Confirmed Upcoming MMA Event
Bellator 295: Stots vs. Mix
- Saturday 04.22.2023 at 07:00 PM ET
- U.S. Broadcast: Showtime | Prelims: YouTube
- Promotion: Bellator MMA
- Ownership: Bellator Sport Worldwide, LLC
- Venue: Neal S. Blaisdell Center
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
- Enclosure: Cage
- Ring Announcer: Michael C. Williams
- Post-Fight Interviews: John McCarthy
- MMA Bouts: 13
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Promotion Links:
Fight Card
Event Discussion
03.14.2023 | 9:27 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Stots vs. Mix
Patchy Mix, SUB, R4
This is such an amazing fight. As high level as it gets for 135ers outside the ufc. Before their respective fights, I would’ve leaned stots to win, but now I think I lean patchy. He’s a gigantic bantamweight but more importantly, he’s found his home at XC and seems to be entering his prime, where stots is still amazing, but is getting older. I think the size difference and bjj is going to make the difference in this fight
Macfarlane vs. Watanabe
Kana Watanabe, DEC
Watanabe is very solid, ilima lei has one foot out the door. This is probably her retirement fight. I can’t pick her to beat somebody decent
Borg vs. Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi, DEC
I wish ufc took borg back, but I guess they really didn’t want to deal with the pull outs. It’s a shame cuz he’s really talented but hey ending up in bellator isn’t too bad. That being said, borg trying to make flyweight in 2023 is funny. If he makes it to fight week, then this will be a good fight. However, kyoji is an elite flyweight, so he should make easy work of borg
Pico vs. Rodrigues
Aaron Pico, TKO, R1
I really like this fight. It’s not a gimmie fight for pico as his opponent is actually quite decent, but it’s a fight he should easily win. Really looking forward to this one
Kamaka III vs. Edwards
Kai Kamaka III, DEC
I’ve never been impressed with kamaka but he should win this. Adli edwards is not bad; he was brought in to lose against pico, but he is actually a very solid fighter. Wouldn’t mind if he beats Kai but I doubt he does
Medeiros vs. Leary
Yancy Medeiros, TKO, R2
Yancy is not good but any half decent ufc vet should be able to pound Leary. I mean he’s 40 and has double digit losses
Franklin vs. Aras
Davion Franklin, TKO, R1
I forgot aras was even signed to Bellator still. He’s technically undefeated, and has a high level wrestling background, but he has only fought cans. Franklin isn’t really that impressive to me but he should beat this guy
King vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R1
Bobby king isn’t half bad, but I really do think Cruz should be able to ko a 40 y/o. Then again he was a pretty bad ufc fighter so who knows
Diggs vs. Almeida
Keoni Diggs, DEC
Idk much about either guy to really be confident, but it looks like grappler vs striker. Ik almeida has some sick striking, but he’s not really that good at mma
Inaba vs. Arteaga
Veta Arteaga, DEC
Inaba is hot but they’re running out of cans to give her. Artaega doesn’t have a good record, but she’s a significant step up compared to what Inaba has been facing. Time to see if she’s the real deal or not (I think not)
Burnell vs. Gonzales
Mads Burnell, DEC
I really thought burnell was the truth, and he put up a great showing against Borics, but then against carvalho he completely **** the bed and was dead tired after round 1. I remember Gonzales being incredibly boring, but being a very very talented wrestler
Joanne vs. Ellen
Ilara Joanne, DEC
Snoozer
Shurkevich vs. Kikuiri
Alexey Shurkevich, TKO, R1
Two really weird signings by Bellator. Not sure what either guy brings to the table for them
Patchy Mix, SUB, R4
This is such an amazing fight. As high level as it gets for 135ers outside the ufc. Before their respective fights, I would’ve leaned stots to win, but now I think I lean patchy. He’s a gigantic bantamweight but more importantly, he’s found his home at XC and seems to be entering his prime, where stots is still amazing, but is getting older. I think the size difference and bjj is going to make the difference in this fight
Macfarlane vs. Watanabe
Kana Watanabe, DEC
Watanabe is very solid, ilima lei has one foot out the door. This is probably her retirement fight. I can’t pick her to beat somebody decent
Borg vs. Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi, DEC
I wish ufc took borg back, but I guess they really didn’t want to deal with the pull outs. It’s a shame cuz he’s really talented but hey ending up in bellator isn’t too bad. That being said, borg trying to make flyweight in 2023 is funny. If he makes it to fight week, then this will be a good fight. However, kyoji is an elite flyweight, so he should make easy work of borg
