MMA Fighting · Feb 20, 2016
Bellator 149 results: Emmanuel Sanchez grinds out win over Daniel Pineda
Esther Lin photoEmmanuel Sanchez has a reputation as a slow starter and strong finisher. Bellator 149 did nothing to dissuade that notion.
The Roufusport bantamweight overcame a slow start against game veteran Daniel Pineda Friday night in the main card opener at Houston's Toyota Center.
Sanchez won via split decision, earning a 29-27 and 29-28, with one curious 29-28 card going in Pineda's favor
Fighting in his hometown, Pineda got off to a solid start in a frantic opening round, highlighted by a tight kneebar attempt.
In a grind of a second round, Sanchez slowly took control, damaging Pineda to the point the doctor needed to check his foot in between rounds.