Despite raising his hand, Saul Rogers didn’t let Bellator 296 win.
Originally awarded a first-round win over Davey Gallon, Rogers (15-5 MMA, 3-3 BMMA), the result was canceled to a no contest by the Mohegan Athletics Regulatory Department and the French Mixed Martial Arts Federation just minutes into the bout. The fight ended on Friday at the Accor Arena in Paris.
Rogers put Gallon (21-8-2 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) into a D’Arce chokehold about two minutes into their lightweight bout. The lead was tight, but Gallon was making adequate defense. Referee Jacob Montalvo, who did not have a good view of Galón’s face, thought that Galón had been put to sleep and stopped the fight. Gallon immediately protested and showed the referee that he was defending the move.
Regardless, Rogers got the win and raised his hand in the middle of the cage. Minutes later, Bellator commentator John McCarthy reported on the broadcast that Roger’s victory was now not a contest.
Bellator announced that the decision to cancel was made after an “immediate replay review”. It is unclear how this ruling will affect salary or any of the fighters.
Below, you can see a replay of the controversial pause:
Did you agree to stop? 🤔
The referee stops the fight in favor @employee.# Bellator 296 @beast energy Prelims ▶ ️ https://t.co/NxwCKFPRok pic.twitter.com/NTtGsITsk1
– Bellator MMA (BellatorMMA) May 12, 2023
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