The Scott Coker-era Bellator gets its soft launch on Saturday with one of their ‘tent pole’ events. This card is headlined by a pair of aging UFC Hall of Famers, but one with a high degree of visibility for Spike TV audiences. The card also features a lightweight title fight, two kickboxers battling in a MMA context and more.
What: Bellator 131: Tito vs. Bonnar
Where: Valley View Casino Center, San Diego, CA.
When: Saturday, the preliminary card starts at 7 p.m. ET on Spike.com/MMA Fighting. The five -fight main card starts on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET.
It’s hard to know what to expect here from two guys who are years past their prime. That said, a past-his-prime Mark Coleman was able to wrestle Bonnar into a UFC loss. If Ortiz gasses, all bets are off, but Bonnar has always had suspect wrestling. If nothing else, Oritz should be able to take two of three rounds.
Pick: Ortiz
Michael Chandler vs. Will Brooks
I scored their first fight for Chandler. It’s not hard to do so or make a case generally that he won. Importantly, he arguably did so by competing with a terrible game plan. He tried to wrestle Brooks, but consistently failed at controlling him once on the mat. Yet, he continued to push that game plan, for no clear reason (although he later said it had to do with an injury). Whatever the case, he was having enough success on the feet, especially later in the fight, that one wonders what he could do with a more focused approach. I like Brooks and maybe I am selling him short, but I don’t see how Chandler drops this twice.
Pick: Chandler
Melvin Manhoef vs. Joe Schilling
If this were a kickboxing bout, I’d have no issues picking Schilling. I still will, but I worry. Schilling gets stronger as the fight goes on. Manhoef is just the opposite. In MMA, that’s a recipe for a Dutch victory. Still, Manhoef just doesn’t take punishment like he used to. For that reason, I’ll side with the American.
Pick: Schilling
Mike Richman vs. Nam Phan
Richman has looked really dynamic since moving down to bantamweight. That’s not just because he’s more physical there, but because he opens up his offense. Phan, though, is all too happy to oblige the preferred boxing range of ‘The Marine’, which is why the Bellator veteran is likely to take the victory here.
Pick: Richman
I suppose anything is possible, but what really needs to be said here? Lawal is going to take him down and either finish him there or win via control.
Pick: Lawal