While most eyes here in Cleveland will be on the UFC tonight as our hometown guy Stipe Miocic has a huge title defense against the massive Francis Ngannou. Bellator also has a big card tonight that will be sure to get the attention of MMA fans as well. I would even argue that the Bellator card is actually much better than the UFC card tonight. The UFC card is top heavy with only two money worthy fights, while Bellator is going 5 deep.
Aaron Pico vs Shane Kruchten
Aaron Pico who was once “The Next Big Thing” saw the beginning to his career get off to a nightmare start with a 26 second loss back in June to Zach Freeman by choke out. He managed to bounce back convincingly with a knockout victory over Justin Linn at Bellator 183 in September. I look for him to continue his winning ways tonight against Shane Kruchten.
Prediction – Pico by submission
Georgi Karakhanyan vs Henry Corrales
Little is known about the journeymen Corrales but he will look to get the MMA world talking tonight with a victory over Karakhanyan. The Russian is 4-3 since coming to Bellator and will have his hands full with Corrales.
Prediction – Henry Corrales by KO
Michael Chandler vs Goiti Yamauchi
Chandler was regarded as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world until a shocking loss to Brent Primus at MSG ended all that. Primus upset him and took his Bellator Lightweight Championship in the process. I’d expect him to get back on the winning track tonight.
Prediction – Chandler by UD
Douglas Lima vs Rory MacDonald for the Bellator Welterweight Championship
The GSP protégé MacDonald gets his first crack at gold tonight against the very dangerous and worthy champion Lima. I think MacDonald has an excellent chance if he can pressure Lima early, but the longer this fight goes, the more it will favor the champ.
Prediction – Lima by Split Decision
The main event of the evening – Rampage Jackson vs Chael Sonnen
Two of the biggest trash talkers in MMA history fighting in weight classes nowhere near where they belong. This one is a can’t miss. It is a joke, as both are washed up. But a true sign of how Bellator is. A great undercard then a hokey main event. Despite all that, I’m excited to watch. Sonnen is far too undersized to be fighting at Light Heavyweight, let alone heavyweight. Rampage will have his way in a clunker.
Prediction – Jackson by UD
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