This will be a busy weekend in the world of mixed martial arts, as three major events are going down for fight fans across the globe. Listed below are the two cards in the United Kingdom that should capture the attention of the Bellator fans.

Bellator London:

Catchweight: (160) Aaron Chalmers (4-1) vs Fred Freeman (1-1): Chalmers via TKO
I feel Chalmers experience in the Bellator cage will lead to his victory Saturday afternoon. I also feel he will be motivated to bounce back from his first professional defeat.

Middleweight: Melvin Manhoef (30-14-1) vs Kent Kauppinen (11-4)- Manhoef Unanimous Decision
Manhoef has some of the most lethal kicks you will ever see in MMA. His major kryptonite has been the grappling aspect of MMA. Kauppinen is coming off an upset victory over veteran Alessio Sakara, and showcased knockout power with a first round stoppage. I’m going to lean towards Manhoef because he is the the better overall striker. However, Kauppinen has a history with being successful in a underdog roll.

Middleweight Championship: Gegard Mousasi (45-6-2) vs Rafael Lovato Jr. (9-0)- Mousasi Unanimous Decision
This will be an interesting matchup between Mousasi, who is well equipped in all aspects of mma, and Lovator Jr. who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist. Mousasi has a major advantage in the striking department, and has excellent take down defense to combat against Rafael’s shots. If Lovato can force the fight to the mat he has the ability and skills to finish anyone. Mousasi is very solid on the ground, but does not have the elite level of grappling that Rafael possesses. I just feel Mousasi is too well rounded and good for Lovato to pull of the upset.

Bellator 223:

Middleweight: Charlie Ward (6-3) vs Justin Moore (7-2)- Ward TKO
This is a battle between an Irishman and a Brit who prefer to do their fighting standing up. I feel the winner is simply going to be who’s chin holds up the longest. I am going to lean towards Ward who has more one shot power than Moore.

Middleweight: Mike Shipman (13-1) vs Costello van Steenis (11-1)- Shipman Unanimous Decision
A battle between two highly touted prospects in the Bellator Middleweight division. In terms of skills they are very similar, and in this case physical gifts tend to be the deciding factor. Shipman is a lean, strong middleweight, and will be anxious to show out in front of his home crowd. I believe this will be a very close fight with Shipman just finding a way to win.

Middleweight: Fabian Edwards (7-0) vs Jonathan Bosuku (7-4)- Edwards Submission
The brother of UFC contender, Fabian has put an impressive career together to this point. He has shown ability to fight in any area, and has been largely untested. Bosuku is a striker that packs a punch, but has had issues with strong grapplers in the past. I believe Edwards will drag this fight to the mat, and eventually walk away with a submission victory.

Catchweight (140): James Gallagher (8-1) vs Jeremiah Labiano (12-6)- Gallagher Submission
Gallagher is coming off a bounce back victory in his home country of Ireland. He gets a step up in competition in the unconventional Jermiah Labiano. The majority of Labiano’s struggles have come against wrestlers controlling him on the mat. Gallagher has improved his striking skills, but is known for his ability to take the back and finish. I believe Gallagher wins by submission in brash fashion

Welterweight: Paul Daley (40-17-2) vs Erick Silva (20-10)- Daley TKO
Daley is looking to bounceback after losing his last two contests. While Erick Silva is looking to rejuvenate his career in the Bellator cage. Both fighters have striking ability, and the power to finish the fight at any second. Silva has 13 submission victories on his resume, and could look to force Daley into grappling situations. I believe Daley finishes the fight on the feet. Silva’s chin has been deteriorating for some time, and Daley cannot afford another loss especially in front of the British crowd.
Photo Credit: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1142743/Bellator-London-Fight-Card-And-Start-Time-Live-Stream-Gegard-Mousasi-Aaron-Chalmers