RIZIN x Bellator MMA 2 predictions, preview

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Bellator x RIZIN 2 is about to go down this Saturday (July 29, 2023) which is able to now function a Light-weight Grand Prix bout between Patricky Pitbull and RIZIN 155-pond champion, Robert de Souza, after A.J. McKee was compelled out of the struggle as a consequence of a nasty staph infection. “Mercenary” will function an alternate for the event, however Pitbull and de Souza have an opportunity to advance towards the $1 million title struggle. Within the co-main occasion, Kyoji Horiguchi will battle Makoto Takahashi for the inaugural Flyweight title.

Patricky Pitbull vs Roberto de Souza

Whereas we gained’t have the ability to get a highly-anticipated bout between McKee and Pitbull so as to add to the on-going beef between “Mercenary” and the Brazilian brothers (a minimum of not this second), we nonetheless get a reasonably good headlining bout. And it’s all due to Bellator and RIZIN’s nice partnership which is able to enable Roberto de Souza to fill in for a catchweight struggle of 161 kilos. Apparently sufficient, de Souza fell quick in opposition to McKee at Bellator x RIZIN 1 in Dec. 2022, however bounced again properly with a win over Bellator’s Spike Carlyle. For people who will not be too acquainted with de Souza, he has been dominating the Japanese scene as RIZIN’s 155-pound champion for 2 years. All advised, he has a highly-impressive 15-2 document and is 6-1 in his final seven fights. As for Pitbull, it’s secure to say he’s seen higher days contained in the cage. Over his final 4 fights he has a document of 1-3 however he did win the 155-pound strap throughout that span if you happen to can consider. His title reign was short-lived, nevertheless, as a result of he coughed it up in his first protection in opposition to Usman Nurmagomedov. Now, he’s working his manner towards a rematch. The benefit Pitbull has is that he was getting ready for a struggle, and whereas de Souza might be in form, he wasn’t planning on preventing. That will harm him a tad right here, however he’s a gamer and can make it aggressive. I simply don’t see him doing sufficient to advance.

Prediction: Pitbull through unanimous determination

Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Makoto Takahashi

After getting bounced from the Bantamweight Grand Prix by eventual winner of the event, Patchy Combine, Horiguchi determined it was time to move again all the way down to Flyweight. Now he can have the prospect to win gold another time as he tries to win the promotion’s inaugural 125-pound strap. At the moment on a two-fight win streak, Horiguchi might be tasked to making an attempt to sluggish the momentum of Makoto Takahashi. “Shinryu” is at the moment on a 10-fight win streak and is 16-1 total. Many really feel that Takahashi ought to have been signed by UFC way back, however the 23-year previous has but to get his alternative. In the mean time, all he sees is the prospect to win gold and develop into historical past by turning into Bellator’s first-ever 125-pound champion. However he must do it in opposition to one of the crucial skilled fighters on the planet at Flyweight. That is the prospect, nevertheless, for “Shinryu” to take a giant leap in his profession and when it’s all mentioned and executed this might be altering of the guard. Horiguchi does have the expertise, however Takahashi has youth and pace on his aspect and this might be his popping out get together.

Prediction: Takahashi through unanimous determination

Magomed Magomedov vs. Danny Sabatello

Each Magomedov and Sabatello had been eradicated within the 135-pound Grand Prix, and now they may face each other in a pivotal struggle. Since shedding to eventual Grand Prix winner, Patchy Combine, Magomedov has been sitting in silence and this might be his first struggle in seven months. His lone two losses in Bellator have come in opposition to present interim champion, Combine, and former title holder, Raufeon Stots. As for Sabatello, he bounced again from his loss to Stots with a win over Marcus Breno, so he has been a bit extra energetic. This struggle is an thrilling one to say the least as a result of each males possess superb grappling abilities. If it goes to the bottom the benefit goes Magomedov, whereas Sabatello has a slight benefit within the putting division. As soon as the struggle will get up shut and private I anticipate Magomedov to manage the struggle on the bottom, and that can give him ample alternatives to work his submissions and certainly one of them will ultimately get the job executed.

Prediction: Magomedov through third spherical submission (rear-naked choke)

Andrey Koreshkov vs. Lorenz Larkin

Since their first encounter again in 2019 — which Larkin gained through split-decision — each males have been on a tear. Koreshkov has gone on to win 4 straight, with solely two of these taking place underneath the Bellator banner. As for Larkin, he simply saved on successful, incomes 4 wins with one no-contest (NC) sandwiched in between. “Monsoon” is coming off an enormous knockout win over Mukhamed Berkhamov. I’m glad Larkin is staying at 170 kilos as a result of he’s so much faster with out shedding a lot energy. He can have a prepared dance accomplice in former 170-pound champion Koreshkov, who’s seeking to climb the rankings in an effort to reclaim the title he as soon as had. However Larkin is basically coming into his personal and I don’t see him slowing down. He has the added confidence of that win over Koreshkov, however the flip aspect of the coin leaves a hungry ex-champion in search of revenge.

Prediction: Larking through unanimous determination

Kana Watanabe vs. Veta Arteaga

Watanabe’s time with Bellator MMA hasn’t been the perfect, solely racking up a 3-2 document and going 1-2 in her final three. She is coming off a troublesome loss by the hands of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane earlier this yr, so she is raring to get again on monitor in opposition to Arteaga. Talking of which, Arteaga can be simply 2-3 in her final 5 fights with Bellator and is coming off a defeat by the hands of Sumiko Inaba. The winner of this struggle earns just a few spots within the rankings, however will nonetheless be a methods away from a shot on the title.

Prediction: Watanabe through unanimous determination

MMAmania.com will ship protection of RIZIN x Bellator MMA 2 right here. To take a look at the most recent Bellator MMA-related information and notes you should definitely hit up our complete information archive proper here.

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