Who has the advantage in this week’s Bellator and UFC cards?
Bellator MMA is gearing up for its 300th event this weekend, presenting fight fans with a stacked card featuring three championship fights. The main card of the Bellator 300 event at Pechanga Arena in San Diego on Saturday night will showcase the skills of lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomadov, featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, and flyweight champion Liz Carmouche. As anticipation builds, MMA trainers and betting experts have weighed in with their picks, providing valuable insights into the potential outcomes of these highly anticipated matchups.
Bellator 300 Picks
In the main event, Usman Nurmagomadov will put his undefeated record on the line against Brent Primus. With an impressive professional record of 17-0, Nurmagomadov is a force to be reckoned with. Santino DeFranco, coach at Fight Ready MMA, believes that Nurmagomadov’s relentless style and exceptional grappling skills will give him the edge in this contest. Betting expert Reed Kuhn also favors Nurmagomadov, highlighting his strong track record and technical prowess.
Moving on to the featherweight title clash, Cris Cyborg is set to defend her crown against challenger Cat Zingano. While Cyborg recently dropped from ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, she remains a formidable opponent. Santino DeFranco expects Cyborg to showcase her power and aggressiveness to secure a victory. On the other hand, Reed Kuhn believes Zingano’s durability and striking ability could pose a challenge for the reigning champion.
In the flyweight championship bout, Liz Carmouche will face former champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Seizing the opportunity to make a name for herself, Carmouche aims to cement her status as the division’s top fighter. Santino DeFranco predicts that Carmouche’s experience and well-rounded skill set will be key factors in securing the win. However, Reed Kuhn believes that Macfarlane’s aggressive submission game could pose problems for Carmouche.
UFC Fight Night
While Bellator 300 promises an action-packed night, the UFC also has an intriguing matchup in store. Lightweight fighters Grant Dawson and Bobby Green will headline UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Santino DeFranco weighs in on this main event, stating that Green’s experience and well-roundedness make him a tough challenge for any opponent. However, he acknowledges Grant Dawson’s relentless pressure and well-executed game plans as an advantage for the emerging fighter.
Expert Analysis and Betting Picks
To provide further insights into the upcoming matchups, ESPN’s betting experts Reed Kuhn and Ian Parker have shared their analysis. Reed Kuhn supports Santino DeFranco’s pick for Usman Nurmagomadov in the Bellator main event and believes that his grappling skills will be the deciding factor. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing betting odds to make informed decisions. Ian Parker focuses primarily on the UFC main event, highlighting the durability and well-roundedness of Bobby Green. He believes that Green’s experience will be pivotal in securing a victory.
In conclusion, the upcoming Bellator 300 and UFC Fight Night events offer thrilling matchups that are sure to captivate MMA enthusiasts. With insights from notable trainers and betting experts, the advantage seems to lean towards Usman Nurmagomadov, Cris Cyborg, Liz Carmouche, and Bobby Green. However, the outcome of these fights is never predetermined, and anything can happen inside the cage. As fight night approaches, anticipation builds, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the moment when these athletes step into the spotlight to showcase their skills and determination.
