4-9-11 - Bellator 40
Welterweight Fight: Ben Askren (7-0) vs. Nick Thompson (38-13-1)
MY PICK - Nick Thompson via decision
WINNER - Ben Askren via decision (30-27)
Notes: Askren is pretty solid and even holds a win over Lyman Good already in his career. He will basically either submit his opposition or get the decision. He has just been on a GREAT roll to start off his MMA career. It is good to see the GOAT back in action though with Nick Thompson. Despite losing three in a row, his submission game is ALSO top notch. This should be a great main event. He actually holds a victory over Paul Daley, which alot of people did not know. He beat Eddie Alvarez as well. Basically, if he loses this fourth in a row, I think he is done. This would be a HUGE win for Ben Askren. I think this fight will go to the judges however and Thompson has never lost a decision. He is 6-0 when meeting the judges. I think he will make it 7-0. I think this is a situation much like Beerhbohm in Strikeforce. Askren just needed to meet a proven veteran that had the ability to beat him. No shame in getting a loss.
WINNER - Ben Askren via decision (30-27)
Notes: Askren is pretty solid and even holds a win over Lyman Good already in his career. He will basically either submit his opposition or get the decision. He has just been on a GREAT roll to start off his MMA career. It is good to see the GOAT back in action though with Nick Thompson. Despite losing three in a row, his submission game is ALSO top notch. This should be a great main event. He actually holds a victory over Paul Daley, which alot of people did not know. He beat Eddie Alvarez as well. Basically, if he loses this fourth in a row, I think he is done. This would be a HUGE win for Ben Askren. I think this fight will go to the judges however and Thompson has never lost a decision. He is 6-0 when meeting the judges. I think he will make it 7-0. I think this is a situation much like Beerhbohm in Strikeforce. Askren just needed to meet a proven veteran that had the ability to beat him. No shame in getting a loss.
Post Notes: Round 1 was some boring Askren type of shit. He landed some hammer fist and busted Thompson though. Round two was a takedown and ground and pound. Round three was also the same thing. I knew this was gonna be this type of fight. Basically this entire fight was takedowns, ground and pounds, and laying. Ben Askren is the Strikeforce version of Jon Fitch.
Bellator Welterweight Tournament Semifinals: Jay Hieron (20-4) vs. Brent Weedman (18-5-1)
MY PICK - Jay Hieron via decision
WINNER - Jay Hieron via decision (29-28)
Notes: I still remember seeing Hieron lose to GSP and for some reason, that always sticks out in my mind everytime I hear his name. With that being said, Hieron is a solid talent and has the ability to beat anyone. He has ran off eight straight wins in the sport. Weedman is a strong man that I am sure will give a hell of a challenge though. This could end up being the fight of the night easily. Weedman has won ten fights in a row and is very well rounded. I think this will be a three round war that ends up in the hands of the judges. Hieron's name may be enough along with his wrestling ability.
WINNER - Jay Hieron via decision (29-28)
Notes: I still remember seeing Hieron lose to GSP and for some reason, that always sticks out in my mind everytime I hear his name. With that being said, Hieron is a solid talent and has the ability to beat anyone. He has ran off eight straight wins in the sport. Weedman is a strong man that I am sure will give a hell of a challenge though. This could end up being the fight of the night easily. Weedman has won ten fights in a row and is very well rounded. I think this will be a three round war that ends up in the hands of the judges. Hieron's name may be enough along with his wrestling ability.
Post Notes: Both men throw their hands down at first and throw bombs. Weedman lands and knocks Hieron down to the mat. Weedman got full mount but was swept beautifully. Hieron lands some ground and pound and then some knees once they stand to end the first round. I have to give that first round to Hieron barely. Hieron gets a solid takedown after taking a couple shots to start round two. Hieron was nailing some serious shots as he was countering everything. Weedman got a takedown sweep following those blows. The second round in my book was Jay's as well. Sherdog gave it to Weedman. The third round was basically the same way. Hieron's striking was just dominant in this fight along with great takedowns. The judges gave it to him 29-28, where I gave it to him 30-27.
