Bellator 233 Results: Former Champion gets knocked out and retires; main event goes the distance

'King Mo' Muhammed Lawal vs Andrew Kapel

Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal's retirement is destined for tragedy, as Andrew Kapel (15-6) slays the former RIZIN GP and Strikeforce champ on one leg! It's a stunning Bellator debut for the Elevation rep, now on a five-fight tear. He has stopped 14, 13 in round one. #Bellator233 pic.twitter.com/QOjXjLVDSP

— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) November 9, 2019

King Mo had made it clear that the fight might have been his last and that he had no problem putting over younger talent on his way out of the Octagon. Kicks from Kapel saw Mo back up. Lawal missed the left hook and went for the body. Kapel hit a body kick, which Lawal caught, but it was to his detriment. He got rocked with two right hands and that was it.

Results: Andrew Kapel def. 'King Mo' Muhammed Lawal via KO (1 minute and 22 seconds)

Following the fight, King Mo confirmed that was indeed his last fight and laid his gloves in the middle of the Octagon. He is far from done with MMA, however, as he will be teaching the youth about the sport.

---

John Salter vs Costello van Steenis

The main event is upon us. @JohnSalter_MMA takes on @Steenis_MMA LIVE NOW at @WinStarWorld.Watch LIVE on 🇺🇸 @ParamountNet and 🇬🇧 @SkySports! pic.twitter.com/XpsxYeYgVM

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 9, 2019

The first round of the MMA main event saw Salter mostly dominate, in what was quite the slow start. The two clinched for a long time and found themselves against the fence. Salter was able to hurt him with a few strikes, but van Steenis also showed what he was made of, by standing up from the submission attempt. He was able to get a submission attempt of his own in, with the Front Guillotine, but Salter reversed and got the hook in throwing rights.

The second round saw more of the same, with the fight going to the ground fast. Salter was able to go for the Rear Naked Choke and had his hooks in, but Costello defended well and managed to get out of it.

They got up in the last minute of the round, but it appeared that Costello was extremely tired. Salter took him down again and tried a choke, with his domination in this round evident once again.

The third round saw Salter a lot more tired after all the ground work and was caught with a kick in the solar plexus, having to clinch to catch his breath. He tried to get a triangle, but was unable to pull it off. Salter went for another takedown and got it in the final two minutes of the fight.

Salter was able to last out the fight and took the Bellator third round as well.

Results: John Salter defeated Costello van Steenis via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

---

With Bellator done, check out how you can watch UFC Fight Night 163 in Moscow tonight!