Bellator 216 Results: 9-year undefeated streak ends, 20-year-old female fighter debuts
The pressure was on Bellator to make up for the underwhelming 215 as Michael Vemon Page took on Paul Daley in the main event of the 216 in what was billed as the biggest grudge match in Bellator history.
Elsewhere on the card, a 9-year undefeated streak came to an end on a night that also didn't witness two debutants making a strong statement.
Let's get right into the results without wasting any more time:
Bellator 216 Undercard Results
* Demetrios Plaza def. Andrews Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
* Justin Sumter def. Reginaldo Felix via submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (3:27, Round 1)
* Kemran Lachinov def. Kastriot Xhema via submission (Kneebar) 0:53 (Round 2)
* Tyrell Fortune def. Ryan Pokryfky via TKO (knee and punches) (2:21, Round 1)
* Vinicius De Jesus def. Rodolpho Barcellos via TKO (punches) (3:46, Round 1)
* Jesse Kosakowski def. Rodolfo Neves Rocha via submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (3:05, Round 2)
* Nekruz Mirkhojaev def. Pat Casey via submission (Neck Crank) – Round 3, 1:18
#1 Colby Fletcher vs. Valerie Loureda (Flyweight)
Taekwondo standout Valerie Loureda made her pro-MMA debut for Bellator as she took on Colby Fletcher (1-2) in the first fight on the main card. Fletcher came into the fight with a noticeable reach advantage against the debutant who trains at American Top Team.
Round 1: Loureda predictably began with a high left kick. Loureda stuck to her Taekwondo-inspired style and answered Fletcher's combo with a spinning hook kick. Loureda kept things busy as she connected with a right hook followed by axe and leg kicks.
Loureda continued to amass volume as she landed a three-piece, a combo, and a leg kick. She connected with a body head as Fletcher looked to cut the distance. Loureda caught Fletcher with another right hook and a leg kick.
Fletcher pushed Loureda away with a kick as the debutant missed a hook. Loureda then stunned Fletcher with a combo followed by a body kick and that did enough damage to send Fletcher crashing to the mat.
Loureda pounced to unleash a right hammer fist combo forcing the referee to step and end the fight.
Result: Valere Loureda def. Colby Fletcher via TKO (2:55, Round 1)
The 20-year-old Taekwondo star couldn't have asked for a better debut as she was visibly overwhelmed by the win. She termed the moment as a dream come true and couldn't stop the waterworks. A great debut and a heartfelt moment to follow it up for the talented women's flyweight prospect.