Bellator allowed Melvin Guillard to choose his own opponent for his debut, and in retrospect, Guillard chose poorly. All-American wrestler Brandon Girtz rag-dolled the UFC veteran for two-and-a-half rounds before holding off a late rally to capture a split decision victory Friday night in the main event of Bellator 141.
The first exchange told the story of the fight, as Girtz (13-4) waded forward and connected on a thunderous overhand right, then tied up Guillard and threw him to the canvas. Guillard (32-15-2, 2 NC) recovered only to be double-legged back to the floor, with Girtz landing heavy in side control.