Bellator 245 results: Phil Davis edges out Lyoto Machida, wins rematch by split decision

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Phil Davis has Lyoto Machida’s number – and that number is two.

For the second time in their professional careers, Davis (22-5 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) defeated Machida (26-10 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) on Friday by split decision. Davis got the better end of two out of three 20-28 judges’ cards in the light heavyweight main event of Bellator 245 at Mohegan Sun Arena

In the opening round, both fighters were tentative. In vintage fashion, Machida picked his shots, displaying his patience. Davis didn’t bite or fall into any of Machida’s traps, however.

The second round was much like the first. Machida utilized hard leg kicks throughout the frame. Davis was able to knock Machida off-balance midway through the round. Upon catching his footing, Machida shook his head, indicating he slipped. Late in the round, Davis halfway got a takedown but it never fully came to fruition.

The point-fighting festival continued in Round 3. Davis utilized his head movement and footwork, slowly but surely walking toward Machida. In one of Machida’s best moments of the fight, he landed a hard leg kick followed by a one-two combination. At sound of the 10-second clacker, both men landed hard strikes that put each other on their back.

The first fight between Davis and Machida took place in August 2013. The bout served as UFC 163 co-headliner. In his fourteenth professional fight, Davis defeated the former UFC light heavyweight champion by unanimous decision.

Friday’s win was Davis’ third in a row, and fifth of his past six. Machida had a four-fight win streak snapped.

Bellator 245 tool place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card aired on Paramount and streamed on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Complete Bellator 245 results:

• Phil Davis def. Lyoto Machida via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-29)
• Cat Zingano def. Gabrielle Holloway via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
• Taylor Johnson def. Ed Ruth via submission (heel hook) —Round 1, 0:59
• Raymond Daniels vs. Peter Stanonik, no contest (unintentional groin strike) — Round 2, 1:00
• Alex Polizzi def. Rafael Carvalho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Leslie Smith def. Amanda Bell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Tyrell Fortune vs. Jack May, no contest (accidental knee to groin) — Round 1, 2:44
• Keith Lee def. Vinicius Zani via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

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