No matter how old he gets or unimpressive he looks, Fedor Emelianenko is still a name that will draw interest. Arguably the greatest heavyweight in MMA history, the stoic Russian has built up enough of a mystique over the course of a nearly two-decade career that longtime fans of the sport will tune into his fights simply out of curiosity.
This Saturday, Emelianenko will face a legitimate heavyweight for the first time in over five years. UFC alum Matt Mitrione, one of the division’s hardest hitters, will attempt to topple the legendary fighter in his third Bellator outing.
Let’s take a look at the MMA odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Bet on MMA odds at BookMaker.eu
Fedor Emelianenko +115
Matt Mitrione -155
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +140, under -155
Please note, MMA odds are updated daily and subject to change.
Matchup Preview
At 40 years old, Fedor is donezo. Don’t be fooled by his five-fight winning streak - they all came against subpar competition. Three guys, Jeff Monson, Satoshi Ishii and Pedro Rizzo, are all guys who should be retired. Another, Jaideep Singh, was 1-0 when he faced the Russian. And his last outing, against blownup light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, resulted in a horrible favorable decision from the Russian judges.
Mitrione hasn’t fought in over a year, and his competition has been much better in Bellator - but at least they were guys rostered in the world’s No. 2 promotion. Mitrione notched back-to-back KOs in both his Bellator outings, so it’s obvious that his heavy hands haven’t left him yet.
Though “Meathead” isn’t much younger than Fedor at 38, he has far less MMA miles on his body, with just 16 pro fights compared to his opponent’s 40. That being said, Mitrione still has been knocked out more times, suggesting that Emelianenko’s fists could still end the night against a questionable chin.
The problem for Fedor is that he’s always had trouble against bigger, athletic heavyweights. Mitrione, a former NFL player with super fast hands, is the type of fighter that can physically overwhelm a smallish heavyweight. Antonio Silva, Fabricio Werdum and Brett Rogers were all able to use their size advantage, Mitrione should be able to do the same.
How You Should Bet
If Fabio Maldonado can pretty much render Fedor unconscious, what do you think a bigger, more dangerous striker like Mitrione will do? Take Mitrione to win all day.
MMA odds pick: Mitrione to win at -155
Bet on Bellator 180 odds at BookMaker.eu
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Bellator 180 takes place on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET.
