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Bellator's return to London brought thrilling fights, culminating in Sara Collins’ dominant submission victory over Leah McCourt in the main event. Originally, the middleweight title fight between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards was set as the headliner but was canceled days before the event, elevating Collins and McCourt to the top spot at OVO Wembley.
The stakes were high, as the winner was poised to earn a shot at Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, who is set to face PFL champion Larissa Pacheco in an upcoming super fight. Collins wasted no time making her case for the title shot, nearly knocking McCourt out with a devastating right hand early in the first round. Though McCourt survived the initial barrage, Collins maintained control, transitioning to McCourt’s back and locking in a rear-naked choke. McCourt tried to defend but was forced to tap at 2:25 of the first round.
After the win, Collins confidently declared, “Cyborg, I’m coming.”
In the co-main event, England’s Simeon Powell faced Rafael Xavier in a light heavyweight contest. Xavier started strong, rocking Powell twice in the first round with a front kick and a left hand. Despite the early danger, Powell rallied in the later rounds to secure a split-decision victory after a hard-fought striking battle.
Another standout was Luke Trainer, who improved his Bellator record to 6-1 with a quick submission win over Laurynas Urbonavicius. The trainer dropped his opponent with a left hand before finishing him on the ground via rear-naked choke. Afterward, Trainer called out Bellator light heavyweight champion Corey Anderson, saying,
"Mr. Corey Anderson, keep my belt warm because next year I’m coming for you.”
Elsewhere, Marc Diakiese impressed in his Bellator debut, dominating Tim Wilde with superior striking and takedowns for two rounds before slowing in the third. Diakiese secured the decision victory, marking his successful transition from the UFC.
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