Bellator 280 Results: Bader vs Kongo 2 -Take a look at the results
Bellator 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2 (also known as Bellator Paris) took place on May 6, 2024, at AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. After successfully defending his Bellator Heavyweight Title over interim champion Valentin Moldavsky, Ryan Bader made a quick turnaround and faced Cheick Kongo in his second defense in a rematch from their 2019 title bout at Bellator 226. That first bout ended due to an accidental poke to Kongo’s left eye in the opening round, resulting in a no contest.
The fight started with Bader and Kongo getting into the clinch against the fence early, and the action was stopped after it appeared that Bader had landed a low knee. It was clarified in the replay that there was no illegal strike, and the action continued with the same position. Bader continued working for the takedown for almost the entirety of the round, controlling Kongo while landing knees to the thighs and midsection. Looked like Bader pocketed that round, with relentless pressure and willingness to engage.
Kongo came out much more aggressive in the second as he landed some big shots that caught Bader’s attention. Bader realized that he needs to stick to his grappling, and immediately went back to it . He got back with clinch control on the fence and the challenger tried to fight back with punches and elbows, but it didn’t seem to slow Bader down as the champion comfortably went up two rounds.
Bader continued with the exact same game plan in the third and fourth rounds while continuously landing knees to the legs and short punches.
Kongo came into the last round realizing that he had to come in strong and swing wild, since he was down on almost all rounds. He did exactly that, only for Bader to time a perfect takedown and waste almost the entire round keeping him in guard. The referee stood up the action for the last 90 seconds, only for Bader to initiate grappling exchanges again, as he comfortably breezed through the last horn.
In the end, all three judges scored it a clean sweep for Bader (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) as he retained the championship for the second straight time.
In the co-main event, Polizzi quickly went for a takedown early, but Romero was quick to sprawl, as he landed a big punch that caught Polizzi’s attention. Romero connected with a series of straight left hands that were his most successful strikes of the opening round. Romero showed that even at 45, he is still as explosive as ever. Polizzi tried to answer, but it was clear Romero’s power was more surprising along with the 45-year-old’s sprawling and highly athletic abilities. Romero ended the round with a takedown and a pair of left hands against the fence.
Romero stood in the center as the second round progressed with similar pace. Polizzi tried to make an entrance, but Romero punished him at every advance. His methodical damage of Polizzi was too much to handle, and his face was an absolute mess at the end of the second round.
In the third, Romero slowed things down, although he landed a pair of left jabs, and another powerful left hook that dropped Polizzi, plus a straight left that had Polizzi almost out on his feet before he finally put an end to the fight with one second remaining on the clock.
Bellator 280 Results
Main Card
Ryan Bader def. Cheick Kongo via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Yoel Romero def. Alex Polizzi via TKO – Round 3, 4:59
Davy Gallon def. Benjamin Brander via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 3:18
Lorenz Larkin def. Kyle Stewart via TKO – Round 1, 4:44
Gregory Babene def. Mike Shipman via KO – Round 1, 2:11
Preliminary Card
Piotr Niedzielski def. Pedro Carvalho via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Thibault Gouti def. Lewis Long via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jordan Barton def. Fabacary Diatta via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Soren Bak def. Charlie Leary via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Yves Landu def. Gavin Hughes via TKO (body kick) – Round 1, 3:01
Lucie Bertaud def. Katarzyna Sadura via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Youcef Ouabbas def. Matthieu Duclos via TKO – Round 1, 4:17
Bourama Camara def. Victor Verchere via TKO – Round 1, 3:06
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