Bellator

Bellator have rebranded changing their name from Bellator fighting Championships to Bellator MMA; they really seem to be cracking the whip and trying to make themselves a legitamite contender to the UFC. They've just launched a new Spike Programme, look set to compete with the UFC fo Alvarez and have forbade Babalu from helping out in TUF Brazil.

They've signed some really talented fighters, anyone else excited for their new season and debut on Spike? Anyone think we'll see it on TV over here soon?

Some really good fights and I like the tournie format.

But if they try to go up against UFC it's a big mistake. They'll never be as big and will never be able to compete with them.

Forbidding Babalu helping out in TUF is really bad form IMO.

Also, Eddie Alvarez is wasting himself staying at Bellator any longer. if he wants to compete at the top level he needs to fight in the UFC.

The only Lightweights outside of Zuffa who are even worth talking about are Alvarez, Aoki and Michael Chandler (and perhaps McGregor if you could call him a proper lightweight).

MrStuffins wrote: »

But if they try to go up against UFC it's a big mistake. They'll never be as big and will never be able to compete with them.

A little competition can only be a good thing though. It may make the UFC change around a few things to keep the fans on board.
I think you're right though, Bellator will never get big enough to challenge the UFC.
If they ever do get too big, then the UFC will just buy Bellator and slowly wind it up. That's how they roll.

Xlami wrote: »

Problem I see with Bellator is same with Strikeforce. I think their champions won't face solid enough competition to ever make a claim for number one in the world. What is Ben Askren going to achieve fighting Nick Thompson.

At the same time Curran, Hawn, Askren, Ferie brothers, Chandler they've a decent roster.

They've had some great finishes such as Brian Rogers. Would love to see more British/ Irish guys fight there.

I'd love to see some of those guys face some UFC guys. Especially Chandler and Curran.
One fighter I really don't like is Askren. It's not him personally but just his wet blanket lay and pray style of fighting. It'd bore you to tears. GSP would destroy him, and I think he'd struggle against s lot of the WW division in the UFC.

I must be one of the few people who enjoy watching him fight, I also enjoy watching Jon Fitch. While I agree it's not the most fantastic or exciting style of fighting the skill level is as high as an incredible kickboxer. He's been training with Duke Roufus for almost a year now and I have seen developments in his stand up but he just sticks to what he's good at.

Speaking of kickboxing, Michael Page. The English kickboxer if you haven't seen his knockouts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFu5iOhv9LQ) has signed with Bellator and I didn't realise. Interesting to see how he gets on over there. Not sure about the level of competition he's faced but an incredible fighter asthetically anyway.

Bellator 122 prelims were great viewing. Some outstanding finishes. Well worth a watch if you have the means.