Bellator 212 hosted what has to be the most anticipated rematch in Bellator history tonight in Hawaii. The entire card was stacked, and every fight that took place was more than memorable. Some of the promotion’s biggest stars made the walk tonight, meaning that they all need new opponents, and I think I know what matches should be made.
Derek Campos vs. Noad Lahat
Derek Campos put on an amazing fight in his Featherweight debut, but he ultimately came up short. However, he is a fun fighter, and there are a lot of entertaining matchups for him to have a 145 pounds. I think that a fight against former UFC fighter Noad Lahat could be a fireworks show, and I would love to see who get the best of that exhibition.
Sam Sicilia vs. Pat Curran
Despite his loss to title challenger Emmanuel Sanchez, Sam Sicilia proved that he can contend for the title in this division, and I think that he deserves a fight to get him there. Pat Curren is the perfect person to do just that. He is a world-class fighter, and a win would put either fighter right at the top of the division.
Alejandra Lara vs. Heather Hardy
Alejandra Lara has yet to gain a win inside the Bellator cage. However, she has faced the stiffest competition the division has to offer. A think that a fight against a developing athlete like Hardy could be beneficial for both women.
Juliana Velasquez vs. Keri Melendez
Juliana Velasquez has been impressive in every one of her Bellator outings, and that did not cease tonight. She picked up a close win against the always tough Lara, and I think that she could be on her way to a title shot. A fight against Keri Melendez should be seen as a title eliminator, and I have no idea who would win this match.
Daniel Crawford vs. Chinzo Machida
Daniel Crawford hasn’t been able to show his prowess inside the Bellator cage, but I think that he still has potential to do so. Someone with a big name and not a lot of skill is Chinzo Machida, and that could be a favorable matchup for Crawford. This would be a do or die situation for him, and I think that he might be able to rise to the occasion.
AJ McKee vs. Patricio Pitbull
AJ McKee has been calling for a title shot for literally years, and I think it’s about time that he got one. He has consistently proved that he is better than everyone else in the division, outclassing them to a decision, but now he is finishing everyone in the first round. This is a dangerous prospect in the division, and it is entirely possible that he may take the belt away from Patricio Pitbull.
Frank Mir: Retirement
Frank Mir has lost three fights in a row, and has been finished in devastating fashion in each instance. I think that it is time for him to finally hang up his gloves. He will undoubtedly go into the UFC Hall of Fame, but for now, his body has just taken too much damage to continue fighting.
Javy Ayala vs. Timothy Johnson
Javy Ayala finished former UFC champion Frank Mir, and I think that he needs to continue testing himself against UFC level competition. Timothy Johnson is someone who was ranked in the UFC, and was cut for seemingly no reason. He has yet to gain a win in the Bellator cage, so I think that a fight against Ayala could benefit him as much as it does Javy.
Brent Primus vs. Benson Henderson
Brent Primus lost his Lightweight title, and it was a predictable result. Everyone expected for Michael Chandler to win his belt back tonight, but Primus did make it a tough fight for him. I think that Benson Henderson could challenge him in similar ways to Chandler, and they are both at the top of the division.
Michael Chandler vs. Patricky Pitbull II
Michael Chandler gained his Lightweight title back, and now he has to defend it. Although his first fight with Patricky Pitbull was a total wipeout, Pitbull has done everything he needs to in order to get back to the title, and he deserves the shot. I think that the fight would go differently this time, and I would love to see what happens.