In the first semifinal bout of the season nine welterweight tournament, Ron Keslar defeated Jon “War Machine” Koppenhaver by technical submission in the first round to advance to the tournament final.
Koppenhaver opened the fight by throwing leg kicks but Keslar was able to get the fight to the ground. He had the back of Koppenhaver and began to look for a rear-naked choke.
Koppenhaver would get back to his feet but Keslar remained on his back. Keslar would be able to lock in the rear-naked choke and Koppenhaver would not tap as the referee would come in to stop.
Keslar (11-3) now has won six fights in a row and this is his fifth career win by submission.
Bellator 104 Results:
Ron Keslar def. Jon “War Machine” Koppehaver via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:31
Kendall Grove def. Joe Vedepo via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Peter Graham def. Eric Prindle via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Paul Bradley def. Karl Amoussou via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Paul Sass def. Rod Montoya via submission (toe hold) – Round 1, 2:01
Rob Emerson def. Jared Downing via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:44
Brandon Girtz def. Mike Estus via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:25
Cliff Wright Jr. def. Derek Loffer via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 4:28
Andre Tieva def. Chris Lane via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:14