Cris Lencioni was a heavy favorite when he entered Bellator 294 and he showed why with a grappling showcase that ended in highlight reel fashion.

In a preliminary card bout Friday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Lencioni (11-3 MMA, 6-2 BMMA) masterclassed his way to a rear triangle submission of Blake Smith (7-4 MMA, 0-1 BMMA). The tap came at 3:39 of Round 2.

After a successful Round 1 on the canvas, Lencioni dragged it back down in Round 2. He first worked a kimura from half guard and moved to mount. As Smith shifted, Lencioni grabbed hold of the back. From the back, Lencioni choked up high and wrapped his legs around Smith’s head. After some short punches and a torque of the arm, Lencioni readjusted his legs and got the tap.

What a submission from @crissunshinemma

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Lencioni, 28, has won four fights in a row, with two in Bellator since he returned to the promotion in 2022. Smith, a former CFFC champion, has now lost two fights in a row.

Both fighters missed weight ahead of their Bellator 294 bout. Smith weighed 146.4 pounds (0.4 pounds over the featherweight limit). Lenconi weighed 152.4 pounds (6.4 pounds over the featherweight limit).

The Bellator 294 results include:

• Cris Lencioni def. Blake Smith via submission (rear triangle) – Round 2, 3:39
• Sharaf Davlatmurodov def. Anthony Adams via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 294.