Bellator 221 Preview: Chandler v Pitbull

Bellator 221 Preview: Chandler v Pitbull

By Dan McConnell

There is not much I really need to say about this card, the names on the listing pretty much say how excellent an event this should be for fans inside the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

Current Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler (19-4) will welcome featherweight champion Patricio ‘Freire’ Pitbull (28-4) up to 155-pounds, in a huge champion v champion title fight to see who is the king of the lower weight classes.

Chandler recently regained the lightweight title after defeating Brent Primus in a rematch that solidified the American’s status as one of the greatest of all time. Patricio is one half of the Pitbull brothers, and will look to follow in Patricky’s footsteps who won his last main-event match up in February over Ryan Scope in Newcastle.

The co-main events pip former Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (30-7) against the unbeaten and dangerous Michael ‘Venom’ Page (14-0). Lima is the vastly experienced veteran who has been there and done that, while Page is one of the most exciting talents in the world of mixed martial arts right now.

Page defeated Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley last time out and looks to add another experienced fight to his list of beaten opponents. This fight should be one every fan will savour and talk about in years to come.

Also, on the main card unbeaten featherweight title contender AJ McKee (13-0) will put his unbeaten record on the line, and be in search of a title shot if he can overcome Illinois own Pat Curran (23-7).

Former WWE wrestler turned MMA heavyweight Jake Hager (1-0) will step back in the cage for the second time against TJ Jones (1-1). Hager will look to continue his rise with the promotion.

Complete Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-Final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael “Venom” Page (14-0)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)
Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Jake Hager (1-0) vs. T.J. Jones (1-1)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (4-0) vs. James Bennett (4-1)

Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Undercard Bout: Adil Benjilany (5-1, 1 NC) vs. Cris Lencioni (4-2)
Lightweight Undercard Bout: Chris Gonzalez (1-0) vs. Charlie Radtke (2-1)
Bantamtweight Undercard Bout: Bryan Bautista (1-0) vs. Rob Fenicle (1-0)
Lightweight Undercard Bout: Adam Ward (18-11) vs. Amartuvshin Khuukhenkhuu (9-4)
Bantamweight Undercard Bout: Jose Leon (Pro Debut) vs. Christian Rodriguez (Pro Debut)
Bantamweight Undercard Bout: Askar Askar (9-0) vs. Taylor Moore (9-4)
Light Heavyweight Undercard Bout: James Bochnovic (9-4) vs. Robert Morrow (28-24-1, 1 NC)
Heavyweight Undercard Bout: Dave Latoria (Pro Debut) vs. Jason Belyew (0-1)
Featherweight Undercard Bout: Joey Diehl (12-9) vs. Jesse Bazzi (9-6)
Welterweight Undercard Bout: Scott Writz (2-0) vs. Josh Streacker (5-2)

*Card subject to change