Bellator 294: Neil S. Blaisdell Center; Honolulu, Hawaii
For the second-time fighting Liz Carmouche, DeAnna Bennett missed weight, and this time it also cost her a shot at the flyweight strap. And had “Vitamin D” become victorious it would have hurt even more to not grab the belt. But easily being behind on the cards and dominated in the cage, “Girl-Rilla” showed the gritty heart of a champion.
Bennett was able to take the fight in every round till the fourth-round triangle submission at 4:29 to the ground. Her top control and short strikes were definitely taking an effect on the champion. Although she still had her wits about her. She now finds herself on a six-fight win streak since leaving the UFC.
And even on the feet Bennett was showing discipline and an aggressiveness to hunt the champion. Who did seem a tad off her game. She normally is a lot more aggressive and has way more head movement. Carmouche continuously hunted for submissions from the back however, before getting it finally. Which is something that is contuing to improve. Making a tough U.S. Marine an even tougher one.
The Heart Of A Champion Keeps Her Cards Close To The Chest
Not saying anything more than now wanting to spend time with the family; Carmouche didn’t make any call outs. Although she did take a jab at Bennett for not having a “gas-tank”. But with tomorrow’s card in the same arena with Kana Watanabe (who she also has a win over), and the inaugural champion Ilima Lei-Macfarlane, you can imagine that’s what Scott Coker is thinking about. Mostly because there is still a decent sized gap in the top of the rankings to the mid-level.
Macfarlane’s super well rounded and has never been finished. It would be the best for Bellator as a whole to see if an aggressive Carmouche can take her “0”. The fact the pair are friends is just an added bonus.
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