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This coming Friday Night will see what may be the final appearance of Bellator biggest star, Eddie Alvarez, as he headlines this event. The season seven featherweight tournament also kicks off with four quarterfinal round encounters on MTV2. The season seven featherweight tournament will feature many past tournament veterans and other top competitors.
Kicking off the action is a featherweight tournament opening round fight as Cody Bollinger (13-2-0) competes against Shahbulat Shamhalaev (9-1-0). Cody Bollinger enters the fight riding a five fight winning streak, which includes fights against UFC veterans Cameron Dollar and Din Thomas. Shahbulat Shamhalaev enters the fight riding a seven fight winning streak, with his lone career loss coming to UFC veteran Khabib Nurmagomedov. These are two fighters on an impressive winning streak, but it will be Cody Bollinger advancing in the tournament.
More featherweight tournament opening round action is next as Mike “The Marine†Richman (12-1-0) see action against Jeremy “Spooner†Spoon (12-1-0). Mike Richman is currently undefeated in Bellator competition, having defeated Chris Horodecki at Bellator 64. Jeremy Spoon competed in the season six featherweight tournament, losing to Daniel Straus in the opening round. Mike Richman has a lot more momentum than his opponent entering the fight and he will carry on that momentum with a victory on Friday Night.
We continue on with the featherweight tournament opening round as Wagnney Fabiano (14-3-0) battles Akop Stepanyan (12-3-0). Wagnney Fabiano is competing for the first time in nearly two years, with his last fight being a loss to Joseph Benavidez at WEC 52. Akop Stepanyan enters the fight riding a twelve fight winning streak and has not suffered a defeat in nearly three years. The long layoff is going to affect Wagnney Fabiano in this one as Akop Stepanyan keeps his winning streak alive.
Up next is another featherweight tournament opening round fight as Nazareno “Naza†Malegarie (22-2-0) faces Rad Martinez (12-2-0). Nazareno Malegarie last competed in the 2011 Bellator Summer Series Featherweight Tournament, losing to Marlon Sandro in the semi-finals. Rad Martinez is currently undefeated in Bellator competition, defeating both Brian Von Hoven and Douglas Frey. Nazareno Malegarie has been looking impressive in between Bellator appearances and he will show why with a tournament victory.
Headlining this card is a lightweight division fight as Eddie Alvarez (23-3-0) takes on Patricky “Pitbull†Freire (10-3-0). Eddie Alvarez was the first Bellator Lightweight Champion and most recently defeated Shinya Aoki at Bellator 66. Patricky Freire is coming off of a season six lightweight tournament appearance, losing to Lloyd Woodard in the semi-finals. This is a great fight for Eddie Alvarez to exit Bellator on and he will be doing so with a victory in the headliner.
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