Bellator MMA returns to Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., tomorrow night (Fri., Jan. 29, 2016) with Bellator 148: “Daley vs. Uhrich.” which will air live on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET.
The mixed martial arts (MMA) league had originally planned to debut former Ultimate Fighting (UFC) on this card against Matt Secor; however, “Kos” withdrew because of an injury and the Welterweight showdown between Paul “Semtex” Daley and “Stunner” Andy Uhrich was promoted to the main event.
Many still hope that a Daley win will set up the long-awaited rematch with Koscheck down the line, but before than can happen, let’s break down all four fights on the Spike TV-televised main card and make a few MMA predictions.
Here we go:
170 lbs.: Paul Daley (37-13-2) vs. Andy Uhrich (11-5)
It’s slightly astonishing that “Semtex” has more than 50 professional MMA fights on his resume and is just 32 years old. And if you factor in his kickboxing record, the “P” in Paul might stand for “prolific.” Unfortunately, he’s also had a few troubles over the years; therefore the “A” would stand for assault and the “U’ for being fired from UFC, while he gets the “L” for notable losses to Tyron Woodley and Nick Diaz, among others. With 27 out of 37 career wins by knockout in MMA alone, he lives up to his explosive nickname, but he’s also been finished in more than 50 percent of his losses (two knockouts, five submissions).
Bellator fans will best remember ‘Stunner” for either being knocked out on the Bellator PPV or for winning on Bellator “Fight Master,” only to be eliminated because of a cut. He’s had some significant success outside of Bellator and comes in on a three-fight win streak, which was capped off by beating Bellator veteran Bobby Cooper in March 2015. The diversity of his style lends itself well to fighting Daley — four knockouts, two submissions, five decisions — and he’s slightly younger at 30 years old.
Uhrich wants to shock the world with a win, but we know his chin can be touched … and few people will disagree that Daley hits harder than Ben Brewer. Even putting that aside, the original plan was for Daley to fight Uhrich, Koscheck to fight Secor, and then Daley and Koscheck to finally settle their long-standing grudge. Daley isn’t taking Uhrich lightly, but this is a fight that seemingly puts him on the road to a future “tent pole” grudge match.
Final prediction: Paul Daley knocks out Andy Uhrich in round one
170 lbs.: Paul Bradley (22-6, 2 NC) vs. Chris Honeycutt (6-0, 1 NC)
If this feels like deja vu all over again, well, there’s a good reason for it: This fight happened before at Bellator 140. Unfortunately, multiple head clashes by both men led to Bradley getting a forehead cut deep enough for the fight to be waved off in round two and ruled a “No Contest.” I had Honeycutt winning up to that point and had predicted Honeycutt winning the last time they met, and I see no reason to change — he is the younger fighter (27 vs. 32) and seemed to have a slight advantage in their grappling exchanges the first time out.
Final prediction: Chris Honeycutt defeats Paul Bradley by unanimous decision
265 lbs.: Raphael Butler (9-1-1) vs. Tony Johnson (9-2)
In a Heavyweight division where the champion is roaming around Russia with no signs of returning soon, any man who can put together a few wins isn’t just a top contender, he’s potentially an uncrowned interim champion. Tony Johnson brings a two-fight win streak to the cage, including a win over former champion Alexander Volkov at Bellator 136. Butler is looking for a second win in a row coming off an impressive submission of Josh Diekmann.
Both men tip the scales at (or near) the 265-pound weight class limit, so neither will look to make it a long, drawn-out scrap; however, that scenario would favor Johnson, who has five decision victories to his credit. Butler is called “The Silencer” for a reason, though — five knockouts … all in the first round. Add his ever-improving Brazilian jiu-jitsu and ground game and Butler feels like a professional boxer who really has figured out how to take his athletic prowess in one field and successfully apply that drive in training to another.
Final prediction: Raphael Butler scores a second round technical knockout
155 lbs.: Patricky Freire (14-7) vs. Ryan Couture (10-3)
This feels like a bad decision for Freire. I applaud him for agreeing to take the fight on short notice, but having just lost to Derek Anderson one month ago, taking another bout so quickly to rebound from a loss may not be wise. Couture has a four-fight win streak going, is undefeated in his Bellator career, and finishes 60 percent of his fights via submission. The Freire brothers are hard to finish, and Patricky “Pitbull” has only been knocked out once and submitted once, but Couture may just settle for grinding out an opponent who came back far too quickly.
Final prediction: Ryan Couture wins via unanimous decision
That’s a wrap!
MMAmania.com will deliver live coverage of Bellator 148: “Daley vs. Uhrich” this Friday night, with real-time results throughout the evening followed by Spike TV fights at 9 p.m. ET.
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