Bellator returns to action this Saturday night for the first time since August 11th. Bellator 299 goes down live from the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland for a blockbuster card topped by a middleweight title bout. Champion, Johnny Eblen clashes with the in-form, Fabian Edwards.
Elsewhere, we have plenty of recognisable names as well as, predictably huge Irish interest throughout the card.
We give you a run-down on what fights to keep an eye on, as well as which Irish stars will steal the show.
Bellator 299 Main Card
Main Event
One of the greatest middleweights on the planet, Johnny Eblen returns for the first time since making his first defence back in February. The undefeated American Top Team stalwart progressed to 13-0 on this occasion and will be looking to make it 14 straight in Dublin.
Across from him will be the always game, Fabian Edwards. Edwards will look to make it four straight after finishing Lyoto Machida and going the distance with Charlie Ward and Gegard Mousasi, the latter being across five rounds.
Expect a closely fought battle where Eblen will look to ground the fight and wrestle his way through the bout to a victory. We know how good Team Renegade’s takedown defence is, so it won’t be easy for Eblen, especially with Edwards shooting straight shots up the middle to ward off those takedown attempts. It’s certainly an intriguing bout.
Co-Main Event
The co-main sees the return of the phenom, Aaron Pico, who looks to extend his winning run to two straight as he clashes with SBG Ireland’s, Pedro Carvalho. Last time out, Pico defeated James Gonzalez via decision having rebounded from his shoulder injury loss prior to this. Carvalho is looking to bounce back from a loss to Jeremy Kennedy last time out.
A loss for either man would be a big step backwards, however, a victory could potentially put the winner in the title picture. Pico is ranked #3 and Carvalho #5, so anything could happen.
𝗣𝗲𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆! 🇮🇪
"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲" steps back into the Bellator MMA cage this Saturday vs. Aaron Pico at the @3ArenaDublin
Get your #Bellator299 tickets 𝙉𝙊𝙒 🎟️ https://t.co/Ix4I7jqf11 pic.twitter.com/rAxUHq6miH
— Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) September 17, 2023
Elsewhere, a man who will be looking to put himself in the title picture is Mads Burnell, who’s ranked #4. Burnell also competes at Bellator 299. The Dane will clash with veteran, Daniel Weichel. Burnell, like Pico wants to extend his winning run to two, whereas Weichel wants to get back in the win column after losing last time out.
Irish Interest
Ireland’s female featherweight hope, Sinead Kavanagh returns to action in her home country to clash with Australia’s, Sara Collins. Kavanagh is 2-0 since losing to Cris Cyborg in her title opportunity, defeating Leah McCourt and Janay Harding last time out. Collins is just 4-0 in her professional career, however, won her promotional debut via submission back in March.
Bellator veteran, Brian Moore looks to continue his winning run as he takes on promotional newcomer, Otto Rodrigues. The Brazillian has twice been scheduled to make his debut, however, neither came to fruition so let’s hope that this one goes ahead.
Two Irish legends of the game, Peter Queally and Charlie Ward will feature in Dublin. Queally, is without a victory since 2021 and has lost his most recent three fights. The Showstopper will clash with Italy’s Daniele Miceli, a promotional newcomer. Ward has dropped his most recent two fights and similar to Queally will look to snap that streak in Dublin. He faces the well-rounded Frenchman, Gregory Babene.
There are three undefeated Irish prospects on the card in the form of 5-0 finishing machine, Kenny Mokhonoana, 7-0 Ciaran Clarke and The Moville Mauler, 4-0 Darragh Kelly.
Bellator 299 has a lot of potential and is certainly one to keep an eye on this Saturday night!
