This is the live blog for Chase Beebe vs. Jose Vega at Bellator 43. Chase Beebe enters with a 17-7 MMA record, and is the former WEC bantamweight champion. Beebe is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. This is his Bellator debut. Jose Vega is 9-4, and lost his last fight to Ed West by split decision at Bellator 30.
Round 1 - Our referee for this bout is Jason Herzog. Sean Wheelock reminds us that the winner of this tournament will get into next season's bantamweight tournament. Beebe opens with a lead hook. Jose Vega responds with a jab. Chopping leg kick from Vega. Tie up. Knee to the body from Beebe. Standing guillotine from Beebe. He drops down, but Vega pops his head free. Beebe quickly works back to his feet, and grabs a hold of another standing guillotine. Vegas has him pressed up against the fence. Vega slips his head out. The two trade short punches. The two disengage, and we're back center-cage. Dirty boxing from both. Uppercut for Vega. They split. Vega steps forward with a lead hook. Combo from Beebe. He has Vega up against the fence now. Drops levels and takes Vega down. Half-guard with the knee in. Short elbow from Beebe. He works to pass. Vega sits up and gets back to his feet. Presses Beebe into the fence. Short elbow from Beebe. He grabs a hold of the neck once again. Vega has a leg, so Beebe decides to drop down. He secures half-butterfly guard and forces Vega to tap!
Chase Beebe submits Jose Vega with a guillotine choke at 4:06 of round one.