Daniel James FLATLINES Marcelo Golm, Cat Zingano Edges Victory at Bellator 293

Inside Fighting

April 1, 2023

Bellator 293 delivered the finishes in a big way – with 11 of 15 fights ending in either a submission or knockout. The biggest KO came in the heavyweight main event, with Daniel James sending Marcelo Golm to the shadow realm with a picture-perfect uppercut.

James used the opportunity to throw his name into the title-shot mix – calling out heavyweight champion Ryan Bader after his big W.

The co-main event featured a women’s featherweight bout between women’s MMA legend Cat Zingano and Leah McCourt – with Zingano edging out a decision W in a back-and-forth battle.

A win for Zingano sets up a potential title shot – with rumors circulating that Cris Cyborg may return to Bellator to defend a featherweight title that she never lost.

All of the Finishes from Bellator 293

There was no shortage of carnage at Bellator 293 – with plenty of action on both the undercard and main card.

Archie Colgan came out victorious in a battle of undefeated lightweights – swarming Justin Montalvo with a beautiful combination off a devastating jab.

Perhaps the most memorable finish on the night came courtesy of Luke Trainer, who choked out Sullivan Cauley with a rear-naked choke in round 1. Not the flashiest submission – but he celebrated his victory in the cage by proposing to his girlfriend (she said yes!).

Rakim Cleveland got a guillotine finish in his bout against Christian Edwards.

Mike Hamel was the only fighter on the night to get his finish using his kicks – dropping Nick Browne with a head kick and then closing out the job with punches.

Lightweight Adam Piccolotti sunk in a rear-naked choke against Mandel Nallo with just over 30 seconds left in the fight.

Bellator debutant Sara Collins landed the rarest submission of the night, finishing her fight with Pam Sorenson with a scarf hold armlock.

Lucas Brennan channeled his inner backpack, choking out Josh San Diego in the first round. The talented featherweight prospect moves to a perfect 8-0 in MMA.

One of the most impressive knockout punches of Bellator 293 was delivered by Vladimir Tokov – who dropped and swarmed previously undefeated lightweight Lance Gibson Jr. in only 62 seconds.

Bantamweight prospect Bryce Meredith proved why there’s so much hype around him – putting together a dominant performance before scoring the rear-naked choke in round 2 against Brandon Carrillo.

Finally, the very first finish of Bellator 293 came courtesy of Mackenzie Stiller, who looked smooth as silk sinking in a devastating armbar against Maria Henderson.