Ryan Bader and Lyoto Machida (right)(image via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Ryan Bader advanced to the semifinals of Bellator’s light heavyweight grand prix on Friday, with a clear cut, decision win over Lyoto Machida.

The heavyweight champ faced Machida in the headliner of Bellator 256, which took place in Uncasville, Connecticut. Bader repeatedly took Machida down in the fight, and outscored the legend from the top for the victory.

The former light heavyweight champ will face the winner of the Corey Anderson – Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov semifinal bout, scheduled for next Friday at Bellator 257.

With the win, Bader avenged a 2012, KO loss to Machida under the UFC banner.

Here are the complete results for Bellator 256.

Ryan Bader def. Lyoto Machida via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-45, 49-45) – advances to light heavyweight grand prix semifinal
Liz Carmouche def. Vanessa Porto via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Adam Borics def. Jeremy Kennedy via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Cat Zingano def. Olivia Parker via submission (armbar) – R1, 2:56
Dan Moret def. Goiti Yamauchi via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Dalton Rosta def. Tony Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Talita Nogueira def. Jessica Borga via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Jornel Lugo def. Cass Bell via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Cody Law def. Nathan Ghareeb via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jaylon Bates def. Jeffrey Glossner via submission (guillotine choke) – R2, 1:27
Nainoa Dung def. Izzy William via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Diana Avsaragova def. Tara Graff via knockout (punches) – R1, 0:29
John Douma def. Will Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Results via MMA Junkie