Bellator 288 is in the Windy City with a card featuring two colossal title fights. Chicago’s own Corey Anderson faces off against Champion Vadim Nemkov in the finale of the Grand Prix, with the winner getting the grand prize of one million dollars. In the Lightweight division, Undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov takes on Champion Patricky Pitbull. Let’s break down our Bellator 288 predictions for those fights.
Bellator 288 Predictions: Anderson vs. Nemkov
This title bout is a rematch between two of the best fighters in the world. We saw the first fight end in a no-contest due to an accidental headbutt. This was a fight Corey Anderson was dominating. He was able to use his wrestling and take Nemkov down at will. In the second and third rounds takedowns became easier, “I felt little to no resistance when I shot in the 2nd and 3rd, he was breaking in there.” Anderson said.
This is a fight with a clear path to victory for Corey Anderson: wrestle, wrestle, wrestle…as Anderson likes to say! The odds have flipped completely compared to the first bout as Corey is coming in as a -235 favorite. I think given how dominant Anderson looked in the first bout it’s hard not to like him here at -235 in his hometown of Chicago! I’ll be rolling with Corey, I think he gets it done in front of his friends and family.
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The Pick: Corey Anderson -235 | BetMGM Sportsbook
Bellator 288 Predictions: Nurmagomedov vs. Pitbull
Lightweight champion Patricky Pitbull steps into the Octagon against undefeated 15-0 Usman Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov is coming into this bout finishing his last three opponents, all in this first round. He’s shown exceptional striking mixed with dominant grappling, while just steamrolling every opponent in front of him on his way to 15-0.
Nurmagomedov is a massive favorite in this championship bout currently sitting at -650. On the flip side, while Patricky Pitbull is the champion, many forget he’s 1-2 in his last three bouts. At 36 years old many oddsmakers and experts predict this could be one of his final bouts. Many people view Pitbull as a journeyman, with a 24-10 professional record, there’s no doubt his career is beginning to wind down. Pitbull’s best performances have undoubtedly already taken place. While he is coming in as a champion it’s hard to ignore that the only reason Pitbull has this belt is that his brother relinquished it.
Usman Nurmagomedov is a nightmare matchup for Pitbull. I believe he will impose his will by mixing his grappling and striking together fluently, this is a fight I see Usman finishing and doing so dominantly. Look for Bellator to have their first Lightweight Champion from Dagestan.
The Pick: Usman Nurmagomedov Inside The Distance