Bellator 57 Recap

Douglas Lima defeated Ben Saunders by TKO 2nd Round
My Prediction: Saunders by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Saunders took the 1st round as the fighters traded alot of kicks and work in the clinch.  The deciding factor though was Saunders gaining full mount position and was able to land some ground and pound on Lima.  In the 2nd it was alot of the same that we saw in the first with fighters trading kicks and working in the clinch.  It was a very nice right hand counter from Lima that floored Saunders which was followed up with some big hammer fists to get the TKO stoppage victory and tournament win.

Future matchups to make: Lima now gets the next shot at Ben Askren and the Welterweight title after winning the tournament.

Alexander Shlemenko defeated Vitor Vianna by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
My Prediction: Vianna by Decision
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: Shlemenko was his usual aggressive self with his kicks spinning back fists and punches.  Vianna was up to the task though and got some of his own shots in but standing with Shlemenko is a tough fight for anyone to win.  Vianna would of had the advantage on the ground but was only able to get him down briefly in the 3rd round.

Future matchups to make: Shlemenko becomes the 2nd person along with Pat Curran to win 2 Bellator tournaments.  He will now get his 2nd shot at Hector Lombard and the Middleweight title.

Roger Hollett defeated John Hawk by Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
My Prediction: Hollett by Submission 1st Round
My Rating: $1/2
What Happened: 1st round saw the fighters mostly in a feeling out phase but Hollett definitely landed the most significant strike which was a lunging right hand.  The 2nd round didn't see a whole lot of action either as Hawk had Hollett up against the cage but didn't inflict much damage.  The 3rd round saw much of the same with Hawk getting Hollett up against the cage but Hollett was able to land his punches at times and well as some kicks.  Honestly this fight could of went either way and wouldn't have been surprising.

Future matchups to make: Hollett could find him self in the next Light Heavyweight Tournament.

Alexandre Bezerra defeated Doug Evans by Submission 4:04 1st Round

My Prediction: Bezerra by Submission 1st Round
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: Bezerra looked to be the more active fighter landing some good shots early.  Bezerra shoots for a takedown and looked for a guilotine but Evans is up to the task and picks Bezerra up and slams him hard to the mat.  But Bezerra keeps attacking with an arm bar which Evans again gets out of with another slam.  With Evan's now in his guard Bezerra does not stop attack as he locks in a heel hook, with his right eye swelling Bezerra cranks on the submission which forces Evans to tap.

Future matchups to make: Bezerra will definitely be a welcome addition to the next Bellator Feathweight tournament.

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