Before I get down to my picks let me do a quick recap of last weeks card that I was only able to do a tweet of my picks on. Hindsight makes scholars of us all, but I flat out did not see Ben Akren controlling Dan Hornbuckle like he did.

From MMA Junkie

Now on to this weeks event that features the finals from both the feather and middleweight tournaments. Along with two qualifying bouts for next seasons bantam and female 115lb tournaments.

Middleweight Tournament Championship

Alexander Shlemenko vs. Bryan Baker

Seeing as how Shlemenko made it to the finals via his opponents freak injury and the fact that he is fighting a bigger, more athletic and well rounded mixed martial artist in Baker. I don’t see Shlemenko getting an over sized check worth 6 figures.

Baker – via whatever he damn well pleases

Featherweight Tournament Championship

Patricio Pitbull vs. Joe Warren

The Staredown from the weigh-ins. From MMA Junkie

At a glance I see this being a repeat of Warrens performance in the Dream featherweight semi finals where he got submitted under a minute. Patricio does have submission savvy to catch Warren in something. But with last weeks main event showing that elite level wrestling can stave off most submission attempts and grind their way to a UD. I’m going to have to choose what is more likely, Warren getting caught or Pitbull getting smothered.

Pitbull – via Sub

Bantamweight Tournament Qualifier
Nik Mamalis vs. Albert Rios

I have no idea who will win, I just hope it will be as entertaining as last weeks bantamweight fight.

Female Tournament Qualifier
Zoila Frausto vs. Rosi Sexton

This is Sexton’s fight to win, especially since she is already in the tournament. Zoila just like her sister who fought last week is a solid striker, but it all goes out the window when she gets dragged to the ground. So unless the Warrior Princess can get a flash knockout, Dr. Sexton takes this.

Sexton – via Sub

Last nights Bellator 20 had one of the most gruesome injuries in recent memory. Last season finalist from the middleweight tournament Jared Hess squared off against Elite XC vet Alexander Shlemenko for another shot at 185lb champ Hector Lombard. After dominating the first two rounds with wrestling and sub attempts in efforts to stifle the Russian striker. The 3rd round had Shlemenko desperately looking to finish by trying to time Jared’s takedowns with a knee. The plan worked but not necessarily the way anybody wanted or expected it to.

As Schlemenko connected with the knee Hess buckled awkwardly and crumpled putting his weight on his left knee, dislocating it. Head over to Middle Easy to see a slo motion gif of the horror.

Upon re-watching the fight I think Schlemenko’s 2nd round heelhook may have been the begining of the end of Hess’s knee.

Bellator is still in Texas for their 20th event, this time in San Antonio. Featuring fights from the current middleweight tournament and qualifiers for the heavy and bantamweight tournament for season 3. There will be no superfight action on this card sadly. Here are the picks though.

Middleweight Tournament Semi-Finals

Bryan Baker vs. Eric Schambari

This will actually be a rematch and a chance for Schambari to avenge his only loss. With both men being powerhouses this fight will come down to technique and cardio. Which one could also call a wash, this is actually one of the harder fights I’ve had to call since both fighters finished their quarter final fights in devastating fashion. So…..

- Baker via tko or UD

Alexander Shlemenko vs. Jared Hess

Hess being a finalist from last year showed toughness and grit by damn near going the distance with Hector Lombard. Shlemenko aka The Siberian Cyclone will put a hurting on Hess, but will eventually get put on his back and get pounded out.

- Hess via tko

Heavyweight Bout

Eddie Sanchez vs. Marcus Sursa

Going with Sanchez in this one, mainly because he was less spastic at the weigh ins.

- Sanchez via UD

Bantamweight Bout

Nik Mamalis vs. Mark Oshiro

These guys deserve better than me just doing a sherdog record comparison. I won’t be giving a pick but I will be looking forward to this bout mainly because I’m a sucker for the lighter weight class fighters, they always bring it and I doubt this fight will be a deviation.

Featherweight Non-Title Super Fight

Champ Joe Soto vs. Diego Saraiva
If this is the same Joe Soto that won his belt via hate crime ground and pound last year, then Saraiva stands little chance. Hopefully he will put on a better performance than last weeks last minute replacement meal/fighter Jay Silva did against middleweight champ Hector Lombard.

- Soto via Savagery

Welterweight Tournament Semifinal

Ben Askren vs. Ryan Thomas

Even though I expect Askren to come out on top. I have a funny feeling that Thomas will make it a sporting event, Ryan gives off the vibe that he is one of those fighters who performs better when angry. If Thomas can bum rush Askren he may get his revenge. But I can’t bet against a man with the wrestling and submission grappling pedigree that Ben brings into this fight. I’m picking Ben but will be rooting for Ryan.

- Askren via UD

Steve Carl vs. Dan Hornbuckle

While Steve Carl had to fight tooth and nail and win a close decision to get to the semi’s. Dan Hornbuckle got himself a 1st round submission while taking next to no damage. The Handler validated his favorite status and will more than likely make it to the finals in impressive fashion.

