Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren narrowly got by veteran Jay Hieron last night in Kansas City, as the decorated wrestler scored a split decision win over last season’s tournament winner to retain his crown.

Up next, Askren will taken on the winner of the upcoming, November 12th welterweight tourney final between Ben Saunders and Douglas Lima.

In the semifinals of Bellator’s ongoing heavyweight competition, Thiago Santos and Eric Prindle  both earned quick stoppage victories to entrench a future bout between the two.

Santos promptly submitted Neil Grive with a first round, rear-naked-choke, while Prindle finished Sparks off with several punches moments into their semifinal tilt.

The heavyweight finals will take place November 26th in Atlantic City.

Here are the complete results from last night’s Bellator 56 card.

Ben Askren def. Jay Hieron via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Thiago Santos def. Neil Grove via submission (rear-naked choke) – R1, 0:38
Eric Prindle def. Ron Sparks via KO (punches) – R1, 0:40
Jeremy Spoon def. Adam Schindler via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Marcio Navarro def. Rudy Bears by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Kelvin Tiller def. Dan Spohn via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Emanuel “E.J.” Brooks def. Willian de Souza via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Jacob Aiken def. Jeimeson Saudino via submission (rear-naked choke) – R1, 3:26
Aaron Ely def. Owen Evinger via submission (rear-naked choke) – R1, 3:45
Daniel Gallemore def. Derrick Ruffin via TKO (retirement) – R2, 5:00