Emmanuel Sanchez scored his third victory in the Bellator cage on Friday night as he defeated Henry Corrales by split decision on the main card.
Sanchez (11-2) appeared close to a submission victory in the opening round when he locked in a triangle choke, but Corrales (12-2) would survive and they would battle for 15 minutes.
“It felt really good to get the victory. I pride myself on strong defense. I’m a strong Mexican warrior and I put it all on the line,” Sanchez said following the bout. “I’m a proud Mexican man who wants to become the Oscar De La Hoya of MMA.”