Bellator 158, otherwise known as ‘Bellator UK’ or ‘Bellator London’ is rapidly approaching (July 16), and we’re still playing guessing games as to who’s actually going to be competing on the card. Aside from the big names wheeled out at the press conference (and at least one of those is unlikely to be there, ahem), we’ve not heard much more.
We love a gamble as much as the next person, so here’s our quick rundown of a number of UK/UK based fighters that we think might feature, why they might feature, and what the actual chances are of this happening.
David Round
Why? We’ve all seen the back-and-forth on social media. Whilst totally respectful, David Round is making it VERY clear that he wants this fight. And Reid might just give it to him, despite not seeming all that keen when we spoke to him. This does appear to be the one that the people want and Round has clearly demonstrated a loyal fanbase should they book him #ReidvsRound
Chances: 8/10
Bola Omoyele
Why? Aside from the chatter that’s been doing the rounds pretty much since Bellator UK itself was a rumour, the above images from Elite MMA Agency (who represent Bola) kinda suggest that he maybe might just be on the card, possibly.
Chances: 9/10 – Come on, you know he is.
Luiz Tosta
Why? As above.
Chances: 9/10
Spencer Hewitt
Why? Same again…
Chances: 9/10
Nathaniel Wood
Why? And once more…
Chances: 8.5/10 – We’ve downgraded this one by .5 not because we don’t think he’s on the card, but we know that Wood’s had an injury recently and figured we’d take that into account. A bit.
Chase Morton
Why? Curiously disappears from BCMMA headline slot? Exactly fits the bill of Bellator UK?? HE’S BEEN ON A UK REALITY TV SHOW, OF COURSE HE’S FIGHTING ON A BELLATOR CARD HEADLINED BY KIMBO.
Chances: 9/10 – Stick your money on this one, boys and girls.
Terry Etim & Paul Sass
Why? They’re both signed with Bellator, right?
Chances: 2/10 – One of them has recently started training again, the other has gone missing entirely. We forget which way round, it’s on the most recent podcast if you want to check…
Max Nunes
Why? Mysteriously appeared on the Bellator website roster page a couple of months back
Chances: 6/10 – Doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be on this one, but why else have they snapped him up?
Eugene Fadiora
Why? Another UK name signed to the promotion, already fought twice (1-1) for them.
Chances: 4/10 – It’s coming up to two years since he last fought in Bellator, maybe they’ll mark the anniversary by announcing Fadiora on this one, but it doesn’t seem likely at the moment.
Jack Mason
Why? There was a BCMMA event scheduled for around the same time as Bellator 158, now there isn’t. Could it be that the British Challenge Mixed Martial Arts top dog is unavailable that night?
Chances: 9/10 – Why not? Mason’s put in the hours, let him fight on a bigger stage now.
Dean Garnett
Why? He told everyone he was when he appeared on John King’s The MMA Segment.
Chances: 9.9/10 – So long as the gaffe didn’t drop him in it, he’ll be there.
Danny Mitchell
Why? We heard a large order for cheesecake had been placed by the venue around the time of the show.
Chances: 7/10 – We’re fairly confident, just not super confident.
Jake Bostwick
Why? Why wouldn’t Bellator want a man dressed as Bane on their show? If he still has the costume, that is.
Chances: 2/10 – He got double injured 🙁
Tom Watson
Why? Well, he doesn’t appear to be doing anything else right now, and is clearly an outside shot for the Reid rematch.
Chances: 4/10 – Is the rematch too obvious? Haven’t heard anything from Watson’s end about it.
Leeroy Barnes
Why? Leeroy’s been volleying Phil Baroni all over Twitter recently, seems like a fight that would go down well on this event. Also, Barnes vs. Reid. No need to add anything to that.
Chances: 5/10 – Going 50/50 on this one, they don’t know what they’re missing if this doesn’t happen.
Rob Sinclair
Why? Apparently he already announced it.
Chances: 10/10 – Sounds like a nailed on bet, this one…