Bellator 237 results: Fedor Emelianenko knocks out Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson in first round

Steven Muehlhausen

Bellator 237 results: Fedor Emelianenko knocks out Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson in first round image

When Fedor Emelianenko signed a three-fight deal in June to remain in Bellator, it had been expected that it would be a retirement tour of sorts beginning at Saturday's Bellator 237 when he met Quinton "Rampage" Jackson ​in the main event in Saitama, Japan.

Emelianenko (39-6, one no-contest) made the return to Saitama Super Arena, the venue where he scored some of biggest wins in his storied career, a memorable one by knocking out Jackson with a blistering right hand in a dominant performance at the 2:44 mark of the first round to complete phase one of the tour. For his career, Emelianenko went 14-0 inside the arena with nine of those wins by stoppage.

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The bout wasn't too much to write home about. Emelianenko controlled an out-of-shape Jackson, who came in at 265 pounds, from the outset. Emelianenko repeatedly found a home with the left uppercut, sometimes doubling them up. When he wasn't using his vaunted left and right hands, Emelianenko kept Jackson at distance by mixing in kicks to the body and leg. Then with both fighters standing in the center of the cage, Emelianenko connected on a vicious right hand to put Jackson out of his misery for one final KO in the "Land of the Rising Sun." 

So what's next for Emelianenko? After the fight, it was initially thought that he had hinted at his retirement, but that turned out to be a translation mistake. He clarified his comments afterward, saying he wants to continue. "For this day, particularly this day, [two more fights] is the plan," he said, according to ESPN. "But we'll see."

Here's what happened at Bellator 237:

Bellator 237: Fedor vs. Rampage results

(All times Eastern.)

Fedor Emelianenko knocks out Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

12:46 a.m.: Emelianenko def. Jackson by knockout at 2:44 of the first round.  It was all Emelianenko from start to finish. He controlled the entire fight throwing whenever he wanted with no attack from Jackson. Emelianenko finished things off when he blasted Jackson with a straight right hand to finish off the former UFC light heavyweight champion. 

12:34 a.m.:  Out comes the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.

12:32 a.m.:  What an entrance for Rampage Jackson. 

12:30 a.m.:  It is now time for the main event of Bellator 237 as Fedor Emelianenko meets Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in heavyweight action. Jackson tipped the scales on Friday at a career-high of 265 pounds, 24.5 pounds heavier than Emelianenko (240.5). We don't need to tell you the accolades of both men. If you don't know them, then you aren't a true fan of MMA.

Regardless of how long this lasts, it's going to be historic and fun to watch.

Bellator 237: Fedor vs. Rampage undercard results

12:12 a.m.: Michael Chandler def. Sidney Outlaw by knockout at 2:59 of the first round. After controlling the action for the entire round, Chandler blasted Outlaw with an overhand right hand that virtually knocked him out on his feet and sent him into a splits position. Then for good measure, Chandler connected on another shot to set a new record for most stoppages in Bellator history with 12. 

11:52 p.m.: Michael "Venom" Page def. Shinsho Anzai by knockout at 0:23 of the second round. A striking clinic by Page. He didn't respect Anzai's ability in the slightest bit. "MVP" kept his hands down throughout, threw from awkward angles and showed the complete arsenal with his hands and feet until finally putting Anzai out of his misery with a blistering right hook.

It's time for Page to get back in there against quality opposition instead of one squash match after another since losing to welterweight champion Douglas Lima at Bellator 221 in May.

11:25 p.m.: Lorenz Larkin def. Keita Nakamura by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27). We jinxed it as Larkin wins by decision. Give Nakamaura credit. Larkin hit him with everything, and somehow, Nakamura lasted until the end. 

10:55 p.m.: Kana Watanabe def. IIara Joanne via TKO at 4:39 of the third round.  Two fights, two stoppages, as Watanabe defeats Joanne by TKO with 21 seconds remaining in the bout. Will we see that continue the rest of the card?

10:22 p.m.: Goiti Yamauchi def. Daron Cruickshank by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:11 of the first round.  Well, Cruickshank couldn't win one for the "Hulkster," losing to Yamauchi.

10:08 p.m.:  Have to appreciate Daron Cruickshank coming out to the "Real American," the WWE theme of Hulk Hogan. Now, can he parlay his great entrance into a win over Goiti Yamauchi?

10:00 p.m.:  Welcome to Sporting News' live coverage of Bellator 237, featuring the main event of Fedor Emelianenko and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Grab the refreshments and enjoy what should be an exciting night of action.

Bellator 237: Fedor vs. Rampage fight card

Main Card

  • Fedor Emelianenko vs. Quinton Jackson; Heavyweight 
  • Michael Chandler vs. Sidney Outlaw; Catchweight (160 lbs.) 
  • Keita Nakamura vs. Lorenz Larkin; Welterweight 
  • Kana Watanabe vs. Ilara Joanne; Women's Flyweight 
  • Daron Cruickshank vs. Goiti Yamauchi; Lightweight 
  • Michael Page vs. Shinsho Anzai; Catchweight (173 lbs.) 

 

Steven Muehlhausen

Steven Muehlhausen Photo

Steven Muehlhausen is a contributing writer for DAZN News. He writes features and news stories, and provides analysis relating to the world of boxing. Over the past five years, he has interviewed some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Bill Goldberg.