In the main event of Bellator 261, the promotion crowned an interim heavyweight champion as Valentin Moldavsky earned a unanimous decision win against Timothy Johnson.
The two had a hard-fought affair over the course of five rounds before the judges rendered their decisions.
Moldavsky (11-1) remained undefeated inside of the Bellator cage with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 to become the interim heavyweight champion. It was his sixth consecutive victory and first fight since his win against Roy Nelson last August.
The loss dropped Johnson to a record of 15-7 and ended a three-fight win streak that dated back to February 2020.
The interim championship was introduced after regular champion Ryan Bader opted to compete in the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix. Bader advanced to the semi-finals of the Grand Prix after defeating Lyoto Machida this past April in the quarterfinals.
In the co-feature, Liz Carmouche appeared to punch her ticket for a future flyweight title opportunity after stopping Kana Watanabe with a flurry of strikes in 0:35. Carmouche landed several overhand rights as she placed Watanabe against the fence and unloaded until the fight was stopped with Watanabe still on her feet.
Carmouche (15-7) secured her third win since joining Bellator after wins against DeAnna Bennett and Vanessa Porto.
The current flyweight champion Julian Velasquez will defend her championship against Denise Kielholtz on Friday, July 16th with Carmouche potentially in line to fight the winner.
Here are the full results from Bellator 261 on Friday:
*Interim Heavyweight Championship: Valentin Moldavsky def. Timothy Johnson by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
*Liz Carmouche def. Kana Watanabe by TKO at 0:35 of Round 1
*Sidney Outlaw def. Myles Jury by rear-naked choke at 4:44 of Round 3
*Daniel Weichel def. Keoni Diggs by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
*Christian Edwards def. Simon Biyong by unanimous decision (30-27 all)
*John de Jesus def. John Macapa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
*Taylor Johnson def. Lance Wright by rear-naked choke in 2:58 of Round 1
*Jaylon Bates def. Cody Matthews by armbar at 4:04 of Round 2
*Corey Samuels def. Isaiah Hokit by KO at 0:10 of Round 1
*Soren Bak def. Bobby Lee by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
