The excitement leading up to Bellator NYC/Bellator 180

This Saturday night will be a historic night in Bellator MMA's history. Bellator MMA is making their New York debut in "The World's Most Famous Arena" and Mecca of combat sports, Madison Square Garden. Bellator 180 will be their televised event while Bellator NYC will be on PPV. This card is completely stacked filled with three title fights and a double main event featuring mixed martial arts legends. 

North America debut of James Gallagher

Rising star and Irish native James Gallagher is currently undefeated in his MMA career with six wins. This featherweight contender impressively secured five of those wins via submission. Gallagher trains out of Straight Blast Gym - Ireland (SBGI) along with other UFC fighters such as Gunnar Nelson, Artem Lobov, and current UFC Lightweight Champion, Connor "Notorious" McGregor. Similar to McGregor, Gallagher is brash, talented, and like to pick the round in which he would defeat his opponents. With a win over his upcoming opponent, Chinzo Machida, who is the brother of former UFC champion Lyoto Machida, can put in line for a fight with another top prospect and undefeated competitor, A.J. McKee. 

Three Title Bouts

Davis vs. Bader
Not one, not two, but three title fights are scheduled for this historic event. The first title bout of the evening is a rematch among two former UFC top contenders, Ryan Bader and current Bellator Light Heavyweight (LHW) champion, Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis. These two first met back at UFC on Fox 14 in 2015. In their first encounter Ryan Bader won via split decision. Ryan Bader is making his Bellator debut this Saturday and has his mind set on capturing Bellator gold. Since signing with this organization, Phil Davis looked incredible with 1st round stoppages over Emanuel Newton and Francis Carmont, and dominant performances over Muhammed Lawal and Liam McGeary. 

Larkin vs. Lima
The second title fight is an exciting one and my pick for Fight of the Night (FOTN). It includes the debut of former Strikeforce and UFC challenger, Lorenz Larkin and current Bellator Welterweight Champion, Douglas Lima. Together both competitors have a total of 46 combined wins. Throughout his professional MMA career, Larkin has 11 victories via KO/TKO, while Lima has a total of 13. I am expecting nothing but fireworks when these two finally met in the Bellator cage.

Primus vs. Chandler
The third title contest will be in the Lightweight division between challenger Brent Primus and current Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael "Iron" Chandler. Impressively, Primus has established himself in his division with earning most of his wins via submission. He is currently undefeated and is on a 7-fight winning streak. Across the cage from him is one of Bellator's biggest star and two-time champion, Michael Chandler. Chandler has been competing in this organization since 2010 and has wins over top stars such as Patricky Freire, Eddie Alvarez, and Ben Henderson. He is on 4-fight winning streak and wants to continue his dominance in Bellator. 

Double Main Event

Mitrione vs. Emelianenko
Matt Mitrione and Fedor Emelianenko were originally scheduled to compete at Bellator's February 2017, event in San Jose, California. Due to kidney stones, Mitrione was forced out of this fight. This heavyweight collision has been rescheduled and will happen this Saturday night. Mitrinoe is never shy about displaying his stand up abilities in any of his MMA bouts. Mitrione looked fearless in his Bellator run so far with two KO/TKO wins over Carl Seumanutafa and Oli Thompson. His upcoming opponent is considered to be the G.O.A.T in the MMA world. He once was on a 28-fight winning streak, has numerous victories over top challengers during his run in Pride FC, and won over 20 wins via stoppage. I don't see this heavyweight contest going to a decision. 

Silva vs. Sonnen
This event will end with a grudge match between bitter rivals Wanderlei Silva and Chael Sonnen. Silva is a relentless striker who is known for his ability to deliver devastating punches and knees from the clinch. Additionally, he has a total of 27 knockouts in his MMA career. Always entertaining both inside and out of the cage is NCAA Division I wrestler, Chael Sonnen. This upcoming fight will be Sonnen's second bout in Bellator, and he is looking at a chance to not only redeem himself from his previous loss to Tito Ortiz but also to defeat one of his biggest rivals. 

Bellator NYC/Bellator 180 Predictions:
Heather Hardy 
Neiman Gracie
James Gallagher
Phil Davis
Aaron Pico
Lorenz Larkin
Michael Chandler
Matt Mitrione
Chael Sonnen

Fight On!