Bellator 47 Results: Chris Horodecki Vs. Chris Saunders

Former International Fight League (IFL) standout, Chris Horodecki, makes his Bellator Fighting Championship debut tonight, taking on another promotional newcomer, Chris Saunders, in a three-round lightweight attraction. The 155-pound showdown is located in the backyard of Horodecki, a Canadian.

ROUND ONE: Boh fighters come out cautious. Saunders connects first with a spinning backfist. They trade kicks. Horodecki lunges in with punches, but none of them connect. He manages to close the distance and puts Saunders up against the cage. Saunders attempts a standing guillotine, but Horodecki quickly takes the opportunity to land a takedown. Horodecki attempts to ground and pound, but Saunders is moving real well on the bottom. A scramble ensues as Saunders attempts to get up and Horodecki rides him right into a tight guillotine choke. It's not that tight actually -- Saunders pops his head out. Another scramble and Horodecki once again lands in full mount. Saunders inches his way to the cage and uses it to get back to his feet, but Horodecki is still stuck to him, belly to belly. Horodecki lands another takedown, but Saunders immediately goes for a kimura. Horodecki escapes and begins to once again work Saunders from the top. He postures up and lands a shot just before the bell rings to end the round.

SBNation.com scores this round 10-9 for Horodecki

ROUND TWO: Horodecki opens up the second stalking Saunders, just like the opening frame. He goes for the takedown, which he gets, but ends up in a guillotine choke. Saunders abandons the choke and attempts to get back to his feet by using the cage again, but Horodecki turns him back to the center. Saunders has great defense on his back -- Horodecki is busy, but isn't landing much ... if at all. Saunders has Horodecki's head trappend and all the Canadian can do is punch his rib cage. The referee steps in to stand them up. Now on their feet, the fighters trade kicks and a few punches. Now knees from the clench, which Horodecki uses to trip Saunders to the ground once again. Horodecki pummels the midsection of Saunders from full guard. He attempts to make it to side control, but Saunders stops him. Horodecki has no choice but to try and elbow Saunders, who has his head hidden behind Horodecki's back. The referee warns Horodecki not to strike the back of Saunders' head and the round ends shortly thereafter with Horodecki on top.

SBNation.com scores this round 10-9 for Horodecki

ROUND THREE: Once again, Horodecki opens up the round with another takedown. It's too easy. Saunders throws up a triangle, which isn't even close, but gives him room to get back to his feet. He does, but again, Horodecki is pressed against him on the cage -- he isn't going anywhere. Not much happening along the fence, both fighters are struggling for position. The referee steps in and moves them to the center of the cage. Horodecki quickly dives for another takedown, gets it (again), but his head is trapped under the arm of Saunders. It doesn't look dangerous and it isn't -- Horodecki pops his head out and lands in Saunders' guard once again. Another triangle attempt from Saunders, but it isn't serious. Horodecki smothers Saunders once again, and with less than a minute left in the fight, secures full mount. Saunders rolls to his belly and Horodecki blasts him in the back of the head. Saunders rolls back to his back and eats a few punches -- perhaps the hardest all night -- just as the bell sounds to end the fight. Saunders simply had zero answers for Horodecki's takedowns.

SBNation.com scores this round 10-9 for Horodecki

Bellator 47 results: Chris Horodecki defeats Chris Saunders via unanimous decision (30-27)