Bellator 208 live blog: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Chael Sonnen

This is the Bellator 208 live blog for Fedor Emelianenko vs. Chael Sonnen, a heavyweight bout at Saturday’s Bellator event at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.

Emelianenko, who has won six of his past seven fights, faces Sonnen, who has won three of his past five fights, in the main event to determine who advances to the finals of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix to face Ryan Bader.

Check out the Bellator 208 live blog below.

Round 1:

Dan Miragliotta is the referee to kick things off. With a touch of the gloves, both fighters meet in the center of the cage. Emelianenko lands a devastating hook to the jaw of Sonnen right out of the gate, sending him crashing down. Stepping away, Emelianenko motions for Sonnen to stand up only to welcome him with another skull rattling punch. Sonnen shoots in but is shoved away. Sonnen finally secures the takedown but Emelianenko reverses and secures top position.

Emelianenko backs away and tosses Sonnen into the fence. Relentless with his attack, Sonnen presses forward but finds himself stuck under Emelianenko once again. Emelianenko lands a barrage of punches before securing side control.

Emelianenko stands up and eats a straight left between the eyes. Ducking under, Sonnen clinches up and drags his opponent to the canvas. Working from half guard, Sonnen looks to maintain control but Emelianenko once again reverses and stands back up. Connecting with another left, Emelianenko swarms onto his downed opponent with a hurricane of punches. Miragliotta is watching close as Sonnen turtles up.

Miragliotta steps in and waves the fight off. Emelianenko secures another first round knockout!

Official result: Fedor Emelianenko def. Chael Sonnen via TKO (punches) at 4:46 of R1