Bellator 245: Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida preview and predictions
By Chad Porto
Bellator 245 will see Phi Davis and Lyoto Machida square off in a fight that will have potential light heavyweight title consequences.
The weekend after Labor Day will feature two big Bellator debuts, as well as several big names returning to the Bellator cage after months away. At Bellator 245, Cat Zingano will make her debut for the promotion, just before the likes of Lyoto Machida and Phil Davis go at it to see who’s moving up the light heavyweight rankings and who’s moving down.
Zingano will not be the only new fighter debuting on this double-shot weekend of Bellator events, as Liz Carmouche will debut the next night at Bellator 246. Both women are hoping to make an impact in the women’s title scenes fas and Zingano will have to prove she can win consistently again.
Also on the card is Ed Ruth and Taylor Johnson, two young rising prospects in Bellator’s ranks. Johnson the knockout artist will have to contend with Ruth’s wrestling and power. Finally, former Bellator Kickboxing champion Raymond Daniels hopes to continue his transition into MMA with a win over Peter Stanonik.
Here is the full Bellator 245: Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida main card preview and prediction
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Phil Davis deserves more respect and credit than he gets. Since 2012 he’s only lost four times. Twice to Ryan Bader, once to Vadim Nemkov, and once to Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Two of those three men were or are light heavyweight champions in Bellator. Davis himself is also a former Bellator light heavyweight champion and is looking to get back into contention for the title. First, he has to go through Lyoto Machida. Machida is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and is hoping to extend his Bellator record to 3-1 against Davis. The winner would presumably be next in line for current champ Nemkov. The counter-striking, karate-style of Mahida may just be too much to overcome.
Prediction: Lyoto Machida by decesion.
Cat Zingano vs. Gabby Holloway
It was only in 2015 that many thought Cat Zingano was the person best suited to stop Ronda Rousey. That was not the case just 14 seconds into the fight. Since then she’s lost several times and is hoping to have a Mirko Cro Cop-esque career resurgence in Bellator. Bellator President Scott Coker has made sure to give her the best bet possible for a career resurgence against Gabby Holloway. Holloway is a tough out for anyone but she isn’t exactly fighting for any titles any time soon. Zingano should be the odds on favorite to win here.
Prediction: Cat Zingano will use her wrestling and striking to get a ground and pound win.
Ed Ruth vs. Taylor Johnson
Taylor Johnson is making his Bellator debut. With a record of 5-1, he’s currently letting his heavy strikes do all the talking. Ed Ruth is coming off of a bit of a surprising loss to Yaroslav Amosov. The undefeated Amosov is making a case for the best fighter no one is talking about, but Ruth’s time as a member of the Penn State wrestling team was thought to be a worthy challenge for Amosov. Ruth will look to bounce back by hoping to grind Johnson down. Johnson might be a highlight waiting to happen but Bellator 245 belongs to Ruth.
Prediction: Ed Ruth by TKO.
Raymond Daniels vs. Peter Stanonik
Raymond Daniels is still in the midst of transitioning into MMA full time, but at the age of 40 and with decades of kickboxing wear-and-tear on his body, it’s going to be curious what he can do. He’s 2-0 since his Bellator MMA debut, having spent years before in Glory Kickboxing and Bellator Kickboxing before moving to a new sport. Peter Stanonik is 4-4 and making his Bellator debut. The only problem is this feels like a feeder fight. Something for Daniels to snack on and continue his progress up the ranks of Bellator’s middleweight division.
Prediction: Raymond Daniels has 24 KO/TKO’s to his name over his kickboxing and MMA career, Bellator 245 should see him notch a 25th.
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