Referee Jacob Montalvo didn’t have a good night at Bellator 296.
He refereed the lightweight bout between Saul Rogers and Davy Gallon, awarding a first-round submission win for Rogers… But the result was overturned as a no-contest due to bad stoppage.
What happened was that Rogers put Gallon in a D’Arce Choke at around two minutes into the match. It was indeed a tight submission, though Gallon was valiantly defending.
However, Referee Montalvo didn’t have a good view of Gallon’s face… And he thought that Gallon was choked out unconscious!
So, he stopped the fight. Gallon protested immediately, explaining to the referee that he was still defending the submission.
Rogers was awarded the win nevertheless and got his hand raised.
However, minutes later, the match commentator revealed that the match was ruled as a no-contest after an “instant replay review” by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation and French Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
Watch the controversial referee stoppage on the video below.
What do you think – how did the referee manage to make such a bad call?
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
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
đź’Ą What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
đź’ Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
