The rematch is on.
Bellator Flyweight Champion Liz Carmouche defends her title against former foe DeAnna Bennett in the main event of Bellator 294. Since Bennett missed weight, she is ineligible to capture the championship even with a victory. Carmouche has agreed to keep her title on the line, so the title would become vacant if she were to lose to Bennett.
The headliner takes place in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii.
Round 1:
Carmouche exchanges strikes with Bennett. The fight goes to the ground with Bennett establishing top control. Bennett decides to push her opponent back against the cage. Bennett is able to control Carmouche on the ground for several minutes. Bennett lands a few strikes from top position. The challenger ends the round on top.
CDS: 10-9 Bennett
Round 2:
Carmouche works her leg kicks. Carmouche starts to load up on her punches, throwing a big right hand multiple times at Bennett. Carmouche attempts a takedown on Bennett but she Bennett reverses position, getting on top of Carmouche once again. Bennett tries to seize the back but Carmouche works her way back up to her feet.
The fighters exchange in the pocket. Carmouche closes the distance with strikes and clinches up with Bennett against the cage. Bennett gets control in the clinch and takes down Carmouche. The second round ends with Bennett on top (again).
CDS: 20-18 Bennett
Round 3:
Bennett is in and out of distance, landing fast shots on Carmouche. Carmouche returns with a crisp combo but is later met in the clinch with Bennett, who tries to take her down. Bennett is able to secure another takedown, establishing top control. Bennett lands ground and pound on the grounded champion. Bennett lands strikes to the body as the round ends.
CDS: 30-27 Bennett
Round 4:
Carmouch lands a leg kick on Bennett which leads her to stumble. Bennett attempts another takedown but this time, Carmouche stuffs it. Bennett doesn’t give up however, still trying for a single-leg takedown. Carmouche defends well and later gets top control on Bennett. Carmouche looks for an arm-triangle submission up against the cage. After seconds of squeezing, Bennett finally taps out to the submission. Carmouche is still the Bellator flyweight champion!
Official result: Liz Carmouche defeats DeAnna Bennett by submission (arm triangle) in round 4 (4:29)
Check out the highlights below:
It's a takedown from @iamgirlrilla but @DeAnnaDBennett remains in control. #Bellator294 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/HgVL1jjbBe
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 22, 2023
👀 @DeAnnaDBennett having great success in the grappling department. #Bellator294 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/bQM0MI1Q9T
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 22, 2023
👊 @iamgirlrilla lands the combo on @DeAnnaDBennett.#Bellator294 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/KQoOPZEtDO
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 22, 2023
😱 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗟@iamgirlrilla weathers the storm to submit @DeAnnaDBennett in Round 4️⃣.#Bellator294 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/RbmtEeTskA
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 22, 2023
#Bellator294 Official Result: C-Liz @iamgirlrilla Carmouche (19-7) defeated #4-DeAnna Bennett (13-8-1) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:29 of round four pic.twitter.com/Z8NGl6wAOA
— Bellator Public Relations (@BellatorPR) April 22, 2023
