Bellator 200 is hitting London’s SSE Arena today with a bout between Rafael Carvalho (15-1-0) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) as a main card event. The Blessed Brazilian is ready to face off a DREAM and Strikeforce champion to continue with his winning streak in Bellator’s Welterweight division. Other notable fights for the event include a fiery encounter of Michael Page (12-0-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4-0) and a tantalizing friction between Phil Davis (18-4-0) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6-0).
Main Card Bout Rafael Carvalho vs. Gegard Mousasi
Bellator Middleweight champion is ready to square off with “The Armenian Assassin.” 31-year-old Carvalho boosts a record of 15 fight victories since his debut in 2011. Ready to challenge him, Mousasi has managed to seal a win for 43 brawls in a career spanning around 50 fights. The Dutch fighter has a versatile experience under his belt except a UFC title. Though he was headed in that direction with his back-to-back five wins but “the Armenian Assassin” parted ways with UFC signing a six-fight deal with Bellator. His premiere at Bellator’s ring brought him a win; however, a controversial one, which did not please the good-natured Dutch artist.
If Gegard wants to put an end to the questions about his ability to reign the ring, then a quick fix against Rafael can help him win his critics and fans’ hearts, making The Blessed face his first loss after almost a decade. However, trouncing 185-pound undefeated champion requires a solid gameplay. Rafael stands 6’3” inches tall with 78”wingspan and appears bigger for his division. In order to defeat his opponent, the Dutch needs to execute a sound strategy that can help him with his 6’2” frame and 76” reach, which is quite possible if he successfully executes his destructive strikes.
Summing it up, the brawl is a classic version of triumph vs. tenacity. Although both players have the same age-group, they have contrasting fighting experiences. Whilst Rafael has several wins under his belt, there is no denying that Mousasi has fought the top league of the game. His knockout percentage is 53{317a7769e272dec17b69bda26c6a5a4c5e6799efcd8a85f72cb552b76862c2b9} (23 out of 43) while his wins from submission make up 28{317a7769e272dec17b69bda26c6a5a4c5e6799efcd8a85f72cb552b76862c2b9} (12 out of 43). The Dutch fighter has a spot-on accuracy and his lethal ground game can put the deadliest hitters to haze. The biggest benefit that Carvalho has against his opponent right now is his unexploited form. However, his undesired encounter with Alessio Sakara isn’t the kind of experience he could pocket against Mousasi. Up till now the Blessed has been truly blessed against every opponent he has faced. This time, it seems to be a different story.
RDX Prediction: Gegard Mousasi via UD.
