Heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 11 KOs, 16 SUBs) will meet former UFC champion Frank Mir (18-11, 5 KOs, 9 SUBs) at Bellator 198 on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The card airs live on Paramount Network following the streaming prelims. Bet on the latest MMA odds and get previews, prediction and betting picks at BookMaker.eu now.
There might not be another name in MMA that conjures up more mystique than Fedor Emelianenko. Sure, he might be 41 now, past his prime and a shell of legend he was in Pride, but this is still Fedor freakin’ Emelianenko we’re talking about here. Arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time, the stoic Russian is still a revered figure among longtime MMA fans.
A huge knock against Fedor is that he never competed in the UFC, the world’s best promotion. But the Bellator heavyweight tourney is bringing one of its former champions to him. On April 28, Fedor will meet Frank Mir in the main event of Bellator 198. The matchup is part of the quarter-finals round of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament, which includes guys like Matt Mitrione, Chael Sonnen, Ryan Bader and King Mo.
The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu opened with Frank Mir as a slight favorite, although this one could shift closer to a pick’em by the time fight week rolls around.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Fedor Emelianenko +136
Frank Mir -174
Over/under 1.5 rounds +125/-145
The Stakes
Ok, so this tournament is filled with old guys, UFC castoffs and guys who usually compete in lighter weight classes. But Bellator is still a respected promotion, and this could be Fedor’s last chance to earn gold in an organization that actually matters. The crazy part is that it’s definitely possible.
Let’s say he gets through Mir. His next opponent would be Chael Sonnen, another 40 year old whose best days came at middleweight. Facing a guy two weight classes lower than where you’ve been always competing sounds like a pretty sweet semi-finals matchup for Fedor. After that, he’d likely be facing Matt Mitrione or the winner of Bader/King Mo. While the Russian was knocked out by Meathead in his last outing, Bader or King Mo are light heavyweights.
Fedor with a major promotional belt around his waist would be a sentimental sight for anyone whose been following this sport for a while. It’d be tough watching him get punked by Mir, even though he’s at an age where he should seriously consider retiring.
As for Mir, adding the scalp of Emelianenko to his belt would be the feather in a cap of an accomplished career. While not as decorated as his opponent, Mir has held the UFC heavyweight belt and owns wins over guys like Brock Lesnar, Mirko Cro Cop and Big Nog. At 38, Frank’s career is coming to an end soon, yet this tourney is just as winnable for him as it is for Fedor.
First Fight Reactions
Should Mir be the favorite? Yes, as Fedor has looked ancient, slow and small recently. Though he went on a five-fight winning streak before meeting Mitrione, those wins came against equally geriatric fighters or dudes with barely an MMA experience. Mir might be 2-2 in his last four, but he will have the size advantage going into the matchup, which is something that Fedor has always had trouble with.
UFC Early Odds Betting
Right now, we’re liking the over on 1.5 rounds. It’s the lowest possible round total, and we don’t see these two old guys coming out swinging. Neither guy has much cardio anymore, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the fight slowed waayyy down. At +125, you get out more than what you put in.
UFC Odds Pick: Over 1.5 rounds at +125
Bet on MMA odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. Bellator 198 on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The card airs live on Paramount Network following the streaming prelims.
