Bellator 179 MacDonald versus Daley: Picks, Prognostications + Odds

Main Card:

#5 Rory MacDonald (18-4) -330 vs. Paul Daley (39-14-2) +270

The "Armani Assassin" makes his return to MMA and he debut for Bellator facing the striking arsenal of "Semtex" with the winner likely to get the next title shot at 170. 

MacDonald took a much deserved and needed rest sitting out for almost a year to let nagging injuries and his destroyed nose heal. Rory left the UFC on a 2-fight skid but there is no denying the "Red King" is one of the best Welterweights in the world and you can't hate on a guy for trying to maximize his money value. MacDonald hasn't been exclusively training at Tristar but he still spends time there so no worries. Backed by a beautiful stinging jab, Rory enjoys boxing your face off but that isn't the most sound strategy against such a stand up killer like Daley. It would be more sound to employ his great grappling game against the Brit who has shown a large weakness to the art.

For his part, "Semtex" has stayed quite busy amassing a 4-1 record in Bellator. Daley has a deadly quickness that tends to catch foes off guard and 1-hitter-quitter power that has ruined 29 opponents before the final horn.

To say MMAFO is not a believer in Paul would be an understatement. How many times have we seen the Brit get embarrassingly worked over by wrestlers? Even so, Daley knows everyone sees his weakness and has opted to employ impressive takedown defense to keep the fight standing in his world. "Semtex" will have his opportunities to put Rory away early for sure but we know his gas tank comes and goes and Daley has never been able to contend with the elite 170's his entire career. MacDonald has a vicious streak and something to prove here and he takes Daley into some deep waters before putting him away with brutal G&P late.

WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Rd.4 TKO

Liam McGeary (12-1) -210 vs. Linton Vassell (17-5) +175

McGeary's record was tarnished for the 1st time when he lost the Bellator strap to Phil Davis last November. Liam showed heart as always but his Jiu-Jitsu off his back was not effective against "Mr. Wonderful" for 25 minutes. The Brit needs to work more on using his long limbs, whether feet or fists, to keep opponents honest. The Team Renzo Gracie student tends to be too comfortable fighting from his back and that can lose him crucial rounds.

Vassell is one of those guys who's pretty good but can never seem to make it past the top tier of his weight class. "The Swarm" has some good grappling skills and submissions but he isn't emphatic enough to worry opponents.

McGeary is looking to get a Rematch for the title and Vassell is in his way. This should be a close competitive bout but its Liam who has the most upside and ability to close out the fight with a sudden finish. This could go either way but we still tentatively run with McGeary on points.

WINNER-Liam McGeary by Decision

Cheick Kongo (26-10-2) -260 vs. Augusto Sakai (9-0-1) +220

Jesus, how many times do we have to sit through a boring Kongo fight before they just cut this ball kicking bastard? Sure he's gone 8-2 for Bellator, but noooobody cares! 

Sakai brings his flabby titties and a 3-0-1 record into this match. Hit em hard and hit em early is the plan.

Cheick may be boring as shit but he can take a punch. Only big punchers the likes of Roy Nelson and Mark Hunt have been able to put him out. We're hoping Augusto can find a way but its doubtful.

WINNER-Cheick Kongo by Decision

Kevin Ferguson Jr. (0-1) vs. DJ Griffin (0-0)

"Baby Slice's" professional debut did not go as planned as Aaron Hamilton (0-2 at the time!) submitted "Kimbo Slice's" son with a guillotine choke last November. Bellator President Scott Coker knows there's still dollars in them there dreads whether the cat is a good fighter or not. And so, Bellator trots Ferguson Jr. out yet again giving him an unearned spot on the main card. Obviously the aim here is to get Kevin the win and he likely does with strikes before he can gas out in embarrassing fashion like dear old Dad used to.

WINNER-Kevin Ferguson Jr. by Rd.1 TKO

Dan Edwards (14-14) vs. Alex Lohore (10-1)

Dan has finally won a couple in a row to break his 6 fight losing streak! Jezus.

Alex has won 7 in a row and wins this however he pleases.

WINNER-Alex Lohore by Decision

* Michael "Venom" Page has withdrawn from the card with a knee injury.

Prelims:

Jay Dods (6-0) vs. Alfie Davis (7-1)

Dan Konecke (10-9) vs. Stav Economou (17-5)

Jamie Powell (6-1) vs. Amir Albazi (8-0)

Umer Kayani (4-3) vs. Nathan Jones (10-5)

Fabian Edwards (0-0) vs. Rafal Cejrowski (2-0)

Jeremy Petley (10-8) vs. Chase Morton (6-3)

Marcin Prostko (4-3) vs. Mike Shipman (9-1)

Salih Kulucan (4-5) vs. Diego Barbosa (3-0)