Bellator 231 Results: Unexpected end to Jake Hager's fight, former UFC Champion ends 4-year losing streak, Batista shows up

#3 Jason Jackson (10-3) vs. Ed Ruth (7-1) (Welterweight)

🦶💥 @JacksonjJason150 is looking to score his fifth first-round KO tonight.#Bellator231 pic.twitter.com/fcg3CNGnHC

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) October 26, 2019

Round 1: Cautious start from both men as they tried to get their range in place. Both men attempted the jabs and a few kicks.

Jackson caught Ruth's kick and countered with a solid right. Snappy body kick from Ruth. Jackson answered with a leg kick.

Jackson rocked Ruth with a big shot. Ruth wobbled and went back first into the cage. Ruth, however, survived and looked to steady himself.

Jackson had another big moment in the Bellator round with a quick right that wobbled Ruth yet again. Ruth recuperated quickly and continued to press forward. Jackson connected with a beautiful double jab. Ruth shot for the takedown and he got Jackson down against the cage.

Jackson sprang up to his feet within seconds. Ruth got in a body kick. Ruth grew into the round and landed strikes in the final minute. Jackson was still the sharper fighter as he used the double jab before hurting Ruth with a big uppercut. Ruth stayed on his feet and survived another close call. The round ended in Jackson's favor. 10-9 Jackson

Round 2: Jackson had a wicked smile as he came in for the second round. Ruth used his pressure to push forward. He tried to connect with kicks from different angles while also using the jab.

Jackson showed off some slick head movement to avoid getting hit. Jackson came really close to knocking Ruth's lights out with what looked like a punt kick.

Ruth's plan was to walk Jackson down and cut the space. This prevented Jackson from spreading his feet. Ruth's pressure bore good results as Jackson kept getting tagged. Jackson started retreating to create some space.

Ruth connected with kicks from close range. Ruth came back stronger in the second round and applied some smart in-fight IQ to cut the distance. Jackson still managed to get in a few big shots at the end of the round. 10-9 Ruth

Round 3: Both fighters pumped up the fans before the final round. Jackson started strong with a few left and right-hand shots.

Jackson dropped Ruth with a massive shot. He went in for the finish but Ruth hung in yet again! Ruth got back up and went on the offensive. Ruth recovered quickly and kept the pressure on Jackson. Ruth attempted a lot of strikes but Jackson's movement was just too good.

Jackson landed a nice three-punch combo. Jackson went low to the body and then overhand to the back of the head. Ruth shot for another takedown but Jackson stayed on his feet. Ruth still managed to dump Jackson down to the mat using the cage. He wrapped his arms from the back and was winning the wrestling game.

Ruth worked his way into mount position against the cage. He got the back again and tried to soften Jackson up for a submission. the fight ended with Ruth not letting go of Jackson.

Result: Ed Ruth def. Jason Jackson via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Despite coming close to finishing the fight on many occasions, Ed Ruth's resilience and forward pressure got him the nod in the eyes of the judges at Bellator 231.

One Minute #BREAKDOWN •••INSTANT ANALYSIS••• @edruth67 + @jacksonjason150 give us a WONDERFUL FIGHT!Sometimes you BINK and Sometimes you GET BINKED!!!Enjoy The Hostilities My Friends.#EPIC #BINK @BellatorMMA @DAZN_USA @joerogan @ChaelSonnen @GamebredFighter pic.twitter.com/CgJaxgAjVG

— Robin Black (@robinblackmma) October 26, 2019