Breaking Down Bellator 142-Dynamite

 

This just may be the homerun event that Bellator MMA President Scott Coker is looking for. We’ve got kickboxing fights, MMA fights, the card boasts 15 fights in all, don’t forget a 4 man one night LHW tournament, and oh yeah, a Light Heavyweight Championship fight featuring The Huntington Beach Bad Boy. Bellator has got both guns blazing for this event. Arguably, the most recognizable names in the organization right now come from LHW division and this event matches up the promotions most recognizable, from that division.

Tito Ortiz has blamed numerous injuries from holding him back from a true Title run, and now at 40 years old, claims to be feeling much better. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is coming off back to back wins over former Middleweight Champ, Alexander Shlemenko (arm triangle first round in May 2014) and Stephan Bonnar (by SD Nov 15, 2015). This is Tito’s first win streak since 2006 way back when he beat Ken Shamrock in back to back first round TKO stoppages. Following that he went 1-7-1 before leaving the UFC. That one win was over Ryan Bader with a first round guillotine submission.  

Liam McGeary is undefeated at 10-0 with 9 finishes 5 KO’s, 4 Subs. The 6’6” fighter’s biggest name opponent, Emanuel Newton, is the only man to drag it to a decision. Now sporting the LHW strap he liberated from Newton, McGeary looks to defend the title against one of the sport’s savviest of veterans.

The four man tournament: After acquiring Phil Davis from the free agent market the MMA world wondered how soon would we see Mr. Wonderful fight for the Bellator Title? Question answered. First we see Phil Davis take on Former Champ Emanuel Newton. Then the winner of that bout takes on the winner of the King Mo vs Linton Vassell fight. That is if everything goes off without injury to winners or medical suspensions of course. With the title fight as the main event, the LHW division picture should be windex clear following the night’s conclusion.

Emanuel Newton is 25-8-1 was undefeated in Bellator prior to losing the title; he racked up 7 wins with 2 KO’s and 2 Subs. The Hardcore Kid is also 3-0 over the tournament’s other competitors. He has finished both Vassell and King Mo and holds a second UD win over Lawal.

Phil Davis is 13-3-1 with 4 Subs and 2 KO’s. Two of those submission wins were vs top ranked opponents, Alexander Gustafsson (UFC 112 4/10/10 Anaconda choke) and Tim Boetsch (UFC 123 11/20/10 Kimura) under the UFC banner. He also holds UD wins over both Glover Teixeira and Lyoto Machida. His last fight ended in a split decision loss to Ryan Bader. Mr. Wonderful’s world class resume brings a much needed measuring stick to the Bellator LHW division.

Muhammed Lawal is 15-4-1 with 11 KO’s takes on Linton Vassell in the other first round of the tournament. King Mo is on a 3 fight win streak with 2 TKO’s and a SD win over HW Cheick Congo in Feb. The 34 yr. old’s first fight was against Journeyman Travis Wiuff. Wiuff was riding a 9 fight win streak and had over 60 fights to his credit at the point that the rookie, King Mo TKO’d him in the second round back in 08. Lawal’s powerful hands are still dangerous and collecting victims.

Linton Vassell is 15-4 and 10-1 since 2010. The only loss, Emanuel Newton at Bellator 130 by way of RNC in the 5^th round. The Swarm bounced back in February with a TKO win over Sokoudjou ( Rd 2, 3:18). The winner of this first fight also gets a shot at redemption by either avenging a loss or beating the man that beat the man that beat them. Follow that?

There are many more fights to check out also. Glory fighters are going to fight in a ring near the cage I guess. The event will be interesting to say the least. I choose to remain open-minded to the new experience.