Bellator XVI Preview

Bellator XVI, otherwise known as the first round of the Middleweight tournament, happens tomorrow night in Kansas City, MO.  All other divisions have completed their first round and the middleweight division has yet to begin.  So, in order to play catch up (always a bad night when in reference to drinking) Bellator is having all four first round match ups on the same night.  The first three shows this season have been very enjoyable and provided us with excellent fights.  If possible (some FSN issues) I would recommend watching tomorrow night.

Bellator's middleweight tournament probably lacks the marquee prospect that the other divisions had, but there is definitely some talent amongst them.  Below WKR previews tomorrow fights and lets you know what to expect, but we will probably be wrong.

SBN coverage of Bellator XVI

Bryan Baker (-700) vs. Sean Loeffler (+475): Um, check out the odds.  Baker is a former WEC fighter who has notable wins over Jesse Forbes, Matt Horwich, Rory Singer, and fellow Middleweight competitor Eric Schambari.  Also, his lone loss is to the third ranked middleweight in the world; Chael Sonnen.  Baker has won most of his fights through TKO or decision (9 of 11) as Baker uses his wrestling and judo to gain top position and ground out opponents.  However, his quick hands provide decent striking from his feet. 

Loeffler is a veteran of the sport who has finished his opponent in 17 of his 18 victories.  Despite Baker being a huge favorite I would not completely sleep on Loeffler here.  His experience and acumen on the mat could provide us with a shocking upset.  Baker refused to engage Rory Singer on the mat at the start of their fight, but did eventually engage and almost got submitted (he did finish Singer on the mat though).

Ryan McGivern (+245) vs. Jared Hess (-305): A win for McGivern here would be a big statement as Hess made the finals last year before eventually losing to Hector Lombard.  In addition, the fight was called for a cut and was not a true stoppage.  I actually think Hess should be a larger favorite here.  A strong wrestling pedigree, he has finished every fight, and his only loss is the cut stoppage to Hector Lombard in last year's title fight. 

The reason the line is relatively close is because McGivern is no cake walk.  Ryan is a Miletich trained fighter and former IFL competitor.  Despite a 13-6 record he has faced tough competition and brings solid experience.  Most important, match up related, is McGivern's own wrestling pedigree which could nullify Hess's main strong suit.  If Hess cannot obtain top position there is the potential for a minor upset.  However, I doubt it.

Alexander Shlemenko (-260) vs. Matt Major (+205): Alexander may be a late addition, but do not expect an early exit.  Easily the most experienced fighter, Alexander has over 30 professional fights and sports a 27-4 record.  Of those 27 victories, 17 are coming way of KO/TKO.  Expect him to attempt to keep the fight standing and try and turn this into a kickboxing match.

Despite only seven professional fights (6-1), Major has wins over EliteXC veteran Jamie Fletcher and UFC veteran Shonie Carter.  He also trains out of the famous American Kickboxing Academy.  However, Major is not forming a reputation for finishing fights and the longer the fight goes, the more opportunities for a finisher such as Shlemenko.  Major's best bet is to take the fight to the mat and attempt to grind out a decision.

Eric Schambari (-400) vs. Luke Zachrich (+300): Former WEC fighter takes on former TUF participant, oh Zuffa alumni.  Schambari went 2-1 in the WEC and his only loss is to fellow Bellator competitor Bryan Baker.  However, that was followed up by a severe injury and allergic reaction, but following recovery Schambari returned to MMA and has off four straight victories.

Zachrich lacks the big name promotion experience, but did participate on TUF (eventually losing to Dan Cramer) and has trained with the likes of Dan Severn.  Luke and Eric are both primarily submission fighters which probably means we will be privy to sloppy slugfest.  Many times when two grapplers fight, their ground work is nullified and the better striker will take the fight.  Schambari's experience against top competition is probably the key in this fight and why he is the comfortable favorite.