Bellator 56 Recap

Ben Askren defeated Jay Hieron by Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)
My Prediction: Askren by Decision
My Rating: $$
What Happened: Askren wasn't able to completely control the fight with his wrestling as most people predicted.  Hieron was at times able to open up his striking and throw off Askren enough to think twice about his takedowns.  By the time the 5th round came around with the rounds scored 2-2 it seemed to be anyones fight Hieron seemed to possibly have the edge but ultimately the champion gets the nod in a very close fight.

Future matchups to make: Askren will now wait for the Douglas Lima vs Ben Saunders tournament final for his next opponent.

Thiago Santos defeated Neil Grove by Submission :38 1st Round
My Prediction: Santos by Submission 1st Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Grove denied Santos request to touch gloves at the bell and was looking for the big over hand right.  Grove was able to throw the punch but it did no damage, moments later it was Santos who was throwing the big over hand right but his lands and floors Grove.  From there Santos follows him to ground and unloads some ground in pound in Grove's guard, Grove had to roll to protect him self but in doing so he gave up his back, which allowed Santos to sink in a rear naked choke for the submission win.

Future matchups to make: Santos will now face Eric Prindle in the Heavyweight tournament finals.

Eric Prindle defeated Ron Sparks by TKO :40 1st Round
My Prediction: Sparks by TKO 1st Round
My Rating: $$
What Happened: We knew this fight most likely was going to end quickly and Prindle did not disapoint.  Prindle stayed to the outside and threw some kicks, it was a kick from Sparks that Prindle countered with a big left hook that floored Sparks.  Prindle followed up some some ground and pound but it seemed Sparks was out before he hit the mat.

Future matchups to make: Prindle will now face Thiago Santos in the tournament finals for the right to face Cole Konrad for the title.

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