This Saturday, Bellator heads to Torino, Italy for an international fight card headlined by a middleweight title rematch between Rafael Carvalho and Melvin Manhoef. Fans should be praying that this scrap is nothing like their first encounter – a dull, foul-plagued affair that brought the boo birds out in droves.
Also on the card is a lightweight bout between undefeated prospects Mihail Nica and Carrington Banks, another lightweight tilt between Valeriu Mircea and Djamil Chan and a catchweight bout between Elina Kallionidou and rising star Anastasia Yankova.
Check the fight odds at BookMaker.eu, and let’s make a few quick picks to net you some cash on fight night.
Rafael Carvalho vs. Melvin Manhoef
Common Sense Says…
Melvin might be one of the best knockout artists to never step foot inside the UFC. And while he’s still got that killshot power, he’s 40 years old with a failing chin. Though he’s been knocked out only four times in 43 fights, the cracks in Manhoef’s chin seem to be multiplying recently.
On the flip side, Manhoef is younger and less damaged. He’s got KO power of his own, but has shown that he can beat Melvin without engaging in a firefight. If the Brazilian wants, he can clinch and grind his way to victory once again. Let’s hope that’s not the case for all our sakes.
Our pick: Carvalho to win
Carrington Banks vs. Mihail Nica
Common Sense Says…
They might both be undefeated, but Banks has better credentials, in terms of training camp and past opponents. A former Blackzilians member, Banks has won both fights in Bellator, taking decision wins over C.J. Keith and Jake Roberts.
Mihail Nica has only fought in regional promotions or the “Road to Bellator”, which is basically the promotion’s minor league. Though he’s finished all of his matchups, this is a big step up in competition.
Our pick: Banks to win
Valeru Mircea vs. Djamil Chan
Common Sense Says…
It’s hard not to like a violent, exciting kickboxer like Chan. The Dutchman is an intriguing fighter as a 6’2” lightweight and has already racked up nine KOs in 13 wins. Looking to bounce back from a loss to Derek Campos, Chan gets a matchup with an unknown Valeru Mircea.
He Chan can keep this on the feet, he should be able to light up his opponent. However, Mircia does have the ability to make this ugly. This might be closer than the odds suggest, but the nod goes to Chan.
Our Pick: Chan to win
Anastasia Yankova vs. Elina Kallionidou
Common Sense Says…
Bellator wants Yankova to become their own Paige VanZant. She’s attractive, marketable and could bring eyes to a growing division. They’re not ready to feed her to the wolves yet, so she gets a stay-busy fight against Elina Kallionidou – a mismatch represented in the MMA fight odds at BookMaker.eu.
As a Greek kickboxer, Kallionidou will likely have a hard time staying on her feet against a submission artist like Yankova. If the Russian starts to fall behind in the standup, expect her to quickly take this fight to the ground.
Our pick: Yankova to win
