Bellator Belfast predictions, preview | Anderson vs. Moore

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Bellator MMA is formally again to kick off the re-branded “Champions Series” tomorrow afternoon (Fri., March 22, 2024) inside SSE Enviornment in Belfast, Northern Eire, streaming dwell on Max. Headlining the occasion will likely be a vacant Light Heavyweight title fight as Corey Anderson will get battles Karl Moore, whereas Featherweight champion, Patricio Pitbull, places his 145-pound belt on the road in opposition to Jeremy Kennedy within the co-headlining act.

In additional motion, Fabian Edwards will start his hunt to a different Middleweight championship combat when he battles Aaron Jeffery, whereas James Gallagher battles Leandro Higo in a pivotal Featherweight bout.

Corey Anderson vs. Karl Moore

Anderson got here up quick in his earlier three makes an attempt to win the 205-pound title, and know he’s hoping that the third time would be the allure. The one man that received in “Additional time’s” method of successful Bellator gold was Vadim Nemkov, nut now that the Russian grappler has moved as much as Heavyweight, it’s one much less impediment for Anderson to fret about. However his path to gold isn’t precisely straightforward as he will likely be taking up a person who has but to face defeat beneath the Bellator banner. Certainly, Moore is 4-0 with the promotion. Of his 12 wins, he does have seven finishes, 5 by way of submission and two by means of knockouts. Anderson has a a lot better end historical past. with eight of them coming by means of strikes with no submissions. So that is actually a conflict of types as a result of Anderson will attempt to maintain this on the ft, whereas Moore will likely be trying to making it right into a jiu-jitsu match if he will get the possibility. However as sizzling as Moore is, it’s Anderson’s time to shine and I don’t see him arising a brief a 3rd time in title fights.

Prediction: Anderson by way of second spherical TKO

Champion Patricio Pitbull vs. Jeremy Kennedy

Pitbull was left high and dry by two completely different opponents on the Bellator vs PFL “Champion vs. Champion” occasion a couple of weeks in the past, and now the Brazilian bomber will lastly be capable of get his first style of motion in 2024. Pitbull at the moment finds himself because the proprietor of a uncommon two-fight shedding streak, shedding to Sergio Pettis at Bellator 297 in a Bantamweight title combat, earlier than shedding to Chihiro Suzuki by way of devastating knockout in a last-minute combat (see it again here). He has an opportunity to bounce again in an enormous method by incomes his second title protection after successful the belt again from A.J. McKee in April 2022. As for Kennedy, he’s on a three-fight win streak and is 4-1 general beneath the Bellator banner. The previous PFL veteran holds wins over Pedro Carvalho and Aaron Pico, and is 4-1 general beneath the Bellator banner. Pitbull has to boucne again right here as a result of if he loses his third straight whereas coughing up his belt, within the course of, the chatter across the water cooler will likely be his future standing and whether or not or not his finest days are behind him. I don not imagine they’re, and he’ll show it by retaining his belt in a hard-fought battle.

Prediction: Pitbull by way of unanimous choice

Fabian Edwards vs. Aaron Jeffery

Fabian Edwards got here up quick in his first-ever main world title combat, shedding to present Middleweight champion Johnny Eblen by way of knockout within the third spherical of their bout at Bellator 299 (relieve it here). Now, the brawling Brit is again on the highway to redemption in opposition to Aaron Jeffery, who’s 3-1 with the promotion. Jeffery bounced again properly following his loss to John Salter by taking out Dalton Rosta. The well-traveled veteran has a pleasant alternative to throw his identify within the championship hate by defeating Edwards, although hit will likely be a tall activity as a result of his foe will likely be coming in hungry and motivated. That’s to not say Jeffery gained’t be, however Edwards has a bit extra well-rounded arsenal that may lead him again to the winner’s circle.

Prediction: Edwards by way of unanimous choice

Tim Wilde vs. Manoel Sousa

Wilde stumbled out of the Bellator gates, shedding to former champion Brent Primus in his promotional debut. Since then, nevertheless, he has gone 5-0-1, and is slowly, purchase certainly climbing the 155-pound ladder. He’ll welcome undefeated contender, Manoel Sousa, to the large leagues. He did win his combat on the PFL Challenger Sequence 2023, the one combat of his that has seen the judges scorecards. Previous to that he completed all 9 of his opponents, six by way of strikes whereas submitting three of his foes. The 26-year previous Brazilian is an thrilling prospect with an enormous alternative to make an impression proper method. Sadly for “Manumito,” he will likely be a bit over his head right here, as Wilde will show to be too, expertise, too well-round and in the end an excessive amount of.

Prediction: Wilde by way of unanimous choice

James Gallagher vs. Leandro Higo

James Gallagher was anticipated to be an enormous star for Bellator, however the brash Irishman has did not dwell as much as lofty expectations. After he was knocked out by Ricky Bandejas in memorable trend (see it here), he did bounce again to win 4 in a row, He then bumped into present Bantamweight champion, Patchy Combine, who choked him out in spherical three at Bellator 270. He did get again to the winner;’s circle by defeating Justin Gonzalez by way of razor-thin split-decision, however the truth stays “Strabanimal” merely hasn’t been capable of garner the highlight like many anticipated. That stated, he has confirmed to have the abilities to get the job accomplished, and has an opportunity so as to add to his momentum when he faces longtime veteran, Leandro Higo. “Pitbull” is 4-1 in his final 5 fights with the promotion along with his lone defeat coming in opposition to Danny Sabatello within the quarterfinals of the Bantamweight Grand Prix. This combat is a superb matchup between two jiu-jitsu which have 22 submission wins between them (Higo 13, Gallagher 9). So what does that imply? This combat might very properly be an all-out placing battle. I give the sting to Gallagher there since Higo can get a bit overzealous at occasions. I don’t count on a end by both man right here, so it would come all the way down to who can push the tempo a bit extra and sway the judges.