Bellator Lightweight Tournament Semifinals: Lloyd Woodard (11-0) vs. Michael Chandler (6-0)
MY PICK - Michael Chandler via decision
WINNER - Michael Chandler via decision (29-28)
Notes: This is gonna just be a fucking war! I loved watching both of these men's first round fights and this one should be even better. Woodard has a great all around game and has the ability to tap out Chandler. Someone is gonna get their first loss here guaranteed and to be honest, its hard to decide who it is going to be. Chandler has never been to the judges and trains for a very strong Xtreme Couture camp. I think he is going to pull the upset here and get the decision win. Yes, it will be his first trip to the judges, but I can't see him stopping Woodard.
WINNER - Michael Chandler via decision (29-28)
Notes: This is gonna just be a fucking war! I loved watching both of these men's first round fights and this one should be even better. Woodard has a great all around game and has the ability to tap out Chandler. Someone is gonna get their first loss here guaranteed and to be honest, its hard to decide who it is going to be. Chandler has never been to the judges and trains for a very strong Xtreme Couture camp. I think he is going to pull the upset here and get the decision win. Yes, it will be his first trip to the judges, but I can't see him stopping Woodard.
Post Notes: Chandler ran right at Woodard and got a takedown immediately followed by a head lock and some serious pounding to Woodard's ribs. They get back up, but Woodard IMMEDIATELY gets taken right back down. They get back up and immediately a THIRD takedown by Chandler and some hammer fist until the round expires. Total domination for Chandler in that round as he takes it easily. Woodard started the second round off pretty good by landing some solid knees. They had a wonderful exchange before Chandler took him down again. After standing Woodard got him to the ground from a waist lock and took Chandler's back. Chandler was almost put in a choke, but ate some punches as the round ended. Woodard tied up the fight after round two. In the third round, Chandler got a couple more takedowns including a slam and some ground and pound. He took the third round with that wrestling technique of his. Gotta love it....not. Chandler got the decision 29-28. Chandler will advance in the tournament and my pick record is now 3-1 on the night.
Welterweight Fight: Tyler Stinson (19-7) vs. Nathan James (11-6-1)
MY PICK - Tyler Stinson via T/KO
WINNER - Tyler Stinson via split decision. (MY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT)
Notes: Stinson is a very solid prospect at 170 and looks to be improving all of the time. He is very well rounded and can win the fight in any way. He has won three of his last four fights. James also has some pretty solid experience in the sport and should put up a solid fight. James has more of a boring style which could be his advantage if it sees the judges. Unfortunately for him, I do not think it will go that far.
WINNER - Tyler Stinson via split decision. (MY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT)
Notes: Stinson is a very solid prospect at 170 and looks to be improving all of the time. He is very well rounded and can win the fight in any way. He has won three of his last four fights. James also has some pretty solid experience in the sport and should put up a solid fight. James has more of a boring style which could be his advantage if it sees the judges. Unfortunately for him, I do not think it will go that far.
Post Notes: Stinson definitely looked like the better boxer to start off this fight. He trips him up and also takes his back early in this fight. Stinson lands some VERY clean elbows towards the end of the round as James fought back very well in this first round. I had to give round one to Stinson. Stinson started out round two by landing two solid hooks, but then got taken down. They stood back up only for James to take him down again. They got up again, Stinson nails him again, but is taken down AGAIN. Stinson gets him in a triangle this time, but time ran out in the second round. I gave round two to James. Stinson's jab throughout this fight looked great. Stinson and James throw some exchanges until Stinson picked him up and slammed James to the mat. James gets back up and does the exact same thing as the end of the round comes. I scored the third round AND the fight a DRAW. Two judges score 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Mr. Stinson. FIGHT OF THE NIGHT so far without a doubt.
Heavyweight Fight: Eric Prindle (6-1) vs. Josh Burns (6-3)
MY PICK - Eric Prindle via TKO
WINNER - Eric Prindle via TKO (2-5:00) (Doctor's Stoppage)
Notes: Prindle is a huge fucking dude incase you havent seen him yet. He has also won four in a row and has some amazing power out there. Burns is another solid big boy that can throw down. I think this is gonna be just a crazy fun fight to watch between two beast that can throw powerful and I mean POWERFUL fist. I think Prindle will get the win however. There is basically NO WAY that this fight is going three rounds.
