Bellator 237 live blog: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Rampage Jackson

This is the Bellator 237 live blog for Fedor Emelianenko vs. Rampage Jackson, a heavyweight bout at Saturday’s Bellator event at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo.

Emelianenko, a former Pride FC champion, is coming off a first round knockout loss to reigning Bellator champion Ryan Bader. Prior to this, fans saw “The Last Emperor” earn back-to-back TKO wins over Frank Mir and Chael Sonnen. Jackson, a former UFC champion, is coming off a TKO win over longtime rival Wanderlei Silva.

Check out the Bellator 237 live blog below.

Round 1

With a touch of the glove, the two mixed martial art veterans locked horns in the center of the cage. Emelianenko bounced to the outside as he looked to duck in with the left jab. Jackson remained on the outside as Emelianenko unloaded a barrage of uppercuts. Eating the punches, Jackson eats another right hand between the eyes but follows up with a looping right haymaker.

Jackson remains on the outside as he continues to connect with air. Emelianenko stalks him into the fence and batters his opponents with punches followed by a right kick to the body. Jackson misses with a left hook and eats a left jab to the nose. Emelianenko finds a home for another series of uppercuts before connecting with a vicious right hook to the temple, sending him crumpling to the canvas.

With Jackson face down on the canvas, referee Kevin MacDonald is forced to stop the fight.

Official scorecard: Fedor Emelianenko def. Rampage Jackson via KO (punch), Round 1, 2:44