Bellator 50 Preview

Bellator 50 is set to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.  8 Middleweights look to kick off the Middleweight tournament in a big way and earn the title shot against current champion Hector Lombard.  As has been the norm with Bellator we should be in store for some entertaining bouts but this event has some potential fireworks in every fight.

Main Event

Bryan Baker vs Jared Hess

15-2 Record 11-2-1

25 Age 27

184 Weight 185.5

6'3 Height 6'0

77" Reach N/A

How they got here: Baker is making his 2nd appearance in a Bellator tournament and has won 2 in a row with the organization since losing in the finals of the season 2 tournament to Alexander Schlemenko.  Hess is making his 3rd attempt in a Bellator tournament having previously lost also to Alexander Schlemenko in the semi-finals of season 2 and in the finals against Hector Lombard in season 1.

What to expect: We should expect a pretty even bout that most likely will go the distance.  Both are Bellator tournament veterans and will be looking to make a big statement in this opening round bout.  Baker should be using his height and reach advantage to keep this a stand up war while Hess will want to slow Baker's attack with takedown attempts.

My prediction: Baker by Decision

Alexander Shlemenko vs Zelg Galesic

40-7 Record 10-5

27 Age 32

186 Weight 187

5'11 Height 6'2

70.5" Reach N/A

How they got here: Shlemenko is looking to be the 2nd fighter in Bellator history to win 2 tournaments as he won season 2 tournament but fell short in his title shot against Hector Lombard. Overall Shlemenko has won 3 fights in a row since that loss to Lombard.  Galesic is making his Bellator debut and won his last fight to gain entry into the tournament.

What to expect: Shlemenko will be looking to finally break through and win not only this tournament but beat champion Hector Lombard.  Look for Shlemenko to implement his usual outstanding striking display while over whelming the over matched Galesic.


My prediction: Schlemenko by TKO 1st Round

 Vitor Vianna vs Sam Alvey

10-1-1 Record 15-2

31 Age 25

Weight 184.5

5'11 Height 6'2

N/A Reach 73.5"

How they got here: Alvey got into the tournament after his Bellator debut which was some what of an upset over Karl Amoussou, overall he has won 4 fights in a row.  Vianna is making his Bellator debut having won 4 in a row with his only career loss coming against Thiago Silva.

What to expect: Alvey proved his toughness in beating Amoussou but Vianna could be on another level for him.  Vianna has claimed there will be alot of finishes in this tournament and it's a distinct possibility he will back up those words against Alvey. Vianna, the highly decorated Jiu Jitsu practitioner backs up his ground game with a competent stand up game he's been grooming training along side Wanderlei Silva.  Alvey does had to ability to come out on top in the bout though, just a perfect fight with out working Vianna would be in order.


My prediction: Vianna by Submission 1st Round

Brian Rogers vs Victor O'Donnell

7-3 Record 10-2

27 Age 28

184.5 Weight 185 

5'11 Height 5'10

N/A Reach N/A

How they got here: Rogers is making is Bellator debut having won 6 fights in a row impressively all by TKO with his most recent one under the Strikeforce banner against Ian Rammel.  O'Donnell is also making his Bellator debut and has won 2 fights in a row.


What to expect: We most likely will see a stand up battle and possibly the fight of the night.  Look for Rogers to be the aggressor though forcing O'Donnell to make a mistake in the stand up.


My prediction: Rogers by TKO 2nd Round

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