Bellator 67 Recap and Results: Michael Chandler knocks out Akihiro Gono

This Friday night Bellator 67 took place in Rama, Ontario, Canada. The fight card featured surging Bellator Lightweight champion Michael Chandler, but his belt was not on the line. He faced longtime Japanese veteran Akihiro Gono in a catchweight bout. From the beginning, Chandler employed his treademark aggression to push the pace, overcoming Gono’s standup to land two hard punches. A massive straight right hand found its home, and Gono hit the cage floor. The fight was over soon after some ground-and-pound, leaving Chandler the victor at only 0:56 of the opening round.

In other action, Bryan Baker earned a hard-fought decision over Ben Saunders to advance to the Welterweight tournament final, where he will meet the winner of the upcoming David Rickels vs. Karl Amossou fight. Baker beat a game opponent with excellent wrestling and top control, fighting off the effective Muay Thai of his opponent and multiple submission attempts. It appears Baker’s cut to Welterweight is beginning to pay dividends for him. Also in a Heavyweight bout, Damian Grabowski beat Dave Huckaba in a grinding decision, and Ryan Ford beat Luis Santos with a dangerous knee after surviving a first round not in his favor.

Chandler is no doubt a deserving champion. How soon will the call come for him to fight the best that the UFC has to offer?

Complete Bellator 67 Results:

Main Card:

Michael Chandler def. Akihiro Gono via TKO (strikes)

Bryan Baker def. Ben Saunders via unanimous decision

Ryan Ford def. Luis Santos via TKO (strikes)

Damian Grabowski def. Dave Huckaba via unanimous decision

Preliminary Card:

Will Romero def. Matt Veal via TKO (strikes)

David Harris def. Nick Kirk via unanimous decision

Cosmo Alexander def. Lorawnt Nelson via unanimous decision

Nordine Taleb def. Matt MacGrath via TKO (punches)

Dom O’Grady def. Nathan Gunn via submission (armbar)