Bellator has declared a couple of big fights for upcoming battle cards, and I will give my thoughts on those new matchups in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Juan Archuleta vs. Ricky Bandejas, Bellator 214
Featherweight competition Juan Archuleta has decided to drop down to bantamweight and he’ll take on top prospect Ricky Bandejas at Bellator 214, which takes place January 26 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Archuleta (21-1) is really on a 16-fight win streak and is 3-0 thus far in Bellator with his latest success being a choice win over Jeremy Spoon back in November. Bandejas (11-1) started his Bellator career with a bang when he brutally knocked out Bellator’s gold boy James Gallagher last summer. He’s only lost once in his career, to UFC vet Nick Pace, and he holds a notable triumph over current UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili. That is such a fantastic fight between two fighters on the rise, and it’s not a simple one to select considering both men are extremely talented and both are riding a great deal of momentum into this battle. I believe Archuleta is a bit more strong and recognized, but Bandejas is a exceptional potential himself. Look for a close line with a slight lean towards Archuleta.
Roy Nelson vs. Mirko Cro Cop 2, Bellator 217
Heavyweights Roy Nelson and Mirko Cro Cop are place to rematch at Bellator 217, taking place February 16 in Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. Neslon (23-16) is 1-2 so far in Bellator and most recently was pumped out by Sergei Kharitonov in an upset. Nelson previously defeated Cro Cop via TKO back at UFC 137 in 2011. Cro Cop (37-11-2, 1 NC) will be making his long-awaited Bellator debut on the heels of a nine-fight win series, wiht many of the wins coming from RIZIN. Nelson might have beaten Cro Cop the first time, but according to Cro Cop’s long win streak and Nelson’s diminishing chin I’d have to favor Cro Cop to win the rematch.
Lorenz Larkin vs. Andrey Koreshkov, Bellator 220
An exciting welterweight bout between strikers Lorenz Larkin and Andrey Koreshkov is set to headline Bellator 200, occurring March 29 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. Larkin (20-7, 1 NC) is only 2-2 so far in Bellator, but he is coming off of successive wins over Fernando Gonzalez and Ion Pascu. The Pascu battle was likely to become a welterweight tournament alternative bout, bout Bellator should figure they don’t require a repacement fighter therefore that they gave Larkin this battle against Koreshkov. Despite Larkin becoming a bit of a disappointment so far since registering a large free-agent contract with Bellator, he possesses knockout power which will consistently make him a threat to beat anyone in the division. Koreshkov (21-3) is 12-3 overall in Bellator and most recently lost by entry to Douglas Lima in the opening round of the welterweight tournament. His ground game and chin have appeared shaky occasionally at Bellator, but such as Larkin he is always a threat to win by knockout. This should be quite a competitive fight but Koreshkov constantly gets massive admiration from bettors and I figure he wil be a small favorite here.
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