Tomorrow afternoon in the main event of Bellator 275, the middleweight title will be on the line. The champion Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2) will be looking to defend his title against the surging top contender Austin Vanderford (11-0).
It goes without saying that Gegard Mousasi has been one of the very best middleweights in the world for a very long time. He’s had a decorated career where he’s been a champion in just about every organization outside of his run in the UFC.
Mousasi has gone 11-1 over his last 12 fights and that includes winning the Bellator middleweight title. The last time we saw Mousasi was back in August when he stopped John Salter in the third round to retain his title.
He’s going to have his hands full tomorrow night as he looks to turn away top contender Austin Vanderford. A few years ago, Vanderford appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series and got a finish. However, the UFC didn’t offer him a contract.
Their loss has been Bellator’s gain. Since being signed by Bellator, Vanderford has stormed through all five of his opponents using his dominant wrestling. Those wins have brought him to Dublin, Ireland where he will look to become middleweight champion.
Bellator 275 Prediction
This is really an intriguing main event tomorrow at Bellator 275. On paper, the paths to victory look relatively clear. For Vanderford, he has to land takedowns. If he’s forced to stand with Mousasi, it’s going to be a rough night at the office.
On the flip side, Mousasi needs to try to keep this fight standing. Although, he’s pretty dangerous wherever the fight goes and he can hold his own on the ground. So what is going to happen tomorrow?
I’m curious to see the pace that Vanderford pushes early. We know that Mousasi can go all five rounds with no problem. He’s done that so many times. However, we haven’t seen that from Vanderford.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Vanderford push hard early and have success at Bellator 275. However, I wonder how he will hold up in the championship rounds. I think we might see a very tired Austin Vanderford in the fourth and fifth round which could spell disaster.
I really do like Austin Vanderford as a fighter, but it’s hard to bet against Mousasi. He’s been one of the very best for so long and I think he’ll do enough to get the win tomorrow. I think it’s close, but Mousasi retains the title at Bellator 275.
Prediction: Gegard Mousasi by Unanimous Decision