Chris Cyborg (24-2, with one no contest) struck her way to a TKO win over Leslie Smith (13-9-1) at 4:51 in the fifth round of Bellator 259's main event at Mohegan Sun Arena. Cyborg retained her featherweight world title after winning her generally one-sided rematch with Smith, who she defeated about five years ago at UFC 198.

Leandro Higo (20-5) earned a split decision win over Darrion Caldwell (15-5) during the co-main event. The judges scored the bantamweight bout 29-28 with one favoring Caldwell – he landed a flurry of elbows from the top during the first round but both fighters turned in strong performances. Caldwell previously defeated Higo about three years ago.

A bloodied Austin Vanderford (11-0) defeated Fabian Edwards (9-2) by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the generally one-sided middleweight bout 30-27. Vanderford used takedowns to keep his advantage but sustained a low kick during the second round. Edwards tried using a left punch from the southpaw position to keep Vanderford at a distance during that round and was in top position at the end of the frame.

Jaleel Willis (15-2) used his wrestling background to dominate Muay Thai specialist Maycon Mendonca (11-5) during a welterweight bout. The judges awarded Willis a unanimous decision with two scoring it 30-27 and one scoring it 29-28.

Willis scored several takedowns during the fight, which the referee temporarily stopped twice after Mendonca accidently landed kicks to the groin. Mendonca threw a spinning back fist and flying kick during the third round that Willis countered with wrestling.

Hannah Guy (3-1) defeated Valerie Loureda (3-1) by unanimous decision in an exciting flyweight bout that opened the main card. The light heavyweight bout between Christian Edwards (4-0) and Ben Parrish (4-1) that had originally been scheduled was scratched.

Loureda landed a nasty punching combination early in the first round and dropped Guy, who quickly recovered. Guy shot for a double leg takedown but Loureda wound up on top. Guy attempted an arm bar and the round and both fighters wrapped their legs around each other’s necks as the round ended.

Guy lifted and dropped Loureda as the second round began and attempted and arm bar before throwing some hammerfists. Loureda landed two spinning back fists after the fight was stood up. Guy pinned Loureda against the fence and landed a few elbows as the frame ended.

Loureda attempted to ground and pound Guy during the third round, stepping back before she could get tied up on the ground. But Guy generally dominated the round and even landed a high kick from her back that connected with Loureda’s face.

Two judges scored the bout 29-28 and one scored it 30-27.

The preliminary card opened with a lightweight bout between Alexander Shably (20-3) and Alfie Davis (14-4). Shably won by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27. Davis, who trained in Tae Kwon Do background, threw a kick during the first round that Shably countered with a shoot and takedown. Shably landed a spinning back heel kick during the second round. Davis became more aggressive with strikes during the third round but Shably was on top of him when the frame ended.

Danny Sabatello (11-1) defeated Brett Johns (17-3) by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bantamweight bout 30-27. Sabatello used wrestling to keep pressure on Johns, often maintaining a seatbelt grip in the clinch. Johns assumed top position near the end of the third round but it wasn’t enough. 

Leah McCourt (5-1) submitted Janay Harding (6-5) by triangle choke at 2:42 in the second round of a featherweight bout. Harding opened the first round with strikes but McCourt used the ground to her advantage.

Davion Franklin (3-0) knocked out Tyler King (12-10) at 2:02 in the first round of a heavyweight bout. Franklin threw a flying knee early in the first round that looked impressive. But it was left/right punching combination that sealed the deal.

Aviv Gozali (6-0) submitted Sean Felton (5-3-1) by heel hook at 1:17 in the first round of a lightweight bout. Gozali brought Felton to the ground from the bottom before submitting him.

Sumiko Inaba (2-0) defeated Kristina Katsikis (1-2) by TKO due to strikes at 3:35 of the third round of a flyweight bout. The two pinned each other against the fence while Katsikis opened the second round by lifting and dropping her opponent. But the referee stopped the fight during the third round when Katsikis ate several unanswered strikes.

Grant Neal (6-0) submitted Tyree Fortune (5-1) by rear naked choke at 4:20 in the first round of a light heavyweight bout. Neal shot for a takedown and took side control before throwing knees. He took Fortune’s back and ended the fight.

Saad Awad (24-13, with one no contest) defeated Nate Andrews (16-4) by KO due to strikes at 3:16 in the first round of a lightweight bout. He pummeled Andrews with hammerfists on the ground and knocked him down several times during the standup portion before he stopped getting back up.