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Bellator is definitely a promotion that gives the fans what they want, with a title fight and tournament fights from two different weight divisions. The first of three title fights over the next two events starts here as the Bellator Welterweight Title is on the line. Also, a featherweight semi-final fight and the bantamweight tournament kicks off with two first round fights.
Kicking off the action is a Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Opening Round battle as Rodrigo “Ratinho†Lima (10-0-0) competes against Hiroshi “Iron†Nakamura (14-5-0). Rodrigo Lima is an undefeated fighter making his Bellator debut in this fight, primarily competing in the Watch Out Combat Show promotion. Hiroshi Nakamura has won five of six entering this fight, competing the last two years of his MMA career in the DEEP promotion. This should be a great battle on the ground between these two, but it will be Rodrigo Lima moving on in the tournament.
Another Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Opening Round fight as Travis “T-Train†Marx (18-3-0) battles Masakatsu Ueda (15-1-0). Travis Marx enters the fight riding a three fight winning streak, plus he holds a victory over Bellator veteran Rad Martinez. Masakatsu Ueda will be making his Bellator debut in this fight, but he holds a victory over the world famous Royler Gracie. This will be an interesting fight to watch on Friday Night, but it will be Masakatsu Ueda getting the victory.
Up next is a Bellator Featherweight Tournament Semi-Final Round battle as Alexandre “Popo†Bezerra (13-1-0) faces Marlon Sandro (21-3-0). Alexandre Bezzera earned his spot in the tournament semi-finals by defeating Kenny Foster at Bellator 60. Marlon Sandro punched his ticket to the second round by defeating Roberto Vargas by submission at Bellator 60. This fight has the potential to be the show stealer, but it will be Marlon Sandro making it to the finals again.
Headlining the card is a Bellator Welterweight Title Fight as champion “Funky†Ben Askren (9-0-0) takes on Douglas “The Phenom†Lima (21-4-0). Ben Askren has already defended his belt successfully once as he defeated Jay Hieron at Bellator 56 by split decision. Douglas Lima earned his title shot by winning the season five welterweight tournament with victories over Steve Carl, Chris Lozano and Ben Saunders. This will be a classic striker versus grappler encounter, but it will be the wrestler in Ben Askren keeping onto the title.
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