Melvin Guillard’s Bellator debut did not go according to plan. The former UFC lightweight contender dropped a split decision to handpicked opponent Brandon Girtz in the main event of Bellator 141 on Friday.

Girtz’s (13-4 MMA, 5-3 BMMA) combination of punching power and explosive takedowns gave Guillard (34-14-2 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) fits for the majority of the contest. “The Young Assassin” nearly scored a finish in the final minutes of the 155-pound contest, but throughout most of the fight his strike count was below the norm.

A “shattered” right hand was likely a contributing factor.

As MMAjunkie reported on-scene from Bellator 141 at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif., Guillard showed signs of distress after the 15-minute bout came to an end.

Following the event, American Top Team coach Din Thomas posted an <a href=" Bellator officials later confirmed that Guillard's hand was set and casted following the event. He is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days. For complete coverage of Bellator 141, check out the MMA Events section of the site.