Bellator 144 Predictions: Halsey vs. Carvalho
Brandon Halsey (9-0-0) vs. Rafael Carvalho (11-1-0)
Halsey was stripped of his title even though he won the fight due to a missed weight cut. Now he has the chance to win his title back with a win over Carvalho. Then again, Carvalho could barely get past Joe Schilling even though he held a record of 2-4 at the time of their bout. Halsey is not nearly as experienced but he is a monster with finishes in for of his last five bouts and is only getting better at 29 years old. Carvalho falls to Halsey who wins by slit decision.
Brennan Ward (11-3-0) vs. Dennis Olson (14-9-0)
Ward has beaten 10 of his 11 wins by a finish while seven of those ten finishes have come by TKO of KO. Olson has seven of his nine losses by a finish as well. It only spells a certain type of doom for Olson in this bout. That is not to say that Ward is unbeatable as he has been finished in two of his last four bouts. Ultimately, Olson will fall to Ward who will TKO within two rounds.
Goiti Yamauchi (18-2-0) vs. Isao Kobayashi (18-2-4)
Two big prospects at 145 with nearly identical records face off in a bout that could determine the number one contender at 145 or at least put the winner within striking distance of a title shot. Neither of them have ever been finished with both of their four losses coming by decision. Yamaguchi is a submission machine though capturing 14 of his 18 wins by a submission while Kobayashi is more versed in the striking with 8 of his 18 wins by TKO. Yamauchi ultimately holds the advantage here having fought in the states before which will ultimately hinder Kobayashi. Yamauchi takes a decision victory by way of his grappling prowess.
Michael Page (8-0-0) vs. Charlie Ontiveros (6-3-0)
The are still feeding Page by giving a fighter who has 5 of his 8 wins by TKO a fighter with all three of his losses coming by way of TKO. Bellator is just hoping for a flashy knockout from Page for the fans as this was never meant to be competitive considering Ontiveros is only 2-2 in his last four fight. Page wins by TKO in the first.