The UFC vs. Bellator Event We Need
In a world where COVID- 19 has put the world on hold and nothing makes sense anymore. Sports has been shut down, Wrestlemania is a two-night event held in an empty arena and the UFC has to cancel Khabib vs Ferguson for the fifth time. Now, I don’t want to make light of the pandemic, however — I think it’s the perfect time for a crossover event between the UFC & Bellator. I know what you’re thinking, these fights make zero sense for the UFC or to anyone really. Wrong. You better believe Scott Coker and the crew at Bellator are ready for war against Dana and the UFC and there’s no better time for it. Let’s put on fights that won’t affect future matchups for each promotion. Besides, we did this before with Pride and Strikeforce and both organizations have dominated the UFC title picture. That being said, I thought it would be a fun exercise to create a dream card pitting some of the best fighters of each promotion against each other.
Conor McGregor vs Patricio Pitbull (Lightweight)
The most popular fighter in the world Conor “Notorious” McGregor vs perennial underdog (no pun intended) Patricio Pitbull. Pitbull has been barking up the SBG tree for years and believe me when I say this, this is a terrible matchup for the “Notorious” one. In a weird way, Pitbull reminds me a lot of McGregor. The two-class champ Pitbull is a counter striker with a heavy left hand, but add a strong takedown defense with some black belt BJJ, I think he poses some problems for the former champ-champ. Conor will have the size and reach advantage and will need to put the pressure on to win this fight. Expect fireworks in this one.
Prediction: McGregor, TKO Rd 3
Tony Ferguson vs Douglas Lima (Welterweight)
Two of the hottest fighters in their perspective promotions, both with a resume that reads violence across the board. Yes, I know that Tony Ferguson is a Lightweight, but, this list needed to start off weird. I could see ‘El Cucuy’ taking this fight anyway. Douglas Lima is the consensus most underrated fighter in the world, and that comes with a chip on his shoulder that often leads to exciting knockouts. Who better to match him up with than the boogeyman himself? Ferguson, who is on a twelve fight winning streak, is an expert at Lima’s kryptonite: wrestling. But, can he get into Douglas Lima’s range without eating a spoonful of a right hand? Sign me up.
Prediction: Lima, Split Decision
Stipe Miocic vs Ryan Bader (Heavyweight)
This one is for the “Baddest Man on the Planet” moniker. UFC Heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic vs Bellator Heavyweight champ Ryan Bader. Miocic is arguably the best heavyweight of all-time, but the competition is slim in UFC’s weight class. “Darth” Bader won the Heavyweight Grand Prix and wrecked the competition since leaving the UFC. Both in their physical primes, I could see this matchup ending easily in the first round.
Prediction: Bader, TKO Rd 1
Valentina Shevchenko vs Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (Flyweight)
I absolutely need to see this fight. No fight on this list has the potential of actually happening more than this one. Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko is more confident than ever and her striking is second to none in her weight class, enter the “Ilimanator”, a fighter destined for greatness. Hawaii’s Ilima-Lei poses a threat on the ground that Shevchenko could have an issue with. I’m ready for it. I see “instant classic” written all over this one. Side note: let’s have them do a dance-off after this is all said and done.
Prediction: MacFarlane, Sub Rd 4
Israel Adesanya vs Gegard Mousasi (Middleweight)
If the UFC hadn’t let go of Gegard Mousasi, I think we would’ve seen this fight happen already. It is clear that the UFC believes “Izzy” is the next star, and for good reason. He’s exciting while still tactical and has the “it” factor promotors dream of. Can he handle the experience of Dutch striker, Mousasi? I think this one is a back and forth affair with some high moments for each fighter. My heart says Izzy has the striking advantage, but my brain says Mousasi pieces him up. Either way, I’ll get the popcorn ready.
Prediction: Adesanya, UD
Khabib vs Michael Chandler (Lightweight)
I spent a long time mulling over who I think would be a good matchup for Khabib. The truth is, Khabib isn’t a favorable matchup for anyone in Bellator’s lightweight division… except for Bellator staple, Michael Chandler. Who can handle the pressure that Khabib constantly brings? A fighter who offers the same amount of pressure. Chandler has the NCAA wrestling pedigree to matchup up with the UFC lightweight King and isn’t afraid to strike. Khabib makes people give up, but I find it hard to believe it will be that easy against the heart of Michael Chandler.
Prediction: Khabib, UD
Jorge Masvidal vs. Michael Venom Page (Welterweight)
BMF vs. MVP. The build-up will be amazing. The stare down will be filled with adrenaline. Combine the tenacity of the resurrected Masvidal with the creativity of the exciting Brit Michael Venom Page, this fight will be entertaining from start to finish. One debate could finally be settled: Who has the better flying knee knockout?
Prediction: Masvidal, Split Decision
Henry Cejudo vs AJ McKee (Featherweight)
Bellator has a lot of bright prospects in their lighter weight classes, none more bright than 16–0 twenty-four-year-old AJ McKee. Give him Triple C, the king of the lightweight classes Henry Cejudo. Henry Cejudo’s obvious strength is his wrestling. But, trust me on this one, McKee’s wrestling is damn good. Cejudo can knock you out in a flash if you’re paying too much attention to his Olympic level wrestling. McKee has spent his whole life training for this moment. Better believe he is more than ready.
Prediction: McKee, TKO Rd 3