Bellator is back with an event in Tacoma, Washington, on July 22. Headlining this event is a welterweight bout between Douglas Lima (32-10) and Jason Jackson (15-4).
This fight is potentially a title fight eliminator in Bellator’s 170lb division.
Bellator Score Records
Douglas Lima is on a 3-fight skid, losing to very tough competition, including Michael Page and Gegard Mousasi.
Jason Jackson is on fire in Bellator and is currently riding a 5-fight winning streak going into this one, including against two MMA legends in Paul Daley and Benson Henderson.
Lima vs. Jackson Betting Analysis
Douglas Lima Analysis
Lima is a legend of MMA at this point, and he has been in the cage with some of the most exciting fighters ever to put on 4oz gloves.
He is on a little 3-fight skid right now later in his career, and this main event bout is a massive opportunity to turn it around and get back on track toward a Bellator MMA title fight.
Lima trains at American Top Team, one of the best gyms in the country, and he has loads and loads of elite training partners in that place.
How Lima Can Win Over Jackson?
He should be preparing super well for this fight, and he knows how big it is for him. He has experience over Jackson, and I am hopeful he will at least come out with a solid game plan for this one.
His game plan will be to stop his wrestling attack on Jackson early on and then make him pay on the feet. I see the only real path to victory for Lima is to box the head off of Jackson on the feet and stuff all the takedowns.
Jason Jackson Analysis
Jason Jackson is on a roll right now in his Bellator MMA career. He has won five straight fights and keeps looking very solid all-around against some very tough fighters.
If he wins this one against Lima, it should set him up to be towards the front of the line for a welterweight title shot.
Jackson has only trained for a 5-round fight one other time in his career, and he won a split decision victory in the LFA.
How Jackson Can Win Over Lima?
Jackson has a slight advantage over Lima in this one because of his age and ability to wrestle, which seems to be the area of the fight where Lima struggles.
Look for Jackson to throw big shots to close the distance and shoot double-leg takedowns for 25 minutes.
If Lima stuffs his early takedowns, this fight gets a lot more interesting because then Jackson’s cardio comes into play. It is tough for anyone to shoot double legs for 25 minutes and not get the fight to the floor.
Bellator 283 General Info
- 12:15 ET is the estimated time of fight
- Fight will be streamed on Showtime
Lima vs. Jackson Betting Preview
MMA odds have Jackson as the slight favorite at -180. This has to do with age and wrestling skills. Jackson also has serious power in his stand-up game, and Lima will be in danger of getting clipped at any moment.
Prop bets to look for are the over/under and ‘fight goes the distance’ plays. Jackson hasn’t finished anybody during his 5-fight win streak, and it seems like he has found the style of fighting that will make him most successful. Don’t expect a finish from Jackson in this one.
Fight’s Expectation
This fight is a massive opportunity for both men. Lima can turn his career around, and Jackson can break through in his career.
Both fighters will be in top shape and ready for anything in this one. Expect an exciting fight on the feet and some decent scrambles on the ground.
Lima vs. Jackson Betting Prediction
I have a tough time trying to figure out this welterweight bout. MMA predictions can be so tough when you are looking at fighters that have shown a lot but are so evenly matched that literally, anything can happen.
My prediction is that Jackson overpowers Lima with heavy shots and takedowns with control time. I don’t see it being a finish, but a decision victory to move Jackson closer to a title shot and leaving Lima at a crossroads for his MMA career.
Bellator 283 Pick: Jackson to win (-180)
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