Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Bellator 154 Davis vs. Lawal: Picks & Prognostications


Main Card on Spike TV:

Phil Davis (15-3, 1) vs. Muhammed Lawal (19-4, 1)

Bellator's Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary is waiting in the wings and watching closely to see which of these men will become the new #1 contender for his title!

"Mr. Wonderful" has won both of his Bellator bouts in the 1st round and has been looking very sharp backed by his Penn State wrestling skills. Davis also uses his long limbs well to strike from distance and has slick submissions lined up as well and trains with the point driven Alliance camp.

"King Mo" has been quite busy winning 7 in a row and winning the Rizin Heavyweight Tournament in December. Lawal is also known for his amateur wrestling skills and traditional boxing while training at ATT. 

So these men are somewhat mirror images of each other and we're not being racist. Both are great wrestlers who can strike but not with the most power and both sometimes prefer to stall out in matches. MMAFO has never been big believers in "King Mo" as he is pretty damn so for a 205er and he's quite predictable with his stand up. Philly can at the very least mix it up a bit with his long kicks even if he's not going to do a ton of damage. Davis can score more from distance and avoid any real damage which is a big point in his favor. "Mr. Wonderful" may also be the better grappler but we all know that when two good wrestlers meet, its going to be a striking affair. Lawal might have a couple of moments but Davis should be able to pull away in the later rounds.

WINNER-Phil Davis by Decision 

Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) vs. Josh Appelt (12-5)

Moscow's Sergei Kharitonov finally makes his return to big time MMA in the states after 5 years doing sporadic work around the globe. Bellator snatched Sergei up at the last moment before he could potentially sign with the UFC. The Russian Heavyweight has won 5 in a row (all by finish) and is known primarily as a kickboxer with big power.

The "Juggernaut" has won 2 in a row and is the WFC Heavyweight Champion for whatever that's worth. He's a tubbles who is a striker.

Yeah, so, Kharitonov is going to come in here and get this guy who did go 3-1 in his 1st run with Bellator, but doesn't have a ton to offer. Its KO time in the co-main event as Sergei gets the highlight reel finish for a successful debut.

WINNER-Sergei Kharitonov by Rd.1 KO

Adam Piccolotti (7-0) vs. Ray Wood (6-1)

The undefeated "Pickle" trying to become a viable prospect and has won 3 for Bellator. 

Ray Wood is stepping in on short notice after the tragic death of Jordan Parsons. "All Business" is on a 2 fight bounce and won his Bellator debut in March.

Ray's not ready for Adam.

WINNER-Adam Piccolotti by Decision

Saad Awad (18-7) vs. Evangelista Santos (21-16)

"Cyborg" took a couple of years off but the exciting Brazilian bomber has already won 2 this year and looking to make a final run in his career as he nears the 40 year old mark. Santos is a brutal puncher who has had some wars through the years and never much cardio.

Awad the "Assassin" has amassed a 6-3 record for Bellator and hasn't competed since August of last year in a decision loss to former champion Patricky Freire. Saad is a much more well rounded fighter and has a knockout win over current Bellator Lightweight Champion Will Brooks.

"Cyborg" can knockout anyone. Anyone. But the guy is past his prime which was never that prime to begin with. Awad should be able to weather the storm and at the very least get the decision win but nobody would be shocked if he went unconscious either. Saad is just a better fighter with a bad ass name.

WINNER-Saad Awad by Decision

Andre Fialho (6-0) vs. Rick Reger (7-1)

WINNER-Andre Fialho

Prelims on spike.com:

Danasabe Mohammed (3-0) vs. Martin Sano (4-1)
Winner-Danasabe Mohammed

Josh Paiva (7-1) vs. Steven Gruber (5-1)
Winner-Josh Paiva

Sam Spengler (8-5) vs. Doyle Childs (2-1)
Winner-The Star Spengler Banner

Josh San Diego (6-1) vs. Jeremiah Labiano (9-4)
Winner-JSD

Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (10-5)
Winner-Darren Uyenoyama

Thomas Diagne (5-5-1) vs. Mark Dickman (10-2)
Winner-Mark Dickman

Stephanie Frausto (5-5) vs. Jamielene Nievara (3-1)
Winner-Jamielene Nievara

Andres Alcantar (3-0) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Winner-Nick Pica

James Chapman (0-0) vs. Sean Tucker (0-0)
Winner-James Chapman

Joshua Hardwick (0-0) vs. Jorge Acosta (1-1)
Winner-Joshua Hardwick

Victor Jones (0-1) vs. Anthony Taylor (0-1)

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