Nolan Howell’s “Get Po Quick” Lessons: Bellator 101

 

Nolan Howell's

 

Contributor: Nolan Howell

Do you have more money than you know what to do with? Do you suddenly find yourself buying stockpiles of cat food when you haven’t even had a pet in years?

Welcome to Undercard Superstar’s guide to gambling, where you can get po’ in one night if you play your cards right! As your resident financial adviser in MMA gambling, it is my duty to inform you that nobody affiliated with Undercard Superstar is accountable for any losses. In fact, you probably brought it upon yourself for reading this. So, seriously, you’ve been warned.

This week, we will be touching on Bellator 101. Now, if you plan on betting on this card, I’d recommend you call Art Schlichter or Pete Rose because you might have a serious problem on your hands.

Fortunately, I am here to make sure you responsibly gamble yourself in to crippling depression and into bans from any recreational sports teams you play for, so let’s get to it.

All lines provided by Bovada.

Main Card Values

Saad Awad: -205 vs. Martin Stapleton: +165
Will Brooks: -300 vs. John Alessio: +230
Ricardo Triloni: -225 vs. Rich Clementi: +175
Alexander Sarnavskiy: -450 vs. Marcus Davis: +325

Joe Warren: -550 vs. Nick Kirk: +375

Depending on the way you slice it, this card could have some solid value. Specifically, I look at John Alessio and Rich Clementi. While Will Brooks is a tough prospect with a brutal grinding pace and capable striking, he hasn’t been to the heights or had the successes that John Alessio has had in his MMA career. This could very well be a case of the veteran just having too much for the prospect. And considering the performance of Brooks in his past few fights, there is some good value there for a small bet.

Rich Clementi was a shocker in last year’s lightweight tournament quarterfinals, knocking off Alexander Sarnavskiy in a split decision victory. That fight proved that Clementi might have something left in the tank and Ricardo Tirloni has proven to be somewhat mid-level in Bellator. Between this and the Alessio fight, I’d be confident to parlay Clementi with a favorite like Sarnavskiy for some decent cash.

Finally, look at Nick Kirk and Martin Stapleton potentially, with the latter being a potential winner against a streaky fighter like Awad. As for Kirk, Warren should win handily, but he is also Joe Warren, so never discount that.

Final Thoughts

Bellator cards are crap shoots because of the tournament format. Most of the matchmaking is at least presentably competitive and many of the lightweight tournament fights reflect that. Unfortunately for me, there’s nothing to make me confident enough to bet on this card.

My budget: $10.00

My bets: $10.00 on McDonald’s Mighty Wings to win a day on the toilet and a lifetime of shame.

Remember, folks, don’t bet anything you can’t afford to lose!

-Nolan can be reached @nolanhowell.

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