Pico vs. Rodrigues
Aaron Pico, TKO, R1
I really like this fight. It’s not a gimmie fight for pico as his opponent is actually quite decent, but it’s a fight he should easily win. Really looking forward to this one
Kamaka III vs. Edwards
Kai Kamaka III, DEC
I’ve never been impressed with kamaka but he should win this. Adli edwards is not bad; he was brought in to lose against pico, but he is actually a very solid fighter. Wouldn’t mind if he beats Kai but I doubt he does
Medeiros vs. Leary
Yancy Medeiros, TKO, R2
Yancy is not good but any half decent ufc vet should be able to pound Leary. I mean he’s 40 and has double digit losses
Franklin vs. Aras
Davion Franklin, TKO, R1
I forgot aras was even signed to Bellator still. He’s technically undefeated, and has a high level wrestling background, but he has only fought cans. Franklin isn’t really that impressive to me but he should beat this guy
King vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R1
Bobby king isn’t half bad, but I really do think Cruz should be able to ko a 40 y/o. Then again he was a pretty bad ufc fighter so who knows
Diggs vs. Almeida
Keoni Diggs, DEC
Idk much about either guy to really be confident, but it looks like grappler vs striker. Ik almeida has some sick striking, but he’s not really that good at mma
Inaba vs. Arteaga
Veta Arteaga, DEC
Inaba is hot but they’re running out of cans to give her. Artaega doesn’t have a good record, but she’s a significant step up compared to what Inaba has been facing. Time to see if she’s the real deal or not (I think not)
Burnell vs. Gonzales
Mads Burnell, DEC
I really thought burnell was the truth, and he put up a great showing against Borics, but then against carvalho he completely **** the bed and was dead tired after round 1. I remember Gonzales being incredibly boring, but being a very very talented wrestler
Joanne vs. Ellen
Ilara Joanne, DEC
Snoozer
Shurkevich vs. Kikuiri
Alexey Shurkevich, TKO, R1
Two really weird signings by Bellator. Not sure what either guy brings to the table for them
03.15.2023 | 11:01 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Stots vs. Mix
Patchy Mix, SUB, R3
Patchy is one of the best submission grapplers in MMA. Not just Bellator MMA. If Stots can cavoid the backpack and land some bombs early I see him winning, but Patchy has been looking very efficient this whole grand prix.
Macfarlane vs. Watanabe
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, DEC
In hawaii I hope she does better than her last outing at home. But I think she edges out a split.
Borg vs. Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi, TKO, R1
Happy to see Ray Borg fighting again after his unusual ufc career, and his trials outside the cage. But Horiguchi is fighting at his best weight class and I don't see Borg beating him anywhere.
Pico vs. Rodrigues
Aaron Pico, TKO, R1
Pico vs a guy who hasn't had more than two fights in over nearly 6 years? Leaning towards Pico. Feel bad that he can't get a ranked fight and when he does it blows up in Pico's face. But if he wins he should fight Borics or rematch Kennedy.
Kamaka III vs. Edwards
Kai Kamaka III, DEC
This fight seems kinda boring IMO. Aldi didn't get to show much against Pico, and Kai is a very chill fighter despite finishing in his last fight. I see Kamaka or Edwards getting a decision. But leaning towards Kai because he's been more active.
Medeiros vs. Leary
Yancy Medeiros, TKO, R1
Yancy blew the roof off the arena last year in Hawaii. Curious why he isn't fighting more often but I don't see him struggling in this fight and will likely get a highlight finish.
Franklin vs. Aras
Kasim Aras, TKO, R1
I tend to lean too heavy on wrestlers. Davion finishes his fights quick but I think Kasim will get the takedown and finish via GNP like he has before. \
King vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R1
Bobby has been very up and down in Bellator since being signed. Aalon was a prospect coming out of the UFC but I think he just wasn't ready for the big lights. If Cruz can push early I think he can catch King. If not Bobby will use his patience to grind out another decision.
Diggs vs. Almeida
Weber Almeida, TKO, R3
I want to say the experience of Diggs will be the difference. But I think Weber is is just a step ahead and the striking is better. KO for Almeida
Inaba vs. Arteaga
Sumiko Inaba, DEC
A bit of a coin flip but gonna stick with Inaba because shes a bit younger and on a good streak. Arteaga has proven to be game as an underdog though. So I don't see a finish, but a close fight.
