Bellator 229 ‘Koreshkov vs Larkin’ recap with results, .gifs and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane interview
Bellator 229: “Koreshkov vs. Larkin” aired last night (Fri., Oct. 4, 2019) on DAZN and Paramount Network from Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. Former champion “Spartan” Andrey Koreshkov (22-3) sought to edge his way back into title contention against the always dangerous Lorenz Larkin (20-7, 1 NC).
A tight first round saw Koreshkov land big body shots and a spinning head kick that rocked Larkin, but before he could go for the kill Larkin landed a stiff left that momentarily dazed Koreshkov. In the second round it was Larkin doing the big damage with right hands and multiple knees that dropped Koreshkov, earning at least a 10-8 with his dominance.
The third round could have gone either way. Koreshkov scored multiple takedowns throughout the frame but didn’t do much damage with it. Larkin didn’t land much standing compared to Koreshkov but did hit elbows to the head while blocking said takedowns. The judges ultimately returned a verdict of 29-28 X2 for Larkin, 29-28 from one for Koreshkov.
“Da Monsoon” spoke to John McCarthy about being rocked and who he wants next.
“Yo. Real shit John, I had seen a flash, I don’t know what it was, but you better get the eff up! So I started working man. You know what man? I’ve got some of the best coaches in the game. They don’t lie. They said we don’t think you got that (first) round. Fighters need stuff like that. I’m fighting in front of my hometown, my friends, my family. I’m pumped man. We’re all family. I gotta fight Lima. He gave me that L. I’ve got to get it back.”
In addition a Lightweight contest pitted two mainstays of the division in Bellator MMA against each other as Saad Awad (23-11) faced Goiti Yamauchi (23-4).
For a minute Yamauchi appeared to be in danger as Awad was in command with strikes and hurt his opponent with a hard right hand. He did the one thing no one should ever do with Yamauchi though - take him down and try to posture up on top. Yamauchi quickly cinched up an armbar and it was so painful that Awad verbally submitted at 1:40 of round one.
The victorious Goiti Yamauchi spoke to John McCarthy after the win.
“Aw yeah. I will back it up. I trained this movement a lot. It’s one of my favorite positions from the guard. I’m so happy that I could do it.”
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane joined Mike Goldberg to promote a title defense in Hawaii against Kate Jackson on December 21st.
“It’s going to. If you guys thought last year was awesome just wait until this time. Feeling that atmosphere was what motivated and believe me Kate Jackson is going to get it December 21st. There’s no way that I’m going to lose my belt in my hometown in front of my friends, my family. I’ve been traveling the world, doing production and commentary, but I’m ready to start camp Monday and get into fight mode.”
Tony Johnson (8-2) made his promotional return after knocking out Brian Ortega two years ago. He’d have to best “Stitch ‘Em Up” Joe Schilling (4-5) to prove he deserves a return date faster than another two years.
Schilling dominated most of the first round, but a late knockdown by Johnson allowed him to go for an anaconda choke and nearly get the finish. Schilling evened things up in the second round by battering the left leg with kicks and the nose with left hands that had Johnson bleeding heavily.
Going to the judges could have made it a debate on the scorecards as to whether or not Johnson really stole R1. He made that academic by starching Schilling with a left hook that shut his lights off and immediately sent him falling backward. One unnecessary follow up on the ground landed before Mark Smith stepped in at 2:07.
Johnson was gracious in victory as he spoke to “Big” John McCarthy about his win.
“Thank you to Joe for bringing a hell of a fight. He’s a hell of a competitor, it was a lot of fun. Man that shot, I knew I lost the second round, after that round I was seeing two people. Once I could see one I knew I needed to get it back.”
California eyes were smiling on Keri Taylor Melendez (3-0) with husband Gilbert in her corner as they took on Mandy Polk (6-4) at a 118 lb. catch weight.
Polk tried to charge in immediately for a takedown, and although she got it Melendez was in complete control off her back, looking for triangles and armbars all while smashing Polk with elbows. Round 2 saw Polk get no successful takedowns and eat a continual barrage of knees to the body and strikes to the head, leaving her looking wilted to start Round 3.
Melendez was in control at the beginning and end of the third frame with her hands and knees respectively. In between Polk got a takedown but spent more time defending against triangle chokes and kimuras than she did actually landing any significant damage.
The judges returned scores of 30-27 X3 for Melendez before she spoke to John McCarthy.
“I was okay. I felt pretty comfortable. She was strong and I expected her to be strong. I had the arm trapped, I need to be able to finish something like that. I’ve been working on my back and I’m going to continue to work on my back, get better all around, challenge myself to be better. Can we please start a 115 division here? I might have to move up, I’m not sure. I’d like them to start a 115 division.”
