Bellator 90: Shabulat Shamhalaev Takes Out Rad Martinez, Emanuel Newton Dethrones “King Mo” Lawal With Highlight Reel KO
By FCF Staff
Bellator’s latest card in Salt Lake City, Utah, tonight featured several memorable stoppage wins, as all of five of the event’s tournament bouts ended by TKO, KO or submission.
In the featherweight tourney finale, feared striker Shahbulat Shamhalaev put away noted wrestler and Utah vet Rad Martinez in the second round with a vicious series of punches.
At light-heavyweight, Emanuel Newton recorded the latest upset win in the tournament, as he knocked out “King Mo” Lawal with a spinning-back-fist that landed perfectly on the former Strikeforce champ’s jaw.
In the other semifinal bout, Mikhail Zayats quickly worked his way through Jacob Noe, and tapped out the light-heavyweight with an armbar.
In the welterweight semifinals, both Douglas Lima and Ben Saunders recorded highlight reel finishes, as Lima dropped Bryan Baker with a thumping right hand, while Saunders took out Raul Amaya with a nicely executed head kick.
Here are the results from tonight’s Bellator 90 card.
Featherweight Tournament Final
Shahbulat Shamhalaev def. Rad Martinez by KO (punches) R2 2:12
Light-Heavyweight Tournament Semifinals
Emanuel Newton def. “King Mo” Lawal by KO (spinning back fist) R1 2:33
Mikhail Zayats def. Jacob Noe via submission (armbar) R1 3:38
Welterweight Tournament Semifinals
Douglas Lima def. Bryan Baker via TKO (strikes) R1 2:34
Ben Saunders def. Raul Amaya via KO (head kick) R1 2:56
Preliminary Card
Lionel Lanham def. Joe Rodriguez via KO (punches) R1 0:49
Sean Powers def. David Allred via submission (rear naked choke) R3 2:10
Jesse Juarez def. Jordan Smith via split decision (29-28 Juarez, 29-28 Smith, 30-27 Juarez)
Travis Marx def. Chase Beebe via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27