Before I write about tonight's Bellator card, I'd like to take a moment to apoligize about the lack of articles for the last few events. Due to technical issues and other obstacles, I was unable to write about the events that took place the past few weeks. Thankfully, everything is back on track, to the point that I can write bout tonight's event just before it happens.

As far as tonight's show is concerned, it's a quality event on paper. The main event will feature Cris Cyborg, who has consistently been viewed as a top three female fighter for the past decade-plus, defend her title against Sinead Kavanagh. The co-main event will pit eight-year Bellator vet Linton Vassell, who is looking to win his third straight fight at Heavyweight, against wrestler Tyrell Fortune. The main card will be rounded out by a big Featherweight matchup between bluechip prospect Aaron Pico and undefeated prospect Justin Gonzales, as well as a potential Women's Featherweight title eliminator between top-ranked Arlene Blencowe and seventh-ranked former Invicta champion Pam Sorenson. The prelims have a few notable fights too, featuring undefeated prospect Steve Mowry, undefeated two-time wrestling All-American Cody Law, popular female fighter Valerie Loureda, former WSOF/PFL mainstay Mo DeReese and more. The prelims are live on Youtube, while the main card will air on Showtime per usual. Here's my picks for tonight's four main card fights.

Bellator 271 Main Card (9/8c, Showtime)

(7) Pam Sorenson (9-3) vs. (1) Arlene Blencowe (14-8)

In the main card's opening bout, former Invicta Featherweight champion Pam Sorenson will take on top-ranked Arlene Blencowe in hopes of winning her second straight fight in her new home. Sorenson is a good fighter, but she's gone the distance in nine of her eleven fights to date. What's more is that seven of those were split decision. In Blencowe, she faces an opponent who has only gone the distance once in her last five fights, has eight finishes due to strikes and often loses via submissions. Sorenson's an interesting opponent for her, but I think she'll take care of business and win. Prediction: Blencowe via decision.

(6) Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. (8) Justin Gonzales (12-0)

The most interesting fight of the card might be the one between Aaron Pico and Justin Gonzales. Pico was a star freestyle wrestler before signing with Bellator, but took some tough losses against vastly more experienced opponents over his first seven fights. He's found his groove of late, winning four in a row. All of his fights have ended with a finish, turning him into a must-see fighter from an entertainment perspective. The fact that he's now facing an undefeated opponent is interesting. Gonzales is 12-0 as a pro, has won multiple titles in regional promotions and also has a win from the Contender Series a few years back. The one thing holding him back is that he's gone the distance in more than half his fights. He's a good fighter, but I don't think he can beat Pico. It'll be interesting to see if he can at least snap Pico's streak of finishes, but I don't see it happening. Prediction: Pico via tko, round 2.

(6) Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC) vs. (5) Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC)

In the co-main event, former Light Heavyweight title challenger Linton Vassell will look to win his third straight at Heavyweight when he faces fifth-ranked Tyrell Fortune. Fortune, who was one of many big-time collegiate wrestlers that Bellator signed some years back, has spent his entire pro career with the promotion. He looked good in his first eight fights, but got knocked out in the first round by Tim Johnson early last year, before going to a no contest against Jack May. Since then, he's won three straight and looks comfortable again. He's got power, great wrestling and high-level ground n' pound. Now, he faces sixth-ranked Linton Vassell, with the winner potentially earning a title eliminator opportunity.

As for Vassell, the well-rounded Englishman has found new life at Heavyweight. He won seven of his first nine Bellator bouts as a Light Heavyweight, before sustaining back-to-back third round finish losses to then-champion Ryan Bader and former champion Phil Davis. That prompted him to move up to Heavyweight, where he lost to Valentin Moldavsky in his first fight back. Since then, he's won back-to-back fights in the second round. He's got eight knockout and submission wins apiece, and has only been finished due to strikes twice since 2010. I think he'll have a close fight with Fortune, and I'm torn on who to pick. I'll pick Fortune, but it could easily go the other way. Prediction: Fortune via decision.

Bellator Women's Featherweight Championship: (c) Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC) vs. (5) Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

In the main event of the evening, Bellator Women's Featherweight champion and MMA legend Cris Cyborg will defend the belt against fifth-ranked Sinead Kavanagh. As much as I'd like to believe a chance of an upset is possible, I just don't see it. Cyborg has unreal power, has been elite for over a decade, has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and her cardio is underrated at this point. Kavanagh was 2-4 in Bellator before stringing together a couple victories, which was enough for her to get a shot. She's got some power, but has gone the distance in over half her fights. I don't think she can hang with Cyborg for three rounds, much less five. Upsets can happen at any point, and Cyborg is 36, so maybe Father Time will catch up to her during this fight? That's basically Kavanagh's only hope. Prediction: Cyborg via tko, round 1.

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