Bellator 296 results: Bad referee stoppage leads to Saul Rogers' submission win overturned after review

Despite getting his hand raised, Saul Rogers did not leave Bellator 296 with a win.

Originally awarded a first-round submission victory over Davy Gallon, Rogers (15-5 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) the result was overturned to a no contest by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation and French Mixed Martial Arts Federation just minutes after the fight ended Friday at Accor Arena in Paris.

Rogers put Gallon (21-8-2 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) in a D’Arce choke about two minutes into their lightweight bout. The submission was tight, but Gallon was doing the proper defense. Referee Jacob Montalvo, who didn’t have a good view of Gallon’s face, thought Gallon was put to sleep and stopped the fight. Gallon immediately protested and showed the referee he was defending the move.

Regardless, Rogers was awarded the win and got his hand raised in the middle of the cage. Minutes later, Bellator commentator John McCarthy informed on the broadcast that Roger’s win was now a no contest.

Bellator announced that the decision to overturn was made after “an instant replay review.” It’s unclear how this ruling will affect the pay or either fighter.

Below, you can watch a replay of the controversial stoppage:

Did you agree with the stoppage?

The referee stops the fight in favour of @Saul_Rogers.#Bellator296 @MonsterEnergy Prelims https://t.co/NxwCKFPRok pic.twitter.com/NTtGsITsk1

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 12, 2023

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 296.