For the first time since being purchased by the PFL, Bellator is finally set to hold an event in the United States. Their first three events under the new partnership were all overseas, and their last event was back in June, but at least they're finally having a domestic event again.
The main event is a big title fight, as unbeaten Welterweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov takes on Alexander Shabliy. The co-main event is also of notable importance, as Lorenz Larkin and Levan Chockeli will battle in a Welterweight title eliminator. The featured bout will mark the return of former Welterweight champion Douglas Lima. There's also a Yancy Medeiros fight on the main card, as he faces rising prospect Jora Ayvazyan, and the main card opener is a women's bout featuring homegrown talents. All things considered, this is a fairly quality offering from Bellator. Hopefully, it will deliver from an action perspective as well.
Main Card (9/8c, MAX)
Sumiko Inaba (7-1) vs. Mackenzie Stiller (3-0)
On paper, it's easy to scoff at this fight. Stiller only has three pro bouts on her resume, while Inaba isn't well-known to most fans. After a deeper look though, it's a solid choice to open up the main card. Both Inaba and Stiller are homegrown talents that debuted in Bellator, and both have done well so far. Inaba's only loss came against Denise Kielholz, while Stiller has finished two of her three wins via first round armbar. I'll pick Inaba to win, buta Stiller win wouldn't be surprising. Prediction: Inaba via decision.
Yancy Medeiros (16-8, 2 NC) vs. Jora Ayvazyan (14-1)
Next up is a crossroads bout between Yancy Medeiros and Jora Ayvazyan. Medeiros is a former fan favorite from his UFC days, but his UFC career ended with four straight losses. He's won both of his Bellator bouts, but failed a test after his last one, which is why he hasn't fought since early 2023. Now, he takes on a surging prospect in Ayvazyan, who is making his Bellator debut. It's clear what the company is doing with this fight, and I get it, even if I don't love it. This has Ayvazyan via decision written all over it. Prediction: Ayvazyan via decision.
Douglas Lima (33-11) vs. Aaron Jeffery (14-5)
Douglas Lima is a Bellator legend. He's a three-time Bellator Welterweight champion, used to be a highlight machine and deserves tons of respect for that. He's also got just one win since 2019, has gone the distance in six straight fights and is well past his prime. Jeffery is a former CFFC Middleweight champion who has gone 4-2 since going to Bellator, and this is a sensible next step for him. On paper, he might have what it takes to win this fight, especially since it's at Middleweight. It's probably wishful thinking on my part, but I'll pick Lima, solely based on nostalgia factor. Prediction: Lima via decision.
Lorenz Larkin vs. Levan Chokeli
Prediction: Larkin via tko, round 3.
Bellator Welterweight Championship: (C) Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Alexander Shabliy
Prediction: Nurmagomedov via decision.
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