Bellator announced to ESPN its forthcoming tentpole event, which is set to occur May 11 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The card features a number of fascinating matchups, and I will list them below along with my first thoughts in the current MMA odds and ends.
Michael Chandler vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Bellator 221
The main occasion 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 be up for grabs in this one as Pitbull is moving up in weight for a struggle that will determine 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 final fight. He has won seven of the last eight fights overall and with a win here over Pitbull would solidify himself as the promotion’s greatest home-grown gift ever. Pitbull (28-4) can also be 16-4 in Bellator and is coming from back-to-back featherweight title defenses over Emmanuel Sanchez and Daniel Wiechel. What a battle between two fights that are amazing. Chandler will probably be favored here as he is the larger fighter, but Pitbull is a stud and should not be counted out. Based on the line, Pitbull could be worth a look for a dog.
Pat Curran vs. AJ McKee, Bellator 221
Former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran will return to the cage once 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 fight for the promotion. He’s really riding a three-fight win series right now, though he has not fought since an October 2017 conclusion win over John Teixeira. McKee (13-0) produced his Bellator and expert MMA debut in October 2015 and hasn’t looked back since as he is undefeated and has buzzsawed through each competitor that Bellator has put his manner. Curran is a good gatekeeper at this point of his profession, but McKee is a real stud and I fully expect him to win this fight. There is no doubt that 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 card comprising Douglas Lima contrary to the winner of this weekend Paul Daley vs. Michael Page battle. There is not much to say about this yet as he do not understand the matchup, but Lima vs. either of those men makes for an wonderful fight.
Jake Hager vs. TBA, Bellator 221
And finally, Jake Hager will come back to the cage for his second MMA battle against a yet-to-be-named competition. 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 would expect Bellator to provide him a second”can” because of his next fight as they continue to slow-build him. I don’t have any doubt Bellator will be able to find another Kiser clone and pay them a couple thousand bucks to get finished by Hager.
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