Bellator 220 results: Benson Henderson edges Adam Piccolotti in thriller (Highlights)

Following the first match-up featuring former champions, Bellator 220’s main card rolled on as the former WEC and UFC lightweight king, Benson Henderson returned. Standing across from him was the rising contender, Adam Piccolotti.

Each fighter was looking to extend their winning streaks to three straight and make their cases for the next shot at the 155-pound crown.

Henderson engages with leg kicks instantly. Piccolotti fires back with a strong one of his own. Henderson pushes forward with a combo, Piccolotti gets in a leg kick before the two clinch. Henderson finds a knee to the head in tight. Piccolotti keeps the pressure tight and takes Henderson down and lands strong punches before taking his back and looking for the choke. Henderson manages to survive briefly but Piccolotti keeps looking for it as Henderson gets up with Piccolotti on his back. A tight neck crank from the Californian pulls the former UFC champ to the ground. He survives once again. Piccolotti starts to pepper with right hands from the back before sliding over into side control and sinking in a tight arm triangle. Henderson manages to survive AGAIN. They get back to the feet and Henderson lands some good shots before the round ends.

The two start the middle round aggressively trading shots. Piccolotti attempts an early takedown before Henderson counters with one of his own but finds success with it. Piccolotti gets up with Henderson on his back but he dumps him off. Henderson finds a tight guillotine up against the cage but can’t get it, he lands some knees before letting go. Henderson controls against the cage before hitting another takedown. Henderson quickly ends up on Piccolotti’s back. Piccolotti is able to scramble out and look for a kneebar to no avail. Henderson starts dropping ground and pound. The round ends with Henderson standing over Piccolotti.

Third round starts with a Piccolotti takedown within 20 seconds. Henderson is on the bottom in guard trapping Piccolotti with his legs. Henderson attempts another guillotine. Piccolotti works his way out and the two get into an awkward position against the cage. Scrambling up, Henderson throws Piccolotti off his back. Engaging in the clinch again, Piccolotti pulls Henderson to the ground. Piccolotti holds Henderson down as Henderson taps him with short punches. Henderson turns out of the position giving up his back and stands up with Piccolotti on his back just like the first round. Falling and all. Henderson survives and rolls into guard ending the fight on top.

Result: Henderson def Piccolotti via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Check out the rest of the card’s results: here.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 4/27/2019