Bellator 272 Prediction – Sergio Pettis vs Kyoji Horiguchi: Cards, start time, odds, live stream

After winning the Bellator bantamweight title with a stellar performance against Juan Archuleta in May, Sergio Pettis seems to have finally achieved the potential many saw in him when he made his UFC debut in 2013. Now, in the main event of Bellator 272 on Friday night, Pettis will take the title against a former champion who has never lost a title against Kyoji Horiguchi.

Horiguchi won the strap at Bellator 222 in June 2019, beating Darrion Caldwell by unanimous decision. In November of that year, Horiguchi was forced to vacate the championship after suffering a knee injury that required surgery. The match against Caldwell was Horiguchi’s first and only fight in the Bellator cage to date and was the result of a relationship between Bellator MMA and Japanese Rizin, where Horiguchi is now a two-time bantamweight champion.

Horiguchi’s status as a top weight class, who has held titles in two different promotions has not been lost to Pettis. Pettis told CBS Sports that a win over Horiguchi would clearly enhance his status as one of the division’s elite, as well as make a statement about his place at flyweight.

“I think that gets me there in the conversation about being one of the best at flyweight and bantamweight,” says Pettis. “We’re both flyweights. Winning against Horiguchi will help me and my career as well as me personally. I’m here to be one of the best fighters I’ve come across. could become. Fighting another great boxer like Horiguchi and winning against him would mean a lot to me.”

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Since leaving the UFC with a win over Tyson Nam, and with a 9-5 record in the Octagon, Pettis has performed flawlessly in the Bellator cage, picking up three straight wins including a championship win over Archuleta.

A win over Horiguchi would be huge for Pettis, but there could be another big fight on the horizon, with some speculating that former Bellator featherweight and lightweight champion Patricio Pitbull could try. dropped to 135 pounds to claim a title in a third division.

It’s a fight that Pettis says he’ll be applauded for in his pursuit to prove himself the best in the world.

“I think he’s going to cut that down,” Pettis said. “I think he’s about the same height as me. Maybe a little shorter but he definitely has a wide frame and big body. If he can do it, I’m ready to do it. whatever challenge they put in front of me.. I will never say no to a fight.I am always ready to test my skills against some of the best fighters in the world.Pitbull is one one of the best species in the world. That would be great for my career.”

There are also some more recognizable names below the tag. Veteran Emmanuel Sanchez is back in a featherweight slam with Jeremy Kennedy in co-feature position. Sanchez, who challenges the title twice at £145, is looking to end his year on a high note after struggling in his first two appearances in 2021. Meanwhile, Kennedy will make a first appearance. third under the Bellator banner after fighting for both. UFC and PFL from 2016 to 2019. He suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Adam Borics in April.

“Jeremy [Kennedy] is great at everything. He’s a tough Canuck, man. He delivers on it and that’s what makes this an interesting fight. It’s not like he’s looking to just grapple and control on the ground, or just attack, stand and slam,” said Sanchez. It’s a little bit of everything. So that makes for an interesting fight, and we’ll take it down.

“Jeremy brings a lot to the table. He’s in the top 10 for a reason. I see a lot of holes that I can take advantage of. I know how and why I’ll raise my hand tonight. Friday . “

Here is the battle card for Bellator 272 with the latest odds from Caesars Sportsbook.

Bellator card 272, odds

Bellator 272 view information

Day: December 3 | Start time: 10 p.m. ET
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, Connecticut
TV Channels: Show time | Current: Showtime.com and the Showtime app

Guess

Sergio Pettis vs Kyoji Horiguchi: Horiguchi is an undeniably talented martial artist. However, he is also a boxer who has suffered several knee injuries and has only fought for the second time since the last one. Horiguchi returned to action in December 2020 to defeat Kai Asakura and avenge his knock-out loss to Rizin after winning the Bellator title. That war happened almost a year ago. Pettis has fought four times in the same span of time that Horiguchi has had only once from injury to a lone match in December 2020. It doesn’t make sense that Pettis is the weaker team in the game. and this seems to be a good opportunity for Pettis to get a big victory in his first title defense. Pick: Sergio Pettis via UD