- Hornbuckle via TKO

This Bellator event will have bouts in the lightweight semi finals, a 160lb super fight with the organizations lightweight champ and a random heavyweight bout. Another event being held in a theatre, The Wang Theater in particular, can’t help but be impressed by Bellators somewhat obscure yet unique venue choices. Now on to the fights.

Non Title Super Fight

Champ Eddie Alvarez vs. Josh Neer

Fighting at a catchweight of 160lbs. this fight should be an interesting one. With both fighters being aggressive strikers you have to give the edge to the more well rounded fighters and the guy who can implement a plan B if the stand up battle isn’t going as planned. With his last 4 wins coming via submission, usually after battering his opponents first Eddie Alverez should take this fight in exciting fashion. Neer’s will to fight seems to evaporate once the fight hits the ground and this fight should be no different.

- Alverez via tko

Lightweight Semi Finals

Pat Curran vs. Roger Huerta

Both fighters finished their quarter final fights in impression fashion other than that Curran has a huge uphill battle in front of him. Other than another flash KO, I don’t see Huerta losing.

-Huerta via UD

Toby Imada vs. Carey Vanier

Since I procrastinated to the point that the event is now on I will cut this short. Vanier is good but Toby is scrappy and crafty.

- Imada via sub

Heavyweight

Pat Bennett vs. Cole Konrad

This Konrad kid is supposed to be something special. I will go along with the hype for the sake of brevity.

- Konrad via tko

The all middleweight quarter final main card event will be taking place in Kansas City. Barring any preemption it should be a competitive night of 185lb. action. Coupled with some noteworthy action from the under card should that occur.

All fighters made weight and no injuries were reported, so lets get to the picks.

Middleweight Tournament Quarter Final

Bryan Baker vs. Sean Loeffler

On paper this looks like one of the more promising bouts of the evening. You have and up and coming finisher in Loeffler and a once defeated talent in Baker, whose sole L comes from Chael Sonnen in a fight he took on 2 weeks notice. Both men at 6′3 are large middleweights and have records filled with both ko/tko and submission wins. Going to flip a coin on this one and hope for the best.

- Loeffler via sub

Alexander Shlemenko vs. Matt Major

In this fight we have a once defeated and relatively new fighter in Matt Major going up against the veteran Siberian cyclone Alex Shlemenko. I would be lying to you if I were to say I have not been swayed by the article onMiddle Easy about Shlemenko being a destroyer. His propaganda/highlight film is what won me over.

- Shlemenko via spinning lariat

Ryan McGivern vs. Jared Hess

This will be Hess’s 2nd shot at the middleweight tournament, last year he made it to the finals only to get judo tossed and viciously pummeled by Hector Lombard. McGivern also seems to be a guy who can make it pretty far but not do too well when placed against any known competition. I think the story of Ryans career will play out once again.

- Hess via UD

Eric Schambari vs. Luke Zachrich

In a compelling battle of unknowns I will defer to a more Two-Facian method of fight analysis.

- Zachrich via Shambari coming up bad heads

Welterweight Tourney Quarter Final

Dan Hornbuckle vs. Tylor Stinson

Its another early bracket pick looking like its going to be in favor of one of the favorites in Dan Hornbuckle. At 6′2 he is a tall welterweight and anyone who has seen the his fight and KO of mma veteran and showman Akihiro Gono last year, knows that Dan has servicable striking and knows how to use his height and reach. Other than being a southpaw, I don’t see any other advantages for Stinson

- Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle by TKO

Jacob McClintock vs. Ryan Thomas

Thanks to a series of unfortunate events, one advantageous the other not so much Ryan Thomas is back in the welterweight tournament. Following his controversial and questionable loss to Ben Askren, Thomas has returned to replace ‘Judo’ Jim Walhead who is unable to fight due to environmental travel restrictions

Wallhead (18-5), who was anticipating making his U.S. debut with Bellator, is unable to travel from his native England due to the volcanic ash cloud that has halted air travel across Europe over the last several days.

That being said Thomas is getting another highly decorated grappler in McClintock and will likely get subbed again. Unless he comes out like a house on fire and swings for the fences, ‘Tick Tock’ will remain undefeated

- McClintock via sub

Brett Cooper vs. Steve Carl

In a compelling match up of pretty even fighters…both of whom I am not too familiar with. I will defer to a coin toss and just hope for an exciting bout.

- Cooper via UD

Featherweight Tournament Quarter Final

Patricio Friere vs. Will Romero

As a huge fan of the feather and bantamweight divisions I am going to give this my pick for Fight of The Night. In a battle of undefeated up and comers we have Patricio “Pitbull” Friere one of the early dark horses for the featherweights. Going up against Will Romero another fighter with a perfect record looking to make a name. Both fighters are tenacious in their offense and like to finish and I expect nothing but fireworks. And while I have nothing against the Canadian Crusher in Romero, I can’t bet against a Brazilian nicknamed Pitbull. Those guys are usually quality fighters.

