Bellator 54: Odds & Fight Predictions

Written by Jake Thompson
Thursday, 13 October 2011 23:26

Let’s preview the Bellator 54 odds and make predictions on the 3 best fights on the card.

The Bellator 54 fight card will play out on Saturday, October 15th, and our predictions will attempt to let you know how the event will unfold.  All of the Bellator 54 odds used in this article are from 5Dimes Sportsbook, and they are currently giving away a 50% cash bonus to our readers that sign-up for a new account.

Bellator 54 Odds:

Bryan Baker -325

Vitor Vianna +250

Alexander Shlemenko -425

Brian Rogers +320

Zack Makovsky -650

Ryan Roberts +440

Rene Naraze -650

Jacob Kirwan +440

Bellator 54 Predictions:

Bryan Baker vs. Vitor Vianna

Vianna (11-1-1) is a 2-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion that has been training striking with Wanderlei Silva, while Baker (16-2) has heavy hands, but his bread and butter is in his wrestling.  Baker should have the edge standing, but Vianna has some wild shots that could find their mark.  If he gets hurt I don’t think Baker will have much trouble getting the fight to the ground, or surviving there despite Vianna’s excellent submission game.  It hasn’t translated over into mixed martial arts and Baker has never been submitted.  The favorite controlled Jeremy Horn and should utilize a similar game plan to come out of here with a unanimous decision win.

Alexander Shlemenko vs. Brian Rogers

Shlemenko (41-7) won the season 2 Bellator Middleweight Tournament and he has some excellent kickboxing skills and a wealth of experience.  Rogers (8-2) is an explosive striker with a good wrestling base that usually allows him to determine where the fight plays out.  Although Rogers has a chance to knockout anyone with his big, quick swings, ultimately Shlemenko has the technical striking and power to take care of business.  It wouldn’t surprise me if Shlemenko muscled his opponent to the mat, but I’ll call for an overaggressive Rogers to get knocked out cold when he lets his guard down to throw a big punch.

Zack Makovsky vs. Ryan Roberts

Makovsky (13-2) is a tough wrestler with a smothering top game, while Roberts (16-9-1) is a UFC veteran with well-rounded skills and toughness.  Roberts is dropping a weight class and will have a size advantage, but you have to wonder how bad the weight cut will affect him.  Makovsky has been submitted in both of his career losses, but Roberts hasn’t shown the ground game to worry me much in that department.  Makovsky should be able to take Roberts down at will and grind on him, and I believe the pressure will cause the drained underdog to eventually tire out.  Makovsky is my pick, and I’ll call for a 2nd round TKO.