Bellator 289 post-event facts: Underdogs shine on final card of 2022

Bellator put on its 17th and final event of the year on Friday with Bellator 289, which took place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Two champions defended their titles at the top of the card. In the main event, Raufeon Stots (19-1 MMA, 7-0 BMMA) edged Danny Sabatello (13-2 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) by split decision in their grudge match to defend interim bantamweight gold and advance to the finals of the promotion’s grand prix.

The co-headliner saw Liz Carmouche (18-7 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) earn a second consecutive win over Juliana Velasquez (12-2 MMA, 7-2 BMMA), this time without controversy as she scored a second-round submission to defend women’s flyweight gold.

For more on the numbers behind the card, check below for MMA Junkie’s post-event facts from Bellator 289.