Bellator 274 | US | Saturday
Heavyweight, Davion Franklin (4-0)
There is still concerns with Franklin, but with only four fights that’s expected. The fact is Franklin has not been built up slow and right away has been tested. His four opponents had fifty-three fights combined. That’s pretty good for someone that made his MMA debut almost two years ago with no prior MMA experience. Franklin has huge power in his hands, is athletic, has an explosive double-leg, and is dangerous on top. He fights Said Sowma (8-2).
Lightweight, Nick Browne (12-1)
Browne’s sole loss is to John Gunther, and while that looks… not so good in hindsight, he does have a few good wins. He’s beat opponents like Sidney Outlaw, Bobby Lee, Troy Lamson, Ben Egli, and Trey Ogden who are all good fighters. Browne doesn’t have much to offer on the feet but strikes well to close the distance, in order to wrestle. He’s a strong grappler being a big submission threat with five submission wins. Taking the back and finishing with the RNC is what he’s best at. He fights Mandel Nallo (8-1).
Lightweight, Mandel Nallo (8-1)
On the mat, Mandel Nallo is very slick with his grappling, allowing him to snatch up chokes easily as all four of his submission wins have come that way. Nallo’s stand-up isn’t bad, his striking isn’t great but his kicks are sound, he throws very hard and dangerously up through the middle or above the shoulder. It would be nice to see more of him, as he’s been very inactive. He fights Nick Browne (12-1).
Bantamweight, Jaylon Bates (4-0)
Bates made his pro debut for Bellator last year and is one of their best and brightest up-and-comers. He’s the full package and besides being a wrestler first his striking is good. He has good hands and good use of his range. Bates is a fantastic wrestler and can wrestle three rounds no problem. Being an aggressive wrestler he can keep taking guys down despite them getting to their feet. Bates has a slick submission game no matter where he’s at. This kid is the real deal. He fights Chris Disonell (6-4).
Lightweight, Aviv Gozali (6-0)
Son of longtime fighter Haim Gozali, Aviv Gozali has looked fantastic in his short career despite being so young. All his wins have come by submission in the first round. Gozali is an aggressive grappler who excels in that department. There are questions about his striking but his jiu-jitsu is high-level. He fights Bobby King (10-4).
