Tomorrow night in the main event of Bellator 266, we will see one of the more highly anticipated promotional debuts in some time. The Solider of God, Yoel Romero (13-5), will be making his return and Bellator debut as he takes on Phil Davis (22-6).
This is the first time Romero will have competed since March of last year when he lost a middleweight title fight to Israel Adesanya. This will also be Romero’s first fight in the light heavyweight division in years.
Romero was set to fight Uriah Hall in the UFC late last year, however, he had to pull out of the fight. Just a couple of months later, Romero was shockingly released by the UFC and ended up signing with Bellator.
The promotion put him in their Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. However, Romero was pulled off the Grand Prix due to medical issues. He’s now been cleared and he’s ready to take on the former Bellator light heavyweight champion.
Like Romero was supposed to be, Phil Davis was in the Grand Prix. Davis lost to the current champion Vadim Nemkov. That loss snapped a three fight win streak for Davis. Overall, Davis is now 9-3 since making the jump to Bellator.
Bellator 266 Prediction
For years, we saw Yoel Romero struggle to make the middleweight limit in the UFC. It’ll be interesting to see how he looks now that he’s not having to cut the extra 20 pounds for his Bellator debut.
Romero is just a question mark because in spots, he looks like one of the greatest fighters you’ve ever seen. However, in other spots, he confuses you with his lack of aggressiveness.
Phil Davis has an incredibly well-rounded game, but he might be without his biggest weapon in this fight. Davis is known for his wrestling, but he might have struggles against the former Olympic Silver Medalist Romero.
I actually think a lot of the Bellator 266 main event is going to take place on the feet. With that, I’m expecting Romero to get the nod. I don’t think we will see a finish tomorrow, but I believe Romero will land bigger shots that’ll ultimately sway the judges.
Prediction: Yoel Romero by Unanimous Decision