Bellator 51 Recap

Alexis Vila defeated Joe Warren by TKO 1st Round
My Prediction: Warren by Decision
My Rating: $$$$
What Happened:  The powerful Vila looked to have the advantage in the standing right from the start landing some kicks.  Vila stepped in with a big right hand that hurt Warren and had him up against the cage.  As Warren fights off the cage and gets it the the center he is clocked with a huge left hand that floors him.  Vila jumps on Warren and gets one punch in before the ref steps in and saves the out cold Warren.  incredible debut for Vila that will surely be considered one the biggest upsets and KO's of the year.


Future matchups to make: Vila makes a huge statement and will now face Marcos Galvao in the semi finals.

Eduardo Dantas defeated Wilson Reis by TKO 
My Prediction: Reis by TKO 2nd Round

My Rating: $$$

What Happened: In the first round it seemed Reis did not have the answer for Dantas's reach as he did get him self inside to attempt takedown attempts and clinch with Dantas.  As the 2nd started it seemed Reis still hadn't figured out Dantas's reach as he mixed it up with combinations and kicks.  A stumble by Reis was enough of an opening for Dantas to unload a beautiful flying knee that hit Reis flush.  Dantas flied in on the dropped Reis to follow up with some ground and pound strikes to finish the fight.

Future matchups to make:  Dantas will now face Ed West in the semi finals.

Marcos Galvao defeated Chase Beebe by Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

My Prediction: Galvao by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: The first round showed a really entertaining grappling display by both fighters.  Both traded submission attempts and it was actually Beebe who had the closer chances with 2 tight guilitone attempts but Galvao was able to escape both while staying on top and switched it up after the 2nd escape with some ground and pound.  As the 2nd started it started to show Galvao was the fresher of the 2 fighters spent most of the round on top of Beebe.  The 3rd saw a slower pace that Galvao pretty much controlled with his kickboxing as Beebe back pedaled


Future matchups to make: Galvao will now face heavy handed Alexis Vila in the semi finals.

Ed West defeated Luiz Nogueira by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
My Prediction: Nogueira by Submission 2nd Round

My Rating: $1/2

What Happened: West was able to use his reach advantage effectively through all 3 rounds of the bout.  Using the mentioned reach with an assortment of kicks and a takedown in the last half of the 1st round secured it for West.  The 2nd was a little closer in the eyes of 2 judges as Nogueira was able to close the distance and clinch with West up against the cage but was unable to land anything significant.  The 3rd seemed to be the same as the 1st with West landed kicks and fending off a late Nogueira takedown attempt.

Future matchups to make: West will now face Eduardo Dantas in the semi finals.

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