Bellator MMA returns to California for an event in Temecula tonight. Bellator 141’s prelims will be streaming live on Bloody Elbow, while the main card will be aired live on Spike TV starting at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Here’s a quick rundown of the main card, which is headlined by everyone’s favorite sometimes-lightweight, Melvin Guillard.
Melvin Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC, 0-0 Bellator) vs. Brandon Girtz (11-4, 4-2 Bellator)
Melvin made weight! Huzzah! After a disastrous run in World Series of Fighting where he missed weight for both of his fights and he complained the entire time, he was given his release and set off to the greener pastures of Bellator MMA, where he claims he was able to pick his first opponent. It should also be noted that while we don’t have any good photos of Melvin actually fighting in our database, we have a ton of goofy shots like the one above. Check out Zane Simon’s interview with him for more Melvin knowledge (and another goober pic).
Girtz has competed for Bellator six times since 2012, putting up a 4-2 record and finishing three of the four wins. His most recent bout was a victory over Benny Madrid in September 2014. He’s a wrestler, which is something that Guillard says suits his style.
Prediction: Melvin Guillard by decision
Patricky Freire (13-6, 6-5 Bellator) vs. Saad Awad (18-6, 6-2 Bellator)
These two men don’t like each other. They’ve been chirping on Twitter in advance of this bout, which is more promotion that is usually done for these sorts of co-mains. Pitbull is a two-time tournament finalist, and Saad has been to a tourney final as well. Freire hasn’t actually fought since the season 10 finals loss to Marcin Held, while Awad is currently riding a three-fight win steak. It should be more entertaining that the main event, let’s put it that way.
Prediction: Saad Awad by decision
Justin Wren (10-2, 0-0 Bellator) vs. Josh Burns (8-8, 0-5 Bellator)
Yes, you read that right. Burns has been competing on and off in Bellator since 2011 and he’s 0-5. Wren hasn’t fought in five years though, so I guess it makes sense to bring in an opponent like this. Wren, the TUF 10 contestant, has been in Africa for much of the last five years and recently wrote a book with Loretta Hunt about pygmies. Burns hasn’t fought since Bobby Lashley submitted him last year. So…yeah.
Prediction: Justin Wren, TKO, round 1
Raphael Butler (9-1-1, 4-1-1 Bellator) vs. Lorenzo Hood (9-2, 0-0 Bellator)
Butler is a hulking journeyman boxer that rarely sees the second round. Hood is a hulking striker than has never seen the second round. This is on the main card over the likes of Marloes Coenen and Derek Anderson because someone’s going to get knocked out for sure. Who will it be? You’ll have to tune it to find out! OH THE DRAMA!
Check out Zane’s interview with Hood.
Prediction: Lorenzo Hood, TKO, round 1
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