Bellator's season 5 moves along as Bellator 54 is set to take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey and will feature 2 semi final bouts in the Middleweight tournament. My personal favorite tournament of this season the main event will feature Alexander Shlemenko taking on Brian Rogers while Bryan Baker will take on Vitor Vianna in the other semi final bout. Bantamweight champion Zach Makovsky will be in action in a non title bout while Rene Nazare is looking to impress in his new weight class.
Main Event
Middleweight Tournament Semi Final
Alexander Shlemenko vs Brian Rogers
41-7 Record 8-2
27 Age 27
185 Weight 185.5
5'11 Height 5'11
70.5" Reach N/A
How they got here: Shlemenko won his quarter final bout of the tournament in impressive fashion over Zelg Galesic by a guilltione in the first round, overall Shlemenko has won 3 in a row since losing his title fight to Hector Lombard. Rogers got to this semi final bout by defeated Victor O'Donnell by TKO and now has won 7 fights in a row.What to expect: In his last bout Shlemenko showed off some submission skills and could have a similar result in this fight. To get a shot at a submission though Shlemenko is going to have to engage Rogers on the feet at some point and that could end up in fireworks. Shlemenko is the more traditional kickboxer while Rogers perhaps has more of an explosive style either way you call their styles it should be a great battle and potential fight of the night front runner.
My Prediciton: Shlemenko by TKO 2nd Round
Middleweight Tournament Semi Final
Bryan Baker vs Vitor Vianna
16-2 Record 12-1-1
26 Age 31
184 Weight 185
6'3 Height 5'11
77" Reach N/A
How they got here: Baker won his quarter final bout against Jared Hess by TKO and has now won 3 in a row since losing to Alexander Shlemenko in the season 2 tournament. Vianna won his quarter final and Bellator debut against Sam Alvey, and has won 6 in a row.What to expect: Baker will look to exploit his height reach and size advantage by striking with Vianna and using the size to possibly putting Vianna on his back and turn it into a grappling match. Vianna may welcome the grappling as he could even out the physique advantages of Baker with his great submission skills. Baker though is no slouch on the ground as he has shown a great all round ground game offensively, defensively, wrestling and Jiu Jitsu.
My Prediction:Vianna by Decision
Zack Makovsky vs Ryan Roberts
13-2 Record 16-9-1
29 Age
135 Weight 146
5'8 Height 5'6
63" Reach
How they got here: This is Makovsky's 2nd straight non title bout and has yet to defend his Bantamweight title. He last saw action against Chad Robichaux who he defeated by TKO, overall Makovsky has won 7 in a row. Roberts is making his 2nd appearance with Bellator, and first as a Bantamweight he is unbeaten in 4 fights since dropping his Bellator debut bout.What to expect: As usual for Makovsky he will be fighting the bigger fighter so he will want to use his speed against Roberts to attempt to get this fight to the ground. Roberts will be game against Makovsky and will be looking to be the first person to defeat a Bellator champion in their non-title "super fights". Roberts will be looking to use his size and bully Makovsky while trying to slow the pace down.
My Prediciton: Makovsky by Decision
Rene Nazare vs Jacob Kirwan
10-0 Record 8-3
29 Age 28
156 Weight 146
5'9 Height 5'10
N/A Reach N/A
How they got here:The undefeated Nazare is making his 4th appearance with Bellator his latest fight was a TKO win over Juan Barrantes. Kirwan is making his Bellator debut with his most recent bout saw him fall to top prospect Jim Hettes by submission.What to expect: Nazare looks to be a contender in the next Lightweight tournament and could be a favorite. There is no secret that Nazare's strength is his submissions but as he showed in his last fight he does had some power in his hands and great head movement. Still though look for Nazare to "use what got him here" and get this fight to the mat and get a submission.
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