Bellator 79 Results | Bellator MMA | SPIKE

Season 7 of Bellator Fighting Championships continued, as the first tickets to the heavyweight and featherweight tournament finals were punched. In heavyweight action, Rich Hale overcame an early blitz by Thiago Santos and scored his fourth consecutive first-round finish. In a battle of two dangerous featherweight strikers, Shahbulat Shamhalaev struck first and picked up a quick knockout win against Mike Richman. Get the full results of Bellator 79.

Heavyweight tournament semifinal: Rich Hale defeats Thiago Santos via technical knockout (punches) at 3:31 of round one

Featherweight tournament semifinal: Shahbulat Shamhalaev defeats Mike Richman via knockout (punches) at 1:45 of round one

Catchweight fight (180 lbs): Douglas Lima defeats Kobe Ortiz via technical knockout (strikes) at 4:50 round three

Welterweight fight: Ryan Ford defeats Kyle Baker via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Catchweight fight (173 lbs): Christ Franck defeats Marcus Aurelio via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Heavyweight fight: Vitaly Minakov defeats Vladimir Starcencov via technical knockout (punches) at :27 of round two

Lightweight fight: Magomedrasul Khasbulaev defeats Josh Pulsifier via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:30 of round one


Image: Eric Coleman /Eric Coleman Photography /Bellator Fighting Championships