Welterweight Fight: Dylan Smith (4-0) vs. David Rickles (3-0)
MY PICK - Dylan Smith via decision
WINNER - David Rickles via submission (1-3:32)
Notes: Smith is posting a perfect 4-0 record and has finished all four fights. He has a very good all around game as he has subbed two of the wins and TKO'ed his way to wins in the other two. Bottom line is that you don't want this guy on top of you. Rickles is also undefeated and has submitted all three of his opponents. Somebody is getting their first loss here. I honestly this is going to be a ground and grappling war. I think that Dylan Smith will end up with the win via decision by out pointing Mr. Rickles.
Lightweight Fight: Cody Carrillo (0-0) vs. Michael Osborn (2-3)
MY PICK - Michael Osborn via TKO
WINNER - Michael Osborn via TKO (1-1:27)
Notes: I don't know a thing about Cody Carrillo and couldn't find any information on him either. Due to experience alone, I am going to pick Mr. Osborn here via TKO. I am only picking this because I hate to leave fights unpicked.
Post Notes: Basically domination from Osborn as he gets him down and pounds his face in.
PRE-EVENT COMMENTS: Yes, I know that I am predicting a lot of decisions here, but these fights are just amazingly good for a Bellator card. Bellator has stepped their game up tremendously following the Strikeforce merger with the UFC.
WINNER - Eric Prindle via TKO (2-5:00) (Doctor's Stoppage)
Notes: Prindle is a huge fucking dude incase you havent seen him yet. He has also won four in a row and has some amazing power out there. Burns is another solid big boy that can throw down. I think this is gonna be just a crazy fun fight to watch between two beast that can throw powerful and I mean POWERFUL fist. I think Prindle will get the win however. There is basically NO WAY that this fight is going three rounds.
Post Notes: These two started off the fight just as we thought they wood throwing blows for the knockout. They got the fans into it quickly. Prindle was mixing in his punches with good leg kicks. Burns rocked Prindle with a strong left in the first round. Prindle landed some VERY SOLID punches to end the first round and take the round. Prindle started both round 1 and 2 with groin kicks and he was penalized a point for it in round two. Both fighters were just throwing bombs in round two as they wore down. Burns ended up with a DEEP cut above his eye from HARD punches from Prindle. The doctor stopped the fight between rounds. This evens my pick record to 1-1 on the night. I picked this one right on the button.
Welterweight Fight: Dylan Smith (4-0) vs. David Rickles (3-0)
MY PICK - Dylan Smith via decision
WINNER - David Rickles via submission (1-3:32)
Notes: Smith is posting a perfect 4-0 record and has finished all four fights. He has a very good all around game as he has subbed two of the wins and TKO'ed his way to wins in the other two. Bottom line is that you don't want this guy on top of you. Rickles is also undefeated and has submitted all three of his opponents. Somebody is getting their first loss here. I honestly this is going to be a ground and grappling war. I think that Dylan Smith will end up with the win via decision by out pointing Mr. Rickles.
Post Notes: My night started off 0-1 in the pick department here. Smith started out with some great leg kicks and a takedown. Smith was landing some great ground and pound until he got his head grabbed into a guillitine which was transitioned into a triangle. Thats how the fight ended.
Lightweight Fight: Cody Carrillo (0-0) vs. Michael Osborn (2-3)
MY PICK - Michael Osborn via TKO
WINNER - Michael Osborn via TKO (1-1:27)
Notes: I don't know a thing about Cody Carrillo and couldn't find any information on him either. Due to experience alone, I am going to pick Mr. Osborn here via TKO. I am only picking this because I hate to leave fights unpicked.
Post Notes: Basically domination from Osborn as he gets him down and pounds his face in.
PRE-EVENT COMMENTS: Yes, I know that I am predicting a lot of decisions here, but these fights are just amazingly good for a Bellator card. Bellator has stepped their game up tremendously following the Strikeforce merger with the UFC.
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