Bellator MMA returns to action for a middleweight title fight worth paying attention to. Read on for our complete breakdown on Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi and the challenger John Salter. They will headline the Bellator 264 fight card with the winner walking away with the middleweight championship; Continue for the updated Bellator odds, main event preview and free Bellator 264 betting picks.
Bellator Middleweight Championship Bout
Friday, August 13, 2021 – 10:05 PM EDT at Mohegan Sun Arena
"The Dream Catcher" Gegard Mousasi is nothing short of a mixed martial arts legend. With over 55 professional bouts on his MMA record, eight professional kickboxing matches, and thirteen amateur boxing bouts – there is no denying the wealth of experience the 36-year-old Bellator middleweight champion possesses.
The Dutch native has displayed his fighting skills across the globe and is a former DREAM Light Heavyweight & Middleweight Champion, Cage Warriors Middleweight Champion, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, and the current Bellator Middleweight Champion – making him a six-time mixed martial arts world champion. Mousasi failed to claim gold in the UFC; despite becoming a top-five ranked fighter for the promotion, he opted for a move to Bellator in 2017.
It didn’t take Mousasi long before he captured the Bellator middleweight championship, defeating Rafael Carvalho via a ground and pound stoppage in the first round. Subsequently, losing the title to Rafael Lovato on the judges’ scorecard later led to a vacated championship being claimed by Mousasi when he defeated Douglas Lima.
Bellator 264 Betting Prediction: Gegard Mousasi at -290 with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Much like his opponent this Friday evening, John Salter has fought in some of the worlds greatest MMA promotions. Notably, he’s most known for his strong wrestling background and dangerous Jiu-Jitsu skillset to accompany the attribute. Salter had a small stint in the UFC and competed for Strikeforce, King of the Cage, and now Bellator. Salter matches up well with Mousasi in almost every facet of the tape, including height, reach, age and a common loss in Rafael Lovato.
Bellator 264 Betting Prediction: John Salter at +242 with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
The bookmaker’s current odds heavily favour the current champion, which should be expected given Mousasi’s experience advantage. Both fighters are the same age, but Mousasi’s pro record and opposition level outweigh his opponent’s. Salter owns a solid wrestling base that he will use for a submission attempt or two, but when these two men are going blow for blow, Mousasi will completely outmatch the American.
Because Mousasi isn’t a slouch and owns a solid takedown defense, it’s hard to believe that Salter can follow through with a grappling game plan. For the factors mentioned, taking Gegard Mousasi to defend his middleweight championship successfully makes a lot of sense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a knockout within the first three rounds because Salter is going to struggle immensely outside of a grounded fight.
Bellator 264 Betting Prediction: Gegard Mousasi at -290 with BetOnline
Bellator 264 Betting Prediction: Take Mousasi by KO (+190) with BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
· Gegard Mousasi vs. John Salter [Bellator middleweight interim title bout]
· Andrey Koreshjov vs. Sabah Homasi [Bellator welterweight co-main event bout]
· Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots [Bellator bantamweight bout]
· Davion Franklin vs. Everett Cummings [Bellator heavyweight bout]