Bellator Lightweight Championship: Michael Chandler (c) (12-0) vs. Eddie Alvarez (24-3)
Luke Irwin: I see this going a lot like their first encounter only more violent. Chandler is, to me, the best lightweight in the world, and Alvarez is rusty and he’s fighting in a place he doesn’t want to be. Chandler via R3 TKO.
Nolan Howell: Chandler has improved too much and Alvarez has essentially been sitting around getting older. Chandler will prove once again that he is no one to mess with and is a top lightweight, despite the lack of talent to face him. Chandler by second-round TKO.
Dan Galvan: Alvarez is a fantastic counterstriker, while Chandler uses his footwork and movement to create angles, capilizing on those angles with his insane hand speed. Chandler can absolutely take down Alvarez in this fight, but whether or not he can keep him down remains to be seen. This fight could end several different ways, and I assure you, this one will be glorious. But i think it ends early. Chandler tends to start his fights off quick bursts, while Alvarez usually eases into the fight as the round progesses. When you account for Chandler’s power, Alvarez’s semi-questionable chin, and the fact that Chandler nearly finished Alvarez in the last fight with a superman punch, I like Chandler via 1st Round KO.
Bellator Featherweight Championship: Pat Curran (c) (19-4) vs. Daniel Straus (21-4)
Luke Irwin: Both of these guys are horses who can wear down fighters. Straus is like a nastier Nik Lentz and is a problem for anybody. I think this goes the distance with both guys busting their ass. Curran via SD.
Nolan Howell: Going for the upset. Straus has the wrestling to present troubles to anyone and he will actually be able to use it, unlike Joe Warren. Straus by split decision.
Dan Galvan: I would enjoy watching Pat Curran fight a tree. His head movement and techinical boxing is some of the best in the featherweight division. Straus is a tenacious grappler that has a fast pace that he uses to break opponents. I don’t think he’ll be able to do that against Curran who has a stout wrestling game as well. I like Curran via Decision.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Emanuel Newton (21-7-1) vs. Muhammed Lawal (11-2)
Luke Irwin: There’s no way Mo is even going to consider putting himself in danger after the embarrassing way he lost the first contest. Picture the Mousasi fight. Lawal via UD.
Nolan Howell: Fuck King Mo. Newton by first-round TKO.
Dan Galvan: While Newton is definitely troublesome to takedown, Mo has the takedown advantage here. With that being said, I have a sneaking suspicion that he’ll want to knock out Newton, and a fight on the feet favors the interim champ. My pick is Newton via 1st KO.
Featherweight Bout: Akop Stepanyan (13-6) vs. Mike Richman (15-3)
Luke Irwin: Richman’s fight here, easily. Just better on every level. Richman via UD.
Nolan Howell: Richman is too much on the feet here. His technique is miles better and he should be able to knife in and out. Richman by unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: I think Richman keeps it standing and showcases his unreal handspeed en route to an early KO victory. My pick is Richman via 1st KO.
Fight Master Finale Welterweight Bout: Joe Riggs (39-14) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (15-5-1)
Luke Irwin: The finals of Fight Master, everyone knows about Riggs, but few people know about Bronzoulis, who tore it up on the indies for a while and deserves his shot at the big leagues. This is his spot to shine. Bronzoulis via UD.
Nolan Howell: War Greek that isn’t Mike Zambidis. Bronzoulis by unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: Joe Riggs seems serious about revitilazing his career, and he looked better to me on the Fight Master show. My pick is Riggs via 1st TKO.
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