Bellator keeps rolling with their weekly events and its really a great show despite the excess of commercials. Bantamweight Championship is on the line between Eduardo Dantas and Marcos Galvao. I've got no official pick here, just an opinion that both men will be respectful and I think it goes the distance. X factor is that the Champion, Dantas is coming off a knockout loss(in a non-title fight) to Tyson Nam in Brazil last august. Galvao gets his shot at the title winning the Bantamweight tournament with a TKO of Luis Nogueira only the 2nd time he's finished an opponent in his 13 wins. I think this is a tricky fight and I really can't lean either way. Look for a chess match with someone winning a close decision. As for the Bellator Middleweight tournament, 2 official plays;
Andreas Spang -375 vs Doug Marshall +300 - I know its expensive but I don't see much of a chance here for Marshall, he's 37 making a veteran run at Bellator but his chin is very suspect. Spang on the other hand isn't no spring chicken at 34 but he doesn't have the miles that Marshall has, and he's been incredibly tough taking punches and continuing to fight. Its just a matter of "when" as to the finish of this fight. Spang moving on to the next round.
1 unit Andreas Spang -375
Brian Rogers -240 vs Dan Cramer +200 - on paper and in real life, Rogers has too much offense for Cramer. In this spot, the line isn't too high and although Cramer is improving I don't see him able to withstand the power of Rogers. Concerns are Rogers getting caught with a shot which is very possible. I see a big difference in "violence" and aggression and I believe Rogers will get the finish in the first 2 rounds.
1 unit Brian Rogers -240
"opinions" on other fights;
Mikkel Parlo -240 vs Sultan Aliev +200 - got a chance to check out these 2 undefeated fighters on some youtube, both are impressive. I guess I can understand how Parlo is the favorite here, he's got the physique, the power boxing game, an aggressive style and he has already fought once in Bellator, a 1st rd ko/tko of Jared Combs. But I got the sense that Aliev has a very strong top game, and I like the fact he's 28 facing the younger Parlo who's 22. Both about the same stage of their careers, I will favor the bigger Sultan Aliev in this one.
Brett Cooper -330 vs Norman Paraisy +270 - not sure what to make of this one, only thing stands out is Cooper at over 3-1 is too high. Cooper is a young and strong, but his defense isn't very good. Now do I have faith that Paraisy can hurt Cooper and take him down to win? Not really, but he should be better than his last fight, a lopsided decision loss to Falcao. I will only reluctantly lean to Cooper.
good luck,
boldtiger
Andreas Spang -375 vs Doug Marshall +300 - I know its expensive but I don't see much of a chance here for Marshall, he's 37 making a veteran run at Bellator but his chin is very suspect. Spang on the other hand isn't no spring chicken at 34 but he doesn't have the miles that Marshall has, and he's been incredibly tough taking punches and continuing to fight. Its just a matter of "when" as to the finish of this fight. Spang moving on to the next round.
1 unit Andreas Spang -375
Brian Rogers -240 vs Dan Cramer +200 - on paper and in real life, Rogers has too much offense for Cramer. In this spot, the line isn't too high and although Cramer is improving I don't see him able to withstand the power of Rogers. Concerns are Rogers getting caught with a shot which is very possible. I see a big difference in "violence" and aggression and I believe Rogers will get the finish in the first 2 rounds.
1 unit Brian Rogers -240
"opinions" on other fights;
Mikkel Parlo -240 vs Sultan Aliev +200 - got a chance to check out these 2 undefeated fighters on some youtube, both are impressive. I guess I can understand how Parlo is the favorite here, he's got the physique, the power boxing game, an aggressive style and he has already fought once in Bellator, a 1st rd ko/tko of Jared Combs. But I got the sense that Aliev has a very strong top game, and I like the fact he's 28 facing the younger Parlo who's 22. Both about the same stage of their careers, I will favor the bigger Sultan Aliev in this one.
Brett Cooper -330 vs Norman Paraisy +270 - not sure what to make of this one, only thing stands out is Cooper at over 3-1 is too high. Cooper is a young and strong, but his defense isn't very good. Now do I have faith that Paraisy can hurt Cooper and take him down to win? Not really, but he should be better than his last fight, a lopsided decision loss to Falcao. I will only reluctantly lean to Cooper.
good luck,
boldtiger
