It would not be unfair to say that UFC is not having a particularly good year, from issues with USADA and Reebok to their inability to put together any “super-fights” in the first half of 2017. Rousey, Jones and GSP are on the sidelines, whilst Conor McGregor is more interested in having a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.
With fans and fighters growing more and more frustrated with UFC, Bellator will want to capitalise and show they are more than just the No. 2 MMA promotion. The fact that the promotion has secured the services of Fedor, Sonnen and Rory MacDonald proves that.
However, Rory MacDonald is different. Out of all of the fighters, Bellator has signed from the UFC, MacDonald is the most anticipated fighter, as he was a UFC headliner who has chosen to come to Bellator at his peak. He will make his debut tonight against the UK’s own Paul Daley. Paul Daley is a dangerous proposition, as his 29 knockouts prove.
However, I feel a puncher’s chance is all he has against MacDonald, who is better than Daley in every facet of MMA. Daley should be a stepping stone en route to MacDonald capturing Bellator’s welterweight crown.
In the co-main event, Liam McGeary faces Linton Vassell. McGeary lost his Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship when he was convincingly beaten on points by Phil Davis. However, he bounced back to beat Brett McDermott last time out and I expect him to win again tonight. Linton Vassell is a tough guy to stop, so I am expecting McGeary to take this one on points. Cheick Kongo will also feature on the card, going up against Augusto Sakai.
Both these guys are two very defensive minded fighters who don’t take many risks. Cheick’s last five fights have gone to points and expect the same here, with Cheick winning a decision.
Here’s a look at the full Bellator 179 Spike TV Main Card:
Paul Daley vs. Rory MacDonald
Liam McGeary vs. Linton Vassell
Cheick Kongo vs. Augusto Sakai
Kevin Ferguson Jr. vs. DJ Griffin
Dan Edwards vs. Alex Lohore
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