Valentin Moldavsky (11-1) earned an unanimous decision win over Timothy Johnson (15-7) and won Bellator’s interim heavyweight world title during the main event of Bellator 261 at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Two judges scored the bout 49-46 and one scored it (50-45).

This is the first time that Bellator has awarded an interim heavyweight title. The current heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader (28-6), is now competing in the organization’s Heavyweight Grand Prix.

Liz Carmouche (16-7) punched her way to a knockout of fellow featherweight Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) at :35 of the first round during the co-main event.

Sidney Outlaw (16-4) submitted Myles Jury (19-6) with a rear naked choke at 4:44 in the third round of another featherweight bout.

Daniel Weichel (42-12) defeated Keoni Diggs (9-1) by split decision. Two judges scored lightweight the bout 29-28 – one for each fighter. The third judges scored it 30-27.

All three judges scored the opening bout on the main card 30-27 and gave light heavyweight Christian Edwards (5-0) a win over Simon Biyong (7-2).

On the preliminary card, Soren Bak (15-1) defeated Bobby Lee (7-2) by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the lightweight fight 29-27 and one scored it 30-26.

Corey Samuels (3-2) knocked out Isaiah Hokit (0-1) with punches at :10 of the first round of a lightweight bout.

Jaylon Bates (3-0) submitted Cody Matthews (1-2) with an arm bar at 4:04 of the second round of a bantamweight bout.

Taylor Johnson (7-2) submitted Lance Wright (5-2) with a rear naked choke at 2:58 in the first round of a middleweight bout.

John de Jesus (14-9) earned a split decision win over John Macapa (23-6-2). All three judges scored the featherweight fight 29-28 with two favoring de Jesus.