Bellator 158: Daley vs. Lima Fight Card, TV Info, Predictions and More
Bellator MMA takes over London on Saturday from The O2 Arena. A crucial welterweight bout tops the Bellator 158 card when Paul Daley takes on Douglas Lima.
The 170-pound division will again be on display in the co-main event. The electric Michael "Venom" Page will try to keep his unbeaten record against the veteran Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos.
As you can see from the Bellator MMA tweet, the UK will be well represented:
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Here's a look at the viewing info, the card and predictions for the five televised bouts.
When: Saturday at 9 p.m. ET
Where: The O2 Arena in London
TV: Spike
Predictions
- James Gallagher over Mike Cutting—TKO
- Oli Thompson over Matt Mitrione—KO
- Francis Carmont over Lukasz Klinger—submission
- Michael Page over Evangelista Santos—KO
- Douglas Lima over Paul Daley—decision
MVP Is Must-See TV
Few performers in mixed martial arts have personas that match their fighting skills. Michael "Venom" Page has everything necessary to be a superstar, and he'll take another step toward validating his status on Saturday.
I had an opportunity to speak with Page last week, and we discussed his future, his next opponent and more:
Santos (21-17-0) has plenty of experience and fights under his belt, but the well-rounded and dangerous Page will outmatch him. No opponent Venom (10-0-0) has faced in Bellator has been able to go the distance, and that won't change Saturday.
MVP will win with another memorable knockout after he thwarts Cyborg's attempts to take the fight to the ground.
Oli Will Stop Mitrione
Matt Mitrione narrowly escaped defeat in his debut against Carl Seumanutafa at Bellator 157 on June 24. After being dinged badly in the early moments, Mitrione earned top position and planted Seumanutafa with a right hand while the latter was on his back.
The referee stopped the fight, giving Mitrione the win. He won't be as fortunate against Oli Thompson.
The 36-year-old from East Sussex in the United Kingdom is strong. Mitrione has had an up-and-down career, but because his defense is so bad, the question isn't if he's going to eat a shot but when.
Thompson is going to beat him to the punch and win by KO.
Lima Will Stun Daley
Paul Daley was supposed to face bitter rival Josh Koscheck in this fight, but an injury forced the latter to pull out.
Lima is more than worthy as a replacement. He is the former Bellator welterweight champion who lost his title to Andrey Koreshkov via unanimous decision in July 2015.
Daley has the definitive advantage in power, but Lima is a more diverse striker and better on the ground. Injuries have impeded him in the past, but when healthy, he's one of the best welterweights in Bellator.
He'll prove it when he outstrikes Daley with leg kicks, jabs and knees.
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