Logan Storley, and not Michael Page, left Bellator 281 with gold.
Storley earned a split decision victory over Page in the main event live on Showtime. The card took place from the SSE Arena in London, England.
Page was scheduled to meet Yarosalv Amosov for the belt. Amosov, though, is tied up with the war in Ukraine and an interim title was created.
Storley claimed two scorecards, 48-47 and 49-46, while Page won the other, 48-47.
In the co-main event, Fabian Edwards knocked out former UFC champion Lyoto Machida.
Paul Daley, a veteran of the sport and one of the biggest fighters in combat sports history from England, earned a second round knockout in his retirement bout. Daley finished off Wendell Giacomo for the win.
Kana Watanabe and Simon Biyong were other main card winners.
Bellator 281 Results
Logan Storley def. Michael Page via split decision to become interim Bellator welterweight champion
Fabian Edwards def. Lyoto Machida via KO (elbow) at 3:18 of Round 1
Kana Watanabe def. Denise Kielholtz via submission (triangle choke) at 3:03 of Round 2
Paul Daley def. Wendell Giacomo via KO (strike) at 4:09 of Round 2
Simon Byong def. Luke Trainer via unanimous decision
Daniel Weichel def. Rob Whiteford via TKO (strikes) at 1:12 of Round 1
Elian Kallionidou def. Kate Jackson via TKO (strikes) at 4:53 of Round 2
Oliver Enkamp def. Mark Lemminger via submission (buggy choke) at :25 of Round 3
Alfie Davis vs. Tim Wilde declared a majority draw
Andrew Fisher def. Attila Korkmaz via unanimous decision
Charlie Ward def. Alan Carlos via unanimous decision
Maciej Rozanski def. Lee Chadwick via unanimous decision
Chiara Penco def. Lanchana Green via unanimous decision
