeJr remains undefeated with the unanimous decision win. #Bellator171 pic.twitter.com/ie7VvWJd6N
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 28, 2017
Bellator 171 Main Card Results:
Chidi Njokuani def. Melvin Guillard via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-26)
David Rickels def. Aaron Derrow via TKO (Punches) (0:44 Rd 3)
Jessica Middleton def. Alice Smith Yauger via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-26 x2)
A.J. McKee def. Brandon Phillips via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
Undercard Results:
Jordan Young def. Chris Harris via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)
Justin Overton def. Gaston Reyno via Rear-Naked Choke (0:34 Rd 2)
Jarod Trice def. Kevin Woltkamp via KO (3:17 Rd 2)
Tyrell Fortune def. Will Johnson via TKO (4:27 Rd 2)
Bruna Ellen def. Carmella James via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27 x 2)