Cris Cyborg dominates Arlene Blencowe and defends belt at Bellator 279

C. Cyborg is undefeated in five appearances with Bellator gloves. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

MMA legend, Chris Cyborg went through his biggest challenge with Bellator gloves. At an event held this Saturday (23), in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA), the Brazilian experienced a true 'trial by fire' in a rematch with the resistant Arlene Blencowe. After 25 minutes of intense fighting, the Brazilian was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges and defended the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg) for the fourth time.

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Unlike the first confrontation, when she submitted the Australian in the first round, Cyborg needed 25 minutes to reach victory. The Brazilian legend still scared fans in the first round, when he ended up being penalized with a point, due to an illegal knee. Even with the punishment, Cris controlled most of the confrontation, leaving his opponent's face bathed in blood.

With the victory, the native of Curitiba expands her legacy in Bellator and remains absolute in the featherweight division. The fighter now has five appearances for the company, and remains undefeated.

Submitted in the first encounter, Blencowe showed progress, but it wasn't enough to stop one of the best fighters of all time. Even with the stumble, the Australian became the second fighter to 'survive' five rounds against the Brazilian. The first to achieve the feat was Holly holm, surpassed by points in a fight at UFC 219.

The fight

The confrontation began with Blencowe taking the initiative with a kick to the champion's knee. Cyborg also responded with an attack on the opponent's base. The Brazilian walked forward and combined punches and kicks to her opponent's body. Arlene accepted the exchange and tried to surprise the Curitiba native. With just over three minutes remaining until the end of the stage, the athletes went into grappling. Cris pressed the Australian against the bars and attacked her with knees. After just over three minutes, Cyborg took down her opponent with a clean right to the challenger's face. The Tupiniquim continued to take advantage of the good moment and punish its opponent. In a moment of distraction, Cyborg ended up applying an illegal knee to her rival, and the fight was interrupted. The champion was penalized with one point and, upon return, immediately applied a takedown to her opponent and attempted a katagatame. Blencowe managed to free himself and the fight was fought again on the feet. In the final seconds, Cyborg attacked with a high kick, but there was no more time.

In the second stage, the Brazilian returned more aggressive, throwing kicks at her rival's body. The challenger was betting on a counterattack, while the champion sought to settle the bill. Still in the first minute, Arlene landed a clean cross on Cyborg's face, but the Curitiba native continued walking towards her opponent. After almost three minutes of confrontation, Cris started grappling and pressed his opponent against the bars. Blencowe tried to free himself, but received knees and elbows from the Brazilian. The challenger surprised the Brazilian in the final minute, with a combination of crosses. Even with the Australian's good moment, Cyborg smiled and continued throwing blows towards her opponent. The assault ended with a frank exchange between the athletes.

The third round had Cyborg launching the first attack, with a high kick, which stopped in the challenger's guard. The champion continued to focus on high kicks, but the Australian defended her attacks. After a minute of fighting, Blencowe hit the Brazilian again with a direct hit, but Cris was unfazed. Near the final minute, Arlene was experiencing constant bleeding from her left eyebrow. In the final seconds, Cyborg again risked two high kicks, but the attacks went unnoticed.

In the fourth round, Cris attacked first, with a low kick. The Australian tried to respond, but couldn't find the best distance. Even though she was bloody, Arlene was at risk from counterattacks. Almost two minutes later, Cyborg managed a beautiful takedown on her opponent. Near the final minute, the Brazilian threw elbows at her opponent's ribs. Below, Blencowe tried to protect herself as best she could. In the final seconds, Arlene managed to stay on her feet and the fight was fought again in the center of the circular cage. The athletes rehearsed a frank exchange, but there was no more time.

In the decisive round, Blencowe needed to recover from the 'loss' in the previous rounds. The Australian launched jabs and straight shots, while Cyborg looked for the best moment to attack. With two minutes played, the Brazilian managed the result and launched specific attacks. Near the final minute, Cris rocked her opponent with a clean kick to the chin. The Australian continued to surprise with her resistance and was heading towards the champion. In the final seconds, the Australian called the Brazilian for a frank exchange. Cris smiled and accepted the challenge. The fighters excited the audience with attacks in the center of the circular cage.

Bellator 279 Stats

Bellator 279 results

MAIN CARD

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Chris Cyborg defeated Arlene Blencowe by unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) – Fight for the belt

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Raufeon Stots defeated Juan Archuleta by technical knockout 16 seconds ago. from R3 – Fight for the interim belt

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Justine Kish defeated Ilima-Lei Macfarlane by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Patchy mix defeated Kyoji Horiguchi via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Yancy Medeiros defeated Emmanuel sanchez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Goiti Yamauchi submitted Levan Chokheli with an armbar at 3m49s of R1

Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Bobby King defeated Keoni Diggs via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Diana Silva defeated Janay Harding via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Justin Gonzales defeated Kai Kamaka III in the judges' split decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Lance Gibson Jr. defeated Nainoa Dung via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)