Bellator 91 Staff Predictions

Staff Standings:

Nolan Howell: 12-4, .750

Benjamin Kohn: 9-3, .750

Daniel Galvan: 16-7, .696

Christian Diaz: 16-8, .667

Chris Groves: 16-11, .593

Lucas Bourdon: 7-5, .583

Winslow League:

Tim Bernier: 6-5, .545

TC Engel: 14-14, .500

Tim Hickey: 14-14, .500

Josh Hall: 6-6, .500

Connor Dillon: 15-16, .484

Luke Irwin: 16-21, .432

Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship: Christian M’Pumbu (c) (18-4-1) vs. Attila Vegh (28-4-2)

Daniel Galvan: Christian M’Pumbu’s age (35), long lay-off (sixteen months), and terrible performance against Travis Wiuff all indicate that the last remaining inaugural Bellator champion will lose his strap to Attila Vegh. With that being said, I’m still leaning towards M’Pumbu. Even though Vegh can control the fight by taking it down through the clinch. M’Pumbu has solid conditioning and surprising power, especially with his knees. On the feet, the fight is relatively even as both fighters are smart counter-strikers that can generate a lot of power. In the later rounds, I think M’Pumbu will be able to catch a tired Vegh in the clinch with a knee that’ll serve as the catalyst for the end. M’Pumbu via TKO, 4th Round.

Nolan Howell: This is a tough call, as both men are more prone to finishing fights and show skills in every area of the game. Vegh has 21 finishes in 28 wins, whole M’Pumbu holds 15 finishes in his 18 wins. Both men have comparable quality of competition, as their biggest wins have come in Bellator (save for M’Pumbu’s win over Stefan Struve). In addition to all of this, both men hold traditional martial arts striking backgrounds to the table; M’Pumbu uses the traditional French style of kickboxing known as savate, while Vegh brings a kempo background into the cage. It is a tossup, but I’ll go with the champion M’Pumbu here. While he can’t shuck the takedowns of a huge Travis Wiuff, he shouldn’t have that big of a problem keeping this standing and putting his opponent down. Christian M’Pumbu by second round TKO.

Luke Irwin: Tough one here. I think the layoff has been too long for M’Pumbu and Wiuff exposed some of M’Pumbu’s flaws. I think Vegh works M’Pumbu on the ground and batters him to a TKO, probably by doctor’s stoppage, after say, Round 4 after accumulating too much damge. Vegh R4 TKO.

Lightweight Tournament Semifinal: Saad Awad (13-4) vs. Will Brooks (9-0)

Daniel Galvan: Hey Will Brooks, for my own sanity and prediction record, can you do me a big favor and not test out your striking against Saad Awad? Please?  Sure, you may be able to out-box Awad and maybe even finish him, but don’t do it. If there’s one lesson we learned from Awad’s Bellator return it was that he hits hard.  Use your superb wrestling that got you here.  Thanks. Brooks via Submission, 1st Round. 

Nolan Howell: This match will feature the grinding, top-heavy grappling of Brooks meeting the ferocious killer instinct of Awad. Awad is well-rounded in his finishing ability, racking up five knockouts and six submissions in 13 wins. Brooks has only nine fights on his record and has shown finishing ability in his undefeated streak, finishing fights in seven out of his nine bouts. While Awad will come out guns blazing, Brooks can use his takedowns to grind down Awad and dictate the fight. If he can survive an initial blitz from Awad, count on a late finish or Brooks riding it out for the victory. Will Brooks by second round submission.

Luke Irwin: As much as we laughed about it at the time, I’d really be interested in seeing Will take on Shinya Aoki now. He is slick as all hell. Brooks R1 Sub.

Lightweight Tournament Semifinal: David Rickels (12-1) vs. Jason Fischer (6-1)

Daniel Galvan: The first fight between Jason Fischer and David Rickels was close decision that saw Rickels control the fight as it wore on. Expect much of the same in their second clash as Fischer is an aggressive fighter, especially early on. Rickels’ takedowns and top control should come into play as the contest progresses, and the Caveman should be able to advance to the finals on the judges’ scorecards. Rickels via Decision.

Nolan Howell: In the Bellator Season Eight Lightweight semifinals, Bellator staple David “Caveman” Rickels will take on alternate Jason “The Finisher” Fischer, who replaces injured Alexander Sarnavskiy. While Fischer has an apt nickname, this one seems academic. Rickles would have had a stiff test against Sarnavskiy, but this matchup seems remarkably easier. Barring Fischer using his finishing ability to crack the granite jaw of Rickles, expect Rickles controlling the ground game en route to victory and a place in the finals. David Rickles by unanimous decision.

Luke Irwin: Fischer is a replacement for Alexander Sarnavskiy, which is truly unfortunate, as Rickels vs. Tiger would have been a barnburner. Nonetheless, even though Fischer took Rickels to a decision, Rickels is a far-superior fighter with a much-harder level of competition. 30-27 if it’s even that close. Rickels via decision.

Bantamweight Bout: Ed West (17-7) vs. Joshua Montoya (10-7)

Daniel Galvan: This fight was made to make Ed West look good. It’ll fulfill it’s purpose. West via Submission, 1st Round.

Nolan Howell: Familiar face Ed West returns to take on regional fighter Joshua Montoya. This seems like a fight to keep West warm and familiarize the Spike audience with West, who has been with Bellator since their third season. Montoya sports a 10-7 record that features mostly submission victories, but he also seems to be prone to being finished as well. Ed West takes this easily. Ed West by unanimous decision.

Luke Irwin: This is an absolute bounceback fight for West after back-to-back losses to Galvao and Dantas. Fischer’s resume is absurd and this should be a roll. West via R1 Sub.