Former UFC standout and former Strikeforce champion Gegard Mousasi made his Bellator MMA debut on Friday night and like many other former UFC fighters it did not go exactly as planned. Bellator 185 took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut and aired live on Spike TV.

Mousasi was pitted up against former middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko and despite coming away with the unanimous decision, it was not as easy as Mousasi had predicted. Mousasi survived early damage from an early overhand left from Shlemenko that closed his right eye. Mousasi had predicted an early stoppage prior to the fight but the swollen eye threw a wrench in his game plan. The former UFC fighter resorted to grappling and position control to take home the win. It was not the ideal start to his Bellator career but at least Mousasi was able to secure the victory.

Main Card Results (Spike TV):

• Gegard Mousasi def. Alexander Shlemenko via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Neiman Gracie def. Zak Bucia via submission in Round 2 at 2:27
• Kristina Williams def. Heather Hardy via TKO (Doctor’s stoppage) in Round 2 at 2:00
• Lisa Blaine def. Ana Julaton via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Ryan Quinn def. Marcus Surin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Preliminary Card Results:

• John Lopez def. Billy Giovanella via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
• Kevin Carrier def. Jose Antonio Perez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Vovka Clay def. Frank Sforza via submission in Round 2 at 1:17
• Don Shainis def. Matthew Denning via TKO in Round 1 at 4:50
• Jordan Young def. Alec Hooben via submission in Round 1 at 2:44
• Costello van Steenis def. Steve Skrzat via submission in Round 1 at 2:52
• Joaquin Buckley def. Vinicius de Jesus via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Pete Rogers def. Timothy Wheeler via technical submission in Round 1 at 0:37
• Dean Hancock def. John Beneduce via TKO in Round 1 at 3:38