Bellator’s return to London’s OVO Arena (formally the SSE Arena, Wembley) is set to be an explosive night of welterweight action. In what is lining up to be an incredible event, several battles are on the cards that you won’t want to miss. MMA fight fans will feast on stellar matchups between some of the top-ranking fighters in this weight division.
One headline fight to look out for is the interim title fight between Michael Page vs. Logan Storley. Also not to be missed is the clash between Douglas Lima and Jamaica’s Jason Jackson. A lineup of top emerging talent will be bringing all the action to the cage on May 13th too, supporting the main events. MMASucka is predicting the best of the night’s action and what we expect to happen at Bellator 281.
Battle of the Bookmakers for the Best Betting Odds
As a fight fan, you’ll already know that bookmakers tend to not offer favourable odds on MMA events like Bellator. Given the unpredictable nature of the sport and the frequency of upsets that the sport delivers, it’s no surprise.
All the more reason for you to research and conduct a thorough betting odds comparison of the best sportsbooks before you place your bets. The top sites provide more than just a great price. Betting strategy tips and free bookmaker bonuses will give you an extra edge to maximize your winnings.
Michael “Venom” Page vs. Logan Storley
Originally scheduled as a welterweight title event between Brit Michael “Venom” Page and Yaroslav Amosov, Logan Storley will now step in to replace the undefeated Ukrainian due to the ongoing war. Ironically, Storley’s only defeat in his 14 professional fights came via a split decision against Amosov at Bellator 252. Fresh from a 5 round victory over former title contender, Neiman Gracie, the All-American NCAA wrestler will look to capitalise on his slight power advantage against the home favourite.
The more experienced Page, however, will use his height and reach superiority to try to steal the Interim Welterweight title. He will be unfazed by the strong American challenger coming off a 6 fight win streak, culminating in a split-decision verdict, to avenge his previous loss against Douglas Lima at Bellator 267.
It will be difficult to predict the outcome of this closely-matched pairing. However, Venom’s towering presence, home advantage, and ability to switch and counter the American’s unorthodox stance, should be enough to see him take gold over his worthy opponent.
Douglas Lima vs. Jason Jackson
The Ovo Arena’s co-main event features more welterweight action, with the no. 2-ranked, Douglas Lima, taking on the No. 3-ranked, “Ass-Kicking Machine” Jason Jackson. The hugely experienced Lima will be looking to get back to his winning ways after his headline defeat against Michael Page in the same arena last October.
Standing in his path is an in-form fighter, who has convincingly overcome his last 5 opponents. Jackson will go into the battle confident of extending his unbeaten run. Many would give Lima the edge considering his significantly higher knock-out rate. Yet, this fight has all the makings of an upset. Jackson’s reach advantage and form could make all the difference in this three-round contest. Don’t be surprised if the gritty Jamaican succeeds in a narrow win.
Andrey Koreshkov vs. Paul “Semtex” Daley
Continuing the theme of welterweight matchups is the main card clash between the hugely experienced Brit fighter, Paul Daley vs. Andrey Koreshkov. This promises to be another intriguing matchup. At the age of 39, with 63 professional fights in the cage, the British-born fighter, Daley, is looking to call it a day with a convincing victory. Boasting a record of 42 wins, 18 losses and 2 draws, Daley has fallen short of a title shot with defeats from those currently ranked above him.
Riding on the back of 3 consecutive victories, former welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov intends to ruin the script. The dangerous opponent is looking to notch up another convincing win, which will bring him closer to a title shot. After knocking out Chance Rencountre in devastating fashion, who would bet against the younger and arguably hungrier, fighter?
Pick of the Prelims
With plenty of English talent on show, the matchup between the undefeated British fighter Luke “The Gent” Trainer and Simon Biyong, has the potential to be the standout fight of the prelims. The contest is a worthy match, with both contestants possessing explosive knock-out potential.
Bellator’s rising star Trainer will want to extend his 5 fight winning streak with another classy performance in front of a home crowd. In his way stands the Cameroonian fighter Simon Biyong. Biyong will be no pushover, with 6 KO performances from 7 wins and 2 losses, making the matchup a tough one to call.
