On Saturday, Bellator 214 lands in Inglewood, CA with a card that will not only crown a heavyweight champion but usher in MMA’s next dominant force at featherweight.
Here’s the breakdown on the main and co-main matches:
Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ryan Bader for the Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion
After suffering a 1st round KO loss to Matt Mitrione in 2017, Emelianenko entered the year-long tournament and defeated both Frank Mir and Chael Sonnen by first-round TKO to reach the finals with Bader, defeating King Mo (Muhammed Lawal) by KO and Mitrione by UD.
An aging Emelianenko still has power on his side while Bader not only possesses the ability to strike but a vicious ground game. Look for the younger Bader to take the bout to the match, much like his fight against Mir, to pick up the win and become Bellator’s first heavyweight champion since 2016.
Prediction: Ryan Bader by Unanimous Decision
Co-Main Event: Aaron Pico vs. Henry Corrales
Since bursting on the scene, Pico continues to impress with a masterful mix of youth, power, and pure boxing ability on his side. Despite a previous 3-fight loss streak in 2015-2016, Corrales bounced back with four consecutive wins during his 2016-2017.
While Corrales may have more experience on his side, Pico’s has been putting on a clinic in the Octagon in each of his appearances. The battle will be competitive for as long as it lasts but ultimately the young prospect will pull away and end Corrales’ win streak.
Prediction: Aaron Pico by technical knockout
For BSO interviews with the main and co-main event competitors at Bellator 214, flip the pages.
