Bellator 279: Justin Kish annoys Elima Lee MacFarlane.
Justin Kish defeated Elima Lee McFarlane by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28), at Bellator 279 on Saturday, April 23, 2022, live from Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, HI.
MacFarlane opened the fight with an attempt to finish but Kish was able to defend it. Kish eventually threw MacFarlane to the ground and took a big position. MacFarlane recovered and was back on her feet. The two women slowed down after the quick start. The women exchanged punches, but the majority of the punches failed to connect.
The second round saw MacFarlane exit strongly. However, it was Kish who got the best out of the exchange. Kish catches the takedown attempt by MacFarlane and locks him up pending dispatch. MacFarlane managed to escape and applied her surrender suspension. Kish managed to escape and get back on her feet. The two women engaged in a snatch against the fence, with Kish tripping over MacFarlane. The two wrestled for a bit before Kish allowed MacFarlane to return.
Both women entered the final round, thinking they needed to win the round to win the fight, and opened the final round hard. The two exchanged punches as Kish landed more than her opponent. MacFarlane landed a straight right that knocked the lopsided Kish to the ground. Kish was able to recover immediately and took MacFarlane. Once again, MacFarlane showed her advantage on the ground by placing an order but Kish managed to escape. Kish maintained lateral control as MacFarlane couldn’t get out of the bottom. Kish moved to an entire mountain and then regained his back. MacFarlane avoided choking but Kish closed an arm strap from which MacFarlane was able to escape. MacFarlane grabbed her back but time ran out before she could take advantage of her position.
MacFarlane made her return to the Bellator cage after a year and a half of rest due to knee surgery. MacFarlane has not fought since losing the flyweight title to Juliana Velasquez at Bellator 254. The second loss in a row is disappointing for MacFarlane, who will be looking to recover in her next fight.
After starting her career 6-0, Kish has struggled in her last six fights, losing five times. After leaving the UFC, Kish signed with Bellator, losing her debut to DeAnna Bennett at Bellator 274. The victory over Macfarlane is arguably the biggest of Kish’s career. Kish entered the fight without a rank in the Bellator flyweight rankings but is immediately in the fight for the title after winning.
Bellator 279: Cris Cyborg vs.Rlene Blencowe 2 was held Friday, April 23, 2022, live from the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, HI. Follow up with FanSided MMA for all the news and highlights.
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