Sergio Pettis claimed victory in the main event of Bellator 242, beating Ricky Bandejas via unanimous decision.
In his second outing as a Bellator bantamweight, Pettis quickly shut down Bandejas' striking ability, landing punishing punches and calf-kicks throughout the bout. Pettis' unanimous 30-27 score has now earned the former UFC flyweight an opportunity at the vacant Bellator bantamweight title.
In the co-main event, Jason Jackson spoiled Jordan Mein's Bellator debut in a unanimous decision. Jackson dominated throughout, but the bout will be remembered more for his unusual entrance to the cage.
Meanwhile, Jay Jay Wilson continued his unbeaten streak with a split decision over Tywan Claxton. It was Wilson's first fight to go the full distance, the New-Zealander is now 6-0.
And Aaron Pico impressed with a quick first-round submission of Solo Hatley, Jr. Crediting the win to his new gym Jackson-Wink MMA, Pico is now 6-3.
Results
Bellator 242:
Sergio Pettis (20-5) defeated Ricky Bandejas (13-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jason Jackson (12-4) defeated Jordan Mein (31-13) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jay Jay Wilson (6-0) defeated Tywan Claxton (6-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Aaron Pico (6-3) defeated Solo Hatley, Jr. (8-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of round one
Preliminary Card:
Mark Lemminger (1-1) defeated Jake Smith (7-4) via TKO (strikes) at 4:46 of round two
Raufeon Stots (14-1) defeated Cass Bell (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:24 of round three
Ras Hylton (6-4) defeated Rudy Schaffroth (6-2, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)