Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren

By FCF Staff

Bellator promoted a star studded card tonight in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and several of the promotion’s biggest names recorded impressive wins.

Armed with a new eight fight contract, Michael Chandler needed little time to put away David Rickels, as the lightweight champ KO’d the challenger in just 44 seconds.

Welterweight champ Ben Askren may have needed more time to defend his belt, but the renowned grappler cruised to a fourth round, stoppage win over Andrey Koreshkov.

“King Mo” Lawal and Vital Minakov locked up title shots at light-heavyweight and heavyweight respectively. Lawal battered Jacob Noe with his ground-and-pound skills for the third round win, while Minakov also put away Ryan Martinez in round three with strikes.

Bellator also announced during the card that Tito Ortiz is coming out of retirement, and will fight “Rampage” Jackson on November 2nd at the promotion’s first PPV event.

Here are the results from tonight’s broadcast on SPIKE.

Lightweight Championship

Michael Chandler def. Davi Rickels by KO (punches)- R1, 0:44

Welterweight Championship

Ben Askren def. Andrey Koreshkov via TKO (punches) – R4, 2:58

Heavyweight Tournament Final

Vitaly Minakov def. Ryan Martinez via TKO (punches) – R3, 4:02

Light-Heavyweight Tournament Final

Muhammed Lawal def. Jacob Noe via verbal submission (punches) – R3, 2:51

Bantamweight Tourney Semifinals

Rafael Silva def. Rodrigo Lima via submission (rear-naked choke) – R3, 2:03

Anthony Leone def. Frank Baca via submission (rear-naked choke) – R3, 1:07

Will Brooks def. Cris Leyva via TKO (punches) – R3, 2:20

Bubba Jenkins def. Mike Barreras via TKO (punches) – R2, 1:05

Patricio Freire def. Jared Downing via TKO (punch) – R3, 0:54