Bellator 262 results: Russian prospect Diana Avsaragova stays unbeaten with split decision

Diana Avsaragova remained undefeated as a top women’s flyweight prospect Friday when she handled Gabriela Gulfin at Bellator 262.

Avsaragova (4-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA), the 22-year-old from Russia, showed off a patient striking strategy against Gulfin (2-3 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) for three rounds. It seemed like a clear fight for her, but the judges provided a scare with split decision scores of 29-28, 28-28, and 29-28. Ultimately, though, the right person won.

The 125-pound bout took place on the Bellator 262 prelims, which streamed on MMA Junkie prior to the main card on Showtime from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

There was never a point in the fight where Avsaragova seemed in legitimate danger. She stayed on the outside and carefully picked her shots, and Gulfin’s aggression created openings for Avsaragova to counter strike.

The two approaches didn’t mesh into the most exciting affair, but Avsaragova wasn’t really forced out of first gear. Gulfin showed a lot of toughness as well, absorbing shots and continuing to move forward from beginning to end. Her most effective weapon of the fight was the leg kick.

Avsaragova just simply had the cleaner technique and was able to keep Gulfin at bay in order to get her hand raised.

The latest Bellator 262 results include:

• Diana Avsaragova def. Gabriella Gulfin via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Adil Benjilany def. Johnny Soto via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Charlie Campbell def. Nicholas Giulietti via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:30