Bellator Fighting Championships returns to one of the most interesting venues in MMA for Bellator 26. The card takes place at the Kansas City Power and Light District tonight. Fox Sports Net will broadcast the main card at 8 p.m. EST.
Heavyweight Tournament
Mike Hayes (12-3-1) vs. Alexey Oleinik (27-5-1)
The lack of depth in the heavyweight division never ceases to amaze. Neither of these fighters is anything special. However, Oleinik has a solid top game including his odd knack for tapping folks with gi chokes despite not wearing a judogi. If Oleinik can get a takedown, and that is a big question, he should be able to find a submission from the top.
Pick = Alexey Oleinik
Bantamweight Tournament
Jose Vega (8-3) vs. Danny Tims (9-2-1)
Power will be the deciding factor in this fight. The two faced off before in 2008. In that fight, Vega absolutely melted Tims with an up kick, and Tims asked out. In his Bellator debut, Vega starched quality prospect Jarrod Card. Tims is a better grappler, but at some point in this fight his chin will be tested. It will be found wanting.
Pick = Jose Vega
115-pound Tournament
Aisling Daly (9-0) vs. Lisa Ward (13-5)
Two great fighters are finally getting their chance to fight on the big stage. Both Daly and Ward are solid on the ground. However, Ward is mostly a wrestler and works from the top. Look for Daly to be the bigger fighter and more diverse grappler. That should be enough to carry her to a decision victory.
Pick = Aisling Daly
Steve Carl (10-2) vs. Tyler Stinson (16-6)
Stinson is a well rounded fighter. Carl will have the wrestling advantage and use it to get top position. From there he won’t be able to do much, but sometimes being on top is enough. Plus in Carl’s Bellator debut he was given a gift decision over Brett Cooper. If you are the type of guy judges like, then top position is more than enough.
Pick = Steve Carl
3 out of 4? what what in the butt!
I am taking this as a good thing. Thanks