Bellator declared to ESPN its forthcoming tentpole event, which is set to take place May 11 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The card includes a number of fascinating matchups, and I will list them below along with my first thoughts in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Michael Chandler vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Bellator 221
The main event of Bellator 221 will be a five-round superfight between Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler and Bellator featherweight champion Patricio”Pitbull” Freire. Chandler’s belt will probably be up for grabs in this one as Pitbull is moving up in weight for a struggle that will ascertain arguably the greatest fighter in Bellator history. Chandler (19-4) is 16-4 in Bellator and just won back the lightweight title from Brent Primus in his last struggle. He’s won seven of his last eight fights complete and having a win here over Pitbull would solidify himself as the promotion’s greatest home-grown talent . Pitbull (28-4) is also 16-4 in Bellator and is coming off of back-to-back featherweight title defenses over Emmanuel Sanchez and Daniel Wiechel. What a battle between two fights. Chandler will likely be preferred here as he’s the larger fighter, but Pitbull is a stud and shouldn’t be counted out. Depending on the line, Pitbull may be worth a look as a dog.
Pat Curran vs. AJ McKee, Bellator 221
Former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran will return to the cage when he takes on rising star AJ McKee. Curran (23-7) is 13-4 overall in Bellator and is one of the very best fighters to ever fight for the advertising. He is actually riding a three-fight win series at this time, though he hasn’t fought since an October 2017 conclusion win over John Teixeira. McKee (13-0) made his Bellator and pro MMA introduction in October 2015 and has not looked back since as he’s undefeated and has buzzsawed through every competitor that Bellator has set his manner. Curran is a good gatekeeper at this stage of his career, however, McKee is a real stud and I fully expect him to win this battle. There’s no doubt the undefeated rising star is going to be a massive favorite here.
Douglas Lima vs. winner of Paul Daley/Michael Page, Bellator 221
The semifinals of the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix will take place with this particular card comprising Douglas Lima contrary to the winner of the weekend Paul Daley vs. Michael Page battle. There’s not much to say about this yet as he don’t know the matchup, but Lima vs. either of those guys makes for an wonderful fight.
Jake Hager vs. TBA, Bellator 221
And finally, Jake Hager will return to the cage for his second MMA fight against a yet-to-be-named opponent. Hager (1-0) filed JW Kiser in his Bellator and MMA debut. He seems like a very intriguing heavyweight prospect considering his size and strength, though I’d anticipate Bellator to give him a second”can” because of his next battle because they continue to slow-build him. I don’t have any doubt Bellator is going to be able to find another Kiser clone and pay them a couple thousand bucks to get finished by Hager.
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