Ron Keslar was placed into the season nine tournament this week as an injury replacement and he took full advantage of the opportunity as he upset Sergio Junior by split decision on the main card of Bellator 100.
In the opening round, Keslar came out as the aggressor and had Junior on his heels. He would take the fight to the ground but Junior was able to get back to his feet. The would have a striking battle for the remainder of the round with Junior throwing multiple spinning kicks that he went high and low with.
At the start of the second round, Keslar landed a right hand that dropped Junior and looked for the finish on the ground. Junior was able to survive but Keslar transitioned to the back and began to look for a rear-naked choke. Keslar would not be able to get the submission and Junior would throw strikes to the legs and face of Keslar until the round came to an end.
Junior would have his best round in the final round as he went for a guillotine choke in the first half of the round. He would be unable to get the choke and transitioned to an armbar which would be a mistake. He would be unable to get the submission and Keslar gained a dominate position on the ground and the fight would remain on the mat until the final bell sounded.
Two of the three judges scored the fight for Keslar (10-4) and he will meet the winner of Jon “War Machine” Koppenhaver and Vaughn Anderson in the tournament semifinals.
Bellator 100 Results:
Ron Keslar def. Sergio Junior via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Brent Weedman def. Justin Baesman via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:20
Travis Marx def. Brandon Bender via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:28
LaRue Burley def. Bubba Jenkins via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 3:40
Clifford Starks def. Joe Yager via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Liam McGeary def. Beau Tribolet via KO (strikes) – Round 1, :27
Siala Mou Siliga def. Dan Charles def. TKO (strikes) Round 3, 1:26
Adam McDonough def. Johnny Buck via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:51