Bellator 58 Preview

Main Event
Lightweight Championship

Eddie Alvarez vs Michael Chandler

22-2 Record 8-0

27 Age 25

154 Weight 156

5'10 Height 5'8

69" Reach 69"

-250 Odds +200

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Originally scheduled for Bellator 54 Alvarez looks to defend his title for the 2nd time against recent tournament winner Chandler.  Alvarez has won 7 fights in a row with 6 of them being stoppages, his most most recent win over Pat Curran at Bellator 39 was the only decision.  The undefeated Chandler is coming off his impressive tournament win where he defeated Patricky Freire, Lloyd Woodard, and Marcin Held.

What to expect: Rumours have come up again about a possible rematch between Alvarez and Shinya Aoki in early 2012 but first Alvarez has to get by Chandler for that fight to happen.  Chandler poses a roadblock for the big matchup for Alvarez and with his wrestling background he could come away with the victory.  Chandler was able to stifle Patricky Friere's striking with his wrestling and could do the same against Alvarez. Alvarez though should be up the task though as he does have much more experience in big fights and does have decent enough takedown defense to get the job done.

My Prediction: Alvarez by Decision

Non Title Fight

Hector Lombard vs Trevor Prangley

30-2-1 Record 23-8-1

33 Age 39

185 Weight 205

5'9 Height 6'0

67.5" Reach 75"

-800 Odds +500

Common opponents: 
Falaniko Vitale
Lombard won by TKO 3rd Round at Bellator 44 5/14/11
Prangley won by Decision at Strikeforce: 4 enter, 1 survives

How they got here: The 2nd straight non title fight for Bellator Middleweight champion Lombard.  Lombard who ran his impressive winning streak to 23 with his most recent win over Falaniko Vitale at Bellator 44.  Prangley is making his Bellator debut on a 2 fight losing streak with both coming by stoppage.

What to expect: Prangley offers Lombard more of name than a real test at this point in his career.  Prangley does have a significant reach and height advantage on Lombard but Lombard should be able to use his speed to get inside on Prangley and land some of his powerful punches.

My Prediction: Lombard by TKO 1st Round

Marlon Sandro vs Rafael Dias

19-3 Record 15-8-2

34 Age 32

145 Weight 145
5'8 Height 5'9

67" Reach N/A

-470 Odds +335

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Sandro is coming off his disappointing TKO loss by a head kick to Pat Curran in the Featherweight tournament finals.  Dias is making his Bellator debut on a 3 fight unbeaten streak with 2 submission wins and a draw.

What to expect: Sandro will be looking to prove that he still is an elite Featherweight and still belongs in the top 10 rankings.  Dias could provide a tough test for Sandro in his quest to get back on track but Sandro has should have the edge in just every department and will get through this one.

My Prediction: Sandro by Decision

Jessica Aguilar vs Lisa Ellis

11-4 Record 14-6

29 Age 29

117.5 Weight 114

5'4 Height 5'0

N/A Reach N/A

Common opponents: none

How the got here: A rematch from their 2006 bout where Ward won by decision.  Aguilar has won 2 fights in a row since falling to Bellator champion Zoila Gurgel.  Ellis has not competed in over a year with her last bout being a loss to Megumi Fujii.

What to expect:  Their first fight was 5 years ago and was Aguilar's first career fight, this time around she should be able to muscle Ellis to the ground and get a submission win.

My Prediciton: Aguilar by Submission 1st Round

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