The Fight Report: Bellator 102
Bellator’s heavyweight action has often been described with many uncomplimentary adjectives, but new blood will clean out some of the tired competitors of the last several tournaments, for good or ill. In more exciting news, the Middleweight tournament will be wrapping up its semi-finals tonight as well though, with two highly competitive matches that should save even a top-heavy show like this. Let’s check out what’s in store for us this Friday.
HW Tournament Semi-final – Cheick Kongo vs. Mark Godbeer:
Coming off his release from the UFC, 38-year-old Cheick Kongo has followed his team-mate Quinton “Rampage” Jackson to what they feel are greener pastures, facing fellow UK fighter Mark Godbeer. Kongo’s pros and cons are well-known, with razor-sharp muay thai, one of the best clinch wrestling games in the division, but a chin that isn’t suited to exchanges against other 265lbers. Godbeer is a lesser known quandary, being a smaller HW with a love of leg kicks and looping punches, but going for the opportunistic takedown when possible. Unless Kongo comes into this completely deflated by his demotion, I can’t see Godbeer doing much here, as Kongo is simply the better fighter in all aspects of the game. Look for an either a lackluster decision or lightning fast finish by Kongo, depending on where his mind is at.
HW Tournament Semi-final – Lavar Johnson vs. Vinicius Spartan:
One of the biggest punchers in the game, Lavar Johnson enters Bellator, taking on former tournament fighter in Vinicius Spartan. Johnson is a monster with a big right hand, but he’s never fleshed out his overall game and relies strictly on his strength to win, often to his folly against superior skilled opponents. Spartan isn’t the toughest guy in the business, but his matwork and technical striking are a cut above the rest in Bellator, and on paper, a cut above Johnson’s as well. This is a tough call because of that power, but I lean Spartan to work a smart game plan and hit takedowns to control the big man for the majority of the bout, winning by submission or decision.
MW Tournament Semi-final – Mikkel Parlo vs. Jason Butcher:
The most contentious fight of the night, Danish striker Mikkel Parlo will face off against lethal BJJ grappler Jason Butcher. Parlo had an outstanding showing against Brian Rogers, handily cutting him down standing and working a new takedown game that aided him in keeping the fight on his terms. That takedown game would be the worst idea possible here however, as he takes on someone praised for this ensnaring guard game and sweeps. This is a fight where Butcher needs to be the master of range, either fighting from the outside with his sharp jab or cutting distance and getting to the mat. If Butcher can do that, he wins, but if he stalls out in the pocket, it could well be lights out, courtesy of a Parlo left hook.
MW Tournament Semi-final – Brennan Ward vs. Joe Pacheco:
It’s breaks my granite state heart to see Filkins fall to injury, but it’s the opportunity of a lifetime for Joe Pacheco; filling in to face Brennan Ward. Pacheco is an ox of a man, using raw power with a touch of finesse in his short but busy MMA career. Ward comes into this with the better wrestling and a bit of momentum from his last Bellator win, and while he’ll have some scary moments in the clinch and closing the gap, I think his takedowns are just too deft to be stopped by Pacheco’s strongman style. A close first round turns to a lopsided second and third, with Ward putting in the world to win a unanimous decision.
About the Author (Author Profile)
I'm a 20+ year veteran of martial arts and a fan of MMA since UFC 1, when my world was thrown on its head by the budding sport. I'm obsessive in the pursuit of martial abilities and have competed across the country in everything from Vale Tudo to archery to Scottish broadsword. Once my body broke down, I picked up a pen and went in the direction of writing. I specialize in betting advice, predictions, and I'm a walking encyclopedia of MMA trivia. I own a cafe in Exeter, NH called Hammersmith Sandwich Company and write out of my office between customers.Subscribe
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