Bellator 171 results: Chidi Njokuani dominates Melvin Guillard in unanimous decision

Melvin Guillard still remains winless inside the Bellator cage.

The former UFC fighter lost a unanimous decision to Chidi Njokuani in the main event of Saturday’s Bellator 171, which took place at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan. Guillard, who fought at lightweight for most of his MMA career, took on a significantly bigger Njokuani at a 180-pound catchweight. As expected, the big size advantage that Njokuani had on Guillard played out during their fight.

Guillard was able to put on a competitive battle in the first round, pressuring Njokuani against the cage and even getting a takedown to briefly control his opponent. Yet, Njokuani landed the better shots on the feet, as he utilized heavy body kicks to win the round. The second and third rounds were much less competitive, as Guillard failed to get anything going on his feet or on the ground. Like round one, Njokuani scored points on the feet, but was able to do the most damage on the ground, controlling “The Young Assassin” from top position and landing ground and pound.

With this performance, the 33-year-old Guillard now has three losses and one no contest under Bellator. His last win came in 2014 at WSOF 11, defeating Gesias Cavalcante via technical knockout. This was Guillard’s first fight back from a cocaine suspension in Kansas.

Meanwhile, Njokuani is on the other end of the spectrum, as he remained undefeated in Bellator with a record of 4-0. ‘Chidi Bang Bang’ is now riding a seven-fight winning streak, and has a record of 17-4 with one no contest.

In the co-main event of the night, David Rickels put on one of the most one-sided performances in Bellator history.

“The Caveman” tagged his opponent Aaron Derrow early in round one, and followed up with ground and pound from the guard. Derrow did just enough through the majority of the round to avoid a stoppage. With a minute remaining, Derrow was able to stand back on his feet and take Rickels down, but wasn’t able to do much from the top. Round two was exactly the same but with no takedown form Derrow. Rickels clipped Derrow, got on top position, and landed strikes from the top for almost five minutes.

The third round looked to go the same way as the previous two, but Rickels was able to overwhelm Derrow with ground and pound and get the stoppage after dropping Derrow within the first minute.

With this victory, the 28-year-old Rickels improved his record to 18-4 and 2 no contest.

Additionally, Bellator prospect A.J. McKee picked up a lackluster win over Brandon Phillips in the opening fight of the main card. It was a bout that lacked major action, but had McKee winning at the end. The 21-year-old featherweight is now 7-0 as a professional fighter with all his wins coming inside the Bellator cage.

Also on the main card, women’s flyweight prospect Jessica Middleton picked up a dominant win over Alice Yauger, defeating the 38-year-old in a unanimous decision.