Bellator MMA takes London on Saturday from The O2 Arena. A crucial welterweight bout tops the Bellator 158 card as Paul Daley takes on Douglas Lima.
The 170-pound division will again be on the display in the co-main event. The electric Michael "Venom" Page will try to keep his unbeaten record as he faces the veteran Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos.
As you can see from the Bellator MMA tweet, the UK will be well represented:
Representing the UK. #Bellator158 #PaulDaley ????@Michaelpage247 ????@OliThompson_FIT ???? pic.twitter.com/nyLZU5jYvn
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 13, 2016
Here's a look at the viewing info, the card and predictions for the five televised bouts.
When: Saturday, July 16, 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 he will be overmatched by the well-rounded and dangerous Page. No opponent Page (10-0-0) has faced in Bellator has been able to go the distance, and that won't change on 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 pretty 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, and Mitrione had the win. He won't be as fortunate against Oli Thompson.
The 36-year-old from East Sussex in the United Kingdom is massively 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 take a shot, but when he'll do it.
Thompson is going to beat him to the punch and win by KO.
Lima Will Stun Daley
Paul Daley was supposed to be facing 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, but he 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 on Saturday when he outstrikes Daley with leg kicks, jabs and his knees.
