Cass Bell lost a split decision on his return to San Jose in Bellator 292 on Friday evening.

The local MMA pro lost to Josh Hill in a 145-pound showdown, with two of the three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in Hill’s favor in what was a close fight.

Hill appeared to barely get the better of exchanges in the opening round thanks to a late takedown, as both fighters came out conservatively.

While neither fighter was able to take control of the fight, Bell appeared to shade the second round after a couple of nice body kicks, although once again there was little to separate them.

With the fight on the line, both Bell and Hill came out a little more aggressive in the third and final round, with the Bellator commentators suggesting Bell probably shaded it.

The judges, however, disagreed and the experienced Hill got the win.

The loss drops Bell to 6-3 in the pro ranks, while Hill upped his career record to 22-5.

The fight was Bell’s first since 2019 in San Jose, where he won his first four pro fights.