Bellator 106: Chandler vs. Alvarez II will be taking place on November 2nd in Long Beach, California at the Long Beach Arena.
Originally this fight card was supposed to take on pay-per-view and be headlined by a bout between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Tito Ortiz, however, Ortiz was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury and the card was moved to Spike TV and will still feature three championship fights.
I will be giving a breakdown of each fight as well as my predictions for who I believe will come out on top.
The Bellator 106 main card will air on Spike beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.
Main Event: (C) Michael Chandler (12-0) vs. Eddie Alvarez (24-3):
This is the second time these two men are meeting for the Bellator Lightweight championship. The first match took place nearly two years ago at Bellator 58, Alvarez was champion and would be dethroned by the young challenger in Chandler. That first bout was a back and forth barn-burner between the two men with the end result being a fourth round rear naked choked victory for Chandler.
Since their last meeting Chandler has defended his title three times, finishing all three opponents, two of which came in under a minute. As for Alvarez, he has not slowed down one bit after losing his title, he has fought twice, finishing both opponents in round one.
As for the fight, I see it going a bit differently from the first one. Of the two men, Chandler has improved much more since their last meeting and I see him maintaining control of the fight. Alvarez should be able to present problems for Chandler once again, but Chandler’s constant pressure should wear Alvarez down, I see Chandler being able to finish Alvarez once again, but this time by knockout.
Favorite: Chandler (-255) Underdog: Alvarez (+215)
My Pick: Chandler
Co-Main Event: “King” Muhammed Lawal (11-2) vs. Emanuel Newton (21-7):
Another rematch here, this one between the two most recent Bellator Light Heavyweight tournament winners for the Bellator Light Heavyweight interim championship. In their last meeting Newton shocked the world when he knocked out the former Strikeforce champion with a spinning back fist.
This time, I see the exact opposite happening. Newton won’t land that lucky shot again, “King Mo” will outperform Newton in every area of the fight and will choose where the fight takes place. Ultimately, Lawal will make easy work of Newton and prove to be the significantly better fighter and walk away with the interim gold around his waist.
Favorite: Lawal (-400) Underdog: Newton (+325)
My Pick: Lawal
(C) Pat Curran (19-4) vs. Daniel Straus (21-4):
The third title fight on this card as well as the third rematch. Unlike the other two, their first fight didn’t take place in Bellator. The first fight between these two men ended with Curran coming out on top by second round knockout. However, it’s very likely that their first meeting won’t be telling of this fight considering it took place in April of 2009, which was over four years ago.
Both men have evolved as fighters since their first meeting, nevertheless, I do believe that Pat Curran is the best Featherweight in Bellator and if he is able to keep the fight standing, will have his way with Straus. Straus may be able to have some good moments in the fight by use of his wrestling, but in the end I see Curran walking away with the victory and a finish.
Favorite: Curran (-365) Underdog: Straus (+305)
My Pick: Curran
Joe Riggs (39-14) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (15-5-1):
Finally, the finale of “Fight Master” will take place. Originally this fight was supposed to take place on September 7, 2013 at Bellator 98 but was postponed due to Riggs suffering an eye injury. Riggs (Team Greg Jackson) was the obvious favorite to win the entire show at the start and considering he has competed at the highest level in the sport in the UFC as well as Strikeforce and the WEC this wasn’t a surprise to anyone. As for Bronzoulis (Team Randy Couture), he was a mostly unknown underdog who put his power on display in the tournament. In this fight, short of a knockout from Bronzoulis, I see Riggs using his wrestling to control where the fight takes place. Look for Riggs to pick up his sixth straight win via unanimous decision victory.
Favorite: Riggs (-220) Underdog: Bronzoulis (+180)
My Pick: Riggs
Mike Richman (15-3) vs. Akop Stepanyan (13-6):
This fight will kick off the main card and while I don’t know much about either man, I do know Mike Richman is one of the better guys in Bellator’s Featherweight division. As for Stepanyan, he has lost three of his last four and is one of the lower level fights that Richman tends to have his way with. I am bewildered as to why Stepanyan is the favorite and believe Richman will come away with a finish here.
Favorite: Stepanyan (-175) Underdog: Richman (+155)
My Pick: Richman