Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship: Liam McGeary (c) (10-0) vs. Tito Ortiz (18-11-1)
Nolan Howell: Liam McGeary is too well-rounded for Tito Ortiz at this point. I would give Ortiz a chance here considering the level of competition and he is a live dog, but I don’t think he can beat guys capable of hanging anywhere at this point. Maybe the Bonnars of the world who will stand and bang awfully, but McGeary should have the tools to take this on the feet early. Liam McGeary by first-round TKO.
Luke Irwin: Ortiz may be the name, the McGeary is the feature here. He’s way too good and too versatile. Ortiz was gifted a title shot and a main event slot, but this will be McGeary’s coming out party to a national audience. McGeary via R1 TKO.
Light Heavyweight Tournament Finals: ? vs. ?
Nolan Howell: I think this will clearly come down to King Mo and Phil Davis. Here, I think Davis is the more technical fighter and should have the advantage in every respect, save for maybe striking power. It won’t be a pretty run, but Davis takes it. Phil Davis by unanimous decision.
Luke Irwin: Last time they met, Vassell was absolutely dominant over Newton until getting caught in a Hail Mary choke. I don’t think that happens this time. Vassell via UD.
Glory Light Heavyweight Championship: Saulo Cavalari (29-3) vs. Zack Mwekassa (13-2)
Nolan Howell: Saulo Cavalari has fought the better competition and we all saw what happened last time he fought Zack Mwekassa. Mwekassa can thump and he has a good future, but at it stands now, just don’t see him being that much more improved to handle the fast and slick style of Cavalari. Saulo Cavalari by second-round TKO.
Luke Irwin: Mwekassa’s star is on the rise. Cavalari is game and yes, defeated him last time, but I think he learns from that mistake and, unlike last time, doesn’t get sloppy and hunt-crazy in the final minutes. Mwekassa plays it calm and smart, yet aggressive, and finds his opening. Mwekassa via R2 TKO.
Lightweight MMA Bout: Josh Thomson (20-8) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-8-1)
Nolan Howell: I’m tempted by Bronzoulis here considering Thomson is 50/50 on showing up as a top 5 fighter or a mummy. Still, the lights don’t shine so bright here in Bellator and these states are where Thomson seems to thrive. Josh Thomson by second-round submission.
Luke Irwin: I’ve liked Bronzoulis for a long time, but I think Thomson, who lost his last three fights, but to me, only truly lost one of the three, has enough in the tank to dole out some punishment and take a clear victory here. Thomson via UD.
Welterweight Kickboxing Bout: Fernando Gonzalez (-) vs. Paul Daley (20-3)
Nolan Howell: I think the question here is what will Paul Daley’s left hook sound like rather than who will win. We going gunshot? Car crash? Paul Daley by first-round shotgun blast…er, KO.
Luke Irwin: This is going to be ugly. Daley via R1 KO.
Women’s Bantamweight Kickboxing Match: Hadley Griffith vs. Keri Anne Taylor-Melendez
Nolan Howell: La Niña by unanimous decision.
Luke Irwin: Taylor-Melendez via UD.
Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal: Emanuel Newton (25-8-1) vs. Phil Davis (13-3)
Nolan Howell: Davis
Luke Irwin: I’m going to be Bellator’s party pooper here. I know they clearly want Davis and King Mo in the finals, but both tend to shit the bed when it matters and they’re lining them up with Newton and Vassell, who are both extremely tough outs. Newton’s movement and patient striking and Vassell’s smothering wrestling and fluid submission attempts will be too much for the favorites to overcome here, so I’m going with Newton and Vassell, both via UD.
Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal: Linton Vassell (15-4) vs. Muhammed Lawal (15-4)
Nolan Howell: Lawal
Luke Irwin: See above.
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