- Patricio Pitbull via sub

Official Site Fight Card

With the prelims still a mystery I will give my pics for the premiere of Bellators 2nd season. The main card with feature the 2 fights from 2 brackets, lightweight and featherweight. I am still trying to figure out which channel I will be recording the event on seeing as while I do have Fox Sports Network (FSN) it won’t be in HD as opposed to Telemundo, but then I have to watch it in Spanish. But I digress, here are the picks and fight breakdowns/blogger ramblings

Lightweight Tournament

Chad Hinton vs. Roger Huerta
Pairing a known quantity vs an unknown quantity is an algebraic word problem, the sort I have always had trouble with. In Chad Hinton you have an undefeated 39 year old man who has a wrestling base that hasn’t steered him wrong so far. Going up against the very dangerous Roger Heurta who is being billed as the early favorite at taking Eddie Alverez’s (current Bellator Lightweight Champ) belt. Despite the unknowns that Hinton has to offer I am going to side with logic and the odd makers and bank of the known variable pulling this off.

- Huerta via grit & experience

Janne Tulirinta Joe Duarte vs. Carey Vanier

The only thing harder than pairing an known and unknown quantity is figuring out two unknowns. I’ll pick the All American wrestler by default. but don’t be surprised if the Fin does something unexpected. The late replacement will have only a wing and a prayer coming into this on such short notice, but major props are due for stepping up regardless.

- Vanier via whatever he wants, but probably a UD

Featherweight Tournament

Eric Marriott vs. Joe Warren

Joe Warren has been seen as a featherweight stud since his upset victory of Kid Yamamoto. If you didn’t take into account Yamamoto’s year long lay off and major surgery the win looks like a major achievement and sign of promise from an up and coming amateur wrestling demi god like Warren. But if you did then his very quick armbar submission loss to Bibiano Fernandes made perfect sense to you. Warren has a strong Greco base and a mindset perfect competition in mma. That being considered he still lacks the experience to deal with the top of the food chain 145′ers out there. He might get a win or two but I doubt he will get the belt. That being said I will be paying close attention to this fight to see how Warren deals with a guy like Marriott who has 20 fights under his belt 17-3 overall.

- Warren via UD

Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Bao Quach

My pick for fight of the night. This fight has the early dark horse for the featherweigts tourney in Karakhanyan against the mma vet Bao Quach. While primarily a striker Bao can hold his own on the ground but with the heavy buzz around Georgi I personally don’t know what to expect other than an exciting fight. I have a feeling that I shouldn’t be picking a fight with so many unaccounted variables, I will suscribe to the darkhorse sentiment and take Georgi for the win

- Karakhanyan via Split decision

UPDATE

Joe Duarte replaces Janne Tulirinta, meets Carey Vanier in Bellator 13 tourney fight

Visa issues have forced Janne Tulirinta (12-3 MMA, 0-0 BFC) out of Bellator Fighting Championships’ season-two lightweight tourney and a fight with Carey Vanier (7-2 MMA, 0-0 BFC) at tomorrow’s Bellator 13 event, Bellator officials today announced.

Promotional newcomer Joe Duarte (5-1 MMA, 0-0 BFC), a former U.S. Army Ranger, replaces Tulirinta in the eight-man tourney field.

Duarte vs. Vanier is one of four bouts scheduled to air live on FOX Sports Net (or via delay if preempted by local programming).

An unfortunate turn of events but such is the state of the international nature of the modern fight game. You gotta have your documentation in order and up to date if you want to be a globe trotting prize fighter.

Bellator Season 2 Trailer – Season 2 starts on April 8th

Bellator Fighting Championships 13
- Roger Huerta vs. Chad Hinton
- Janne Tulirinta vs. Carey Vanier
- Joe Warren vs. Eric Marriott
- Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Bao Quach

Bellator Fighting Championships 14
- Shad Lierley vs. Wilson Reis
- Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. William Romero
- Ben Askren vs. Ryan Thomas
- Pat Curran vs. Mike Ricci
- Jeff Curran vs. Joe Doherty
- Felice Herrig vs. Catia Vitoria

Bellator Fighting Championships 15
- Toby Imada vs. Ferrid Kheder
- Dan Hornbuckle vs. Sean Pierson
- Jacob McClintock vs. Jim Wallhead
- Steve Carl vs. Brett Cooper

Bellator Fighting Championships 16
- Bryan Baker vs. Sean Loeffler
- Rudy Bears vs. Zak Cummings
- Brian Davidson vs. Danny Tims
- Tyler Stinson vs. TBA

Bellator Fighting Championships 17
- Eddie Alvarez vs. Josh Neer

Bellator Fighting Championships 19
- Hector Lombard vs. Paulo Filho

From Bellator.com