The 3 and final event of Bellator's "Summer Series" is set to take place with Bellator 48 which is being held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The main event features the finals for the Featherweight tournament between Pat Curran and Marlon Sandro. The winner will get their place in the long line of fighters looking to face Joe Warren (that is if he gets past Patricio Freire first). In the co-main event Cole Konrad will make his first appearance for Bellator since winning the Heavyweight title as he faces former UFC, and Strikeforce title challenger Paul Buentello, this bout however is a non-title affair.
Main Event
Featherweight Tournament Final
Pat Curran vs Marlon Sandro
15-4 Record 19-2
23 Age 34
5'9 Height 5'8
72.5" Reach 67"
146 Weight 145.5
How They Got Here: Sandro has beat Nazareno Malegarie and Genair de Silva both by decision to punch his ticket into the final tournament fight. Curran has beat Ronnie Mann by decision and Luis Palomino by submission to get to the final and looking to become the first 2 time Bellator tournament champion.
What To Expect: We should expect a pretty even fight no matter where the fight goes with these two. Curran will most likely want to put Sandro on his back and wear him out and possibly look for a finish in the later rounds of the fight. Sandro on the other hand should have the advantage standing up and could have Curran in alot of trouble if he gets on top with his excellent Jiu Jitsu game. It's been another great Featherweight tournament for Bellator and they couldn't ask for two better finalists to represent their company and the division.
My Prediction: Curran by Decision
Cole Konrad vs Paul Buentello
7-0 Record 29-13
27 Age 37
6'5 Height 6'2
N/A Reach N/A
264 Weight 246
How They Got Here: Fight was originally scheduled for Bellator 42 but a back injury forced Buentello to pull out of it. Konrad, winner of all 5 of his Bellator fights winning the Heavyweight tournament along with way looks to defend his belt for the first time. Buentello was victorious in last bout on a smaller show and is 3-3 in his last 6.
What To Expect: Konrad will look to get Buentello down to the mat and grind him for as long as he can. Buentello on the other hand will want to keep this fight standing where he has the advantage with his heavy hands. I really don't see Konrad having any trouble controlling Buentello in this fight as Bellator is just looking for a familiar name for Konrad to have on his resume.
My Prediction: Konrad by Decision
Ricco Rodriguez vs Seth Petrezelli
47-11 Record 13-6
34 Age 31
6'4 Height 6'0
N/A Reach 74"
228 Weight 205
How They Got Here: Rodriguez on a career revival having won 12 in a row since 2009 is making his Bellator debut after an injury forced him out of a previous fight last year. Petruzelli who usually fights at Light Heavyweight won his last fight after having exited the UFC.
What To Expect: With no Heavyweight tournament for this upcoming season Bellator is in desperate need for legit competition for Konrad and the winner of this bout will most likely face him next if he beats Buentello. Rodriguez should be able to control this fight by getting it to the ground and working for the submission on the smaller Petruzelli.
My Prediction: Rodriquez by Submission 2nd Round
Rene Nazare vs Juan Barrantes
9-0 Record 7-5
28 Age 24
5'9 Height 5'6
N/A Reach N/A
155 Weight 155
How They Got Here: The undefeated Nazare is making his 3 appearance with Bellator, but first on a maincard and is looking to get a birth into an upcoming Lightweight tournament. Barrantes is coming off a lose to the tough Antonio Carvalho and is making his Bellator debut.
What To Expect: I expect Nazare to use this opportunity to showcase his superior Jiu Jitsu and get the submission victory and most likely a place in the Lightweight tournament
My Prediction: Nazare by Submission 1st Round
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