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#2 Juan Archuleta vs Ricky Bandejas (Bantamweight)
The second fight on the main card pitted two exciting Bantamweight prospects looking to make headway in the 135 lbs division.
Archuleta came into the fight with an impressive record of 21 wins and one loss, boasting of a 16-fight win streak. As for Bandejas (11-1), this was his second Bellator fight since ending the undefeated streak of Jack Gallagher.
Round 1: Archuleta looked to get Bandejas on the ground as he held him from the back and tried to yank him down near the cage.
They broke up and Archuleta continued to push forward with a host of feints and combinations. Bandejas maintained his distance and assessed his range as he connected with one straight kick to the body, and later on - a sideways right.
Archuleta connected with a left hook to the body, Bandejas answered with a sweet kick that landed on the jaw. Archuleta shot for the takedown but was unsuccessful as both men's legs clashed.
Archuleta ended the round on a high by landing a takedown.
10-9 for Archuleta
Round 2: Bandejas was more creative with his striking as he began with an attempted spinning heel kick.
Archuleta stuck to his game plan and shot for a takedown but was defended well before getting caught in the chin with another kick from Bandejas.
Both men missed a host of strikes and kicks. Bandejas connected with a right hook and a kick to Archuleta's shoulder. Archuleta missed with an uppercut but got a right hook in.
Archuleta then missed both a right and a superman punch. Archuleta realized he missed way too many strikes and shot for another takedown. He wrapped his arms around Bandejas and stomped on his foot.
Archuleta failed a foot trip and finished the round off with an attempted right. Close round but Bandejas may have scored better with some good wrestling defense, and seemed to have edged Archuleta with more strikes landed.
10-9 for Bandejas
Round 3: Archuleta came out in the final round looking for that killer shot to end the fight. Bandejas struck with a knee and a right hook.
A visibly hurt Archuleta took Bandejas down but both men got right back up on their feet. Archuleta controlled the pace for another two minutes as Bandejas looked to break free.
Archuleta got a single leg takedown but retreated as he was getting tagged by Bandejas' elbows. Bandejas continued to chip in with a right and a body kick.
Archuleta ate a kick to end as the Bantamweight fight went the distance.
Result: Juan Archuleta def. Ricky Bandejas via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
With his 17th straight victory, Archuleta extended his record to 21-1 and has solidified himself as a proper title contender, as he is undefeated inside the Bellator cage with 4 wins on the trot.