Burnell vs. Gonzales
Justin Gonzales, DEC
Two top ranked guys, wish it was on the main card. Mads on a two fight skid and Gonzales on a two fight win streak. Gonzales has great Fight IQ and knows how to mix his striking and his wrestling, but lately has been falling in love with his hands and leg kicks. Elevation advantage for Gonzales being in Colorado, he can stuff Mads shots thanks to his wrestling history, its going to be a Decision or a late finish for J-Train.
Joanne vs. Ellen
Ilara Joanne, DEC
Coin Flip, but for sure a decision. Just went with who has more experience. I think Bruna Ellen beat Ilima in her last fight but we will see how this goes.
Shurkevich vs. Kikuiri
Masayuki Kikuiri, TKO, R1
Tape on Alexy wasn't too reassuring. Someone is going to get KO'd in this fight, I'll take Kikuiri simply because his striking seems a bit more polished,
Patchy Mix, SUB, R3
Patchy is one of the best submission grapplers in MMA. Not just Bellator MMA. If Stots can cavoid the backpack and land some bombs early I see him winning, but Patchy has been looking very efficient this whole grand prix.
Macfarlane vs. Watanabe
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, DEC
In hawaii I hope she does better than her last outing at home. But I think she edges out a split.
Borg vs. Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi, TKO, R1
Happy to see Ray Borg fighting again after his unusual ufc career, and his trials outside the cage. But Horiguchi is fighting at his best weight class and I don't see Borg beating him anywhere.
Pico vs. Rodrigues
Aaron Pico, TKO, R1
Pico vs a guy who hasn't had more than two fights in over nearly 6 years? Leaning towards Pico. Feel bad that he can't get a ranked fight and when he does it blows up in Pico's face. But if he wins he should fight Borics or rematch Kennedy.
Kamaka III vs. Edwards
Kai Kamaka III, DEC
This fight seems kinda boring IMO. Aldi didn't get to show much against Pico, and Kai is a very chill fighter despite finishing in his last fight. I see Kamaka or Edwards getting a decision. But leaning towards Kai because he's been more active.
Medeiros vs. Leary
Yancy Medeiros, TKO, R1
Yancy blew the roof off the arena last year in Hawaii. Curious why he isn't fighting more often but I don't see him struggling in this fight and will likely get a highlight finish.
Franklin vs. Aras
Kasim Aras, TKO, R1
I tend to lean too heavy on wrestlers. Davion finishes his fights quick but I think Kasim will get the takedown and finish via GNP like he has before. \
King vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R1
Bobby has been very up and down in Bellator since being signed. Aalon was a prospect coming out of the UFC but I think he just wasn't ready for the big lights. If Cruz can push early I think he can catch King. If not Bobby will use his patience to grind out another decision.
Diggs vs. Almeida
Weber Almeida, TKO, R3
I want to say the experience of Diggs will be the difference. But I think Weber is is just a step ahead and the striking is better. KO for Almeida
Inaba vs. Arteaga
Sumiko Inaba, DEC
A bit of a coin flip but gonna stick with Inaba because shes a bit younger and on a good streak. Arteaga has proven to be game as an underdog though. So I don't see a finish, but a close fight.
Burnell vs. Gonzales
Justin Gonzales, DEC
Two top ranked guys, wish it was on the main card. Mads on a two fight skid and Gonzales on a two fight win streak. Gonzales has great Fight IQ and knows how to mix his striking and his wrestling, but lately has been falling in love with his hands and leg kicks. Elevation advantage for Gonzales being in Colorado, he can stuff Mads shots thanks to his wrestling history, its going to be a Decision or a late finish for J-Train.
Joanne vs. Ellen
Ilara Joanne, DEC
Coin Flip, but for sure a decision. Just went with who has more experience. I think Bruna Ellen beat Ilima in her last fight but we will see how this goes.
Shurkevich vs. Kikuiri
Masayuki Kikuiri, TKO, R1
Tape on Alexy wasn't too reassuring. Someone is going to get KO'd in this fight, I'll take Kikuiri simply because his striking seems a bit more polished,
03.16.2023 | 7:45 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Stots vs. Mix
Raufeon Stots, DEC
Raufeon should be in the ufc
Raufeon Stots, DEC
Raufeon should be in the ufc
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Fight Predictions
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Below is the current breakdown of event predictions:
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93%7%
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27%73%
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