Bellator 243 takes place on Friday, August 7 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The offshore sportsbooks recently opened up the betting odds for the main card, and here they are.
Opening Odds For Bellator 243
Michael Chandler -185
Benson Henderson +160
Matt Mitrione -130
Timothy Johnson +110
Myles Jury -175
Georgi Karakhanyan +150
Curtis Millender -160
Sabah Homasi +140
Here are my initial thoughts on the Opening Odds For Bellator 243:
- The main event should be a fantastic fight between two of the best lightweights outside of the UFC in Chandler and Henderson. These two previously met in November 2016 and Chandler was able to edge out a split decision in an incredible five-round title fight. Four years later and they meet again. Since the first fight, Chandler is 4-2 and he is coming off of an impressive KO win over Sidney Outlaw. As for Henderson, he’s 4-1 since then and has won four straight fights. Both guys are really talented, well-rounded fighters, and I fully expect this to be a very competitive fight. The fact it’s only three rounds this time and not five rounds adds another layer of intrigue. Ultimately I lean towards Chandler to win another spirited decision.
- The co-main event sees a pair of hard-hitting heavyweights go at is as Mitrione takes on Johnson. Mitrione is 4-2, 1 NC in Bellator since joining the promotion in 2016, but he’s winless over his last three fights and he is coming off of a devastating TKO loss to Sergei Kharitonov. As for Johnson, he’s 1-2 in Bellator and is coming off of a big KO win over Tyrell Fortune. Johnson certainly has the KO power to hurt Mitrione, but ultimately I favor Mitrione’s athleticism, speed, and power to get the job done. My pick is Mitrione via TKO.
- In welterweight action, Millender looks to add to his victory in Bellator earlier this year when he takes on Homasi in what should be an action-packed fight. Millender is actually in his third stint in Bellator and is 3-2 overall in the promotion. He had a cup of coffee in the UFC and things didn’t go well for him there as he was controversially cut following a 3-2 record in the Octagon. In Bellator, Millender has a golden opportunity to become one of the top welterweights in the promotion. This matchup against Homasi is favorable for Millender, as well. Homasi is actually in his fourth stint in Bellator, having gone 2-2 in his previous four bouts for the promotion. He also had a cup of coffee in the UFC, going 0-3 in the promotion. Homasi is always exciting but with five knockout losses, you can’t trust his chin. Give me Millender to win this fight by TKO.
- In a featherweight bout, Jury takes on Karakhanyan is what should be a really fun fight. Jury is 1-1 overall in Bellator while Karakhanyan has had 15 fights in Bellator, going 7-8 overall over three stints. Jury is the more solid fighter but Karakhanyan is always a wild card. Jury probably wins a decision here but don’t be surprised if Karakhanyan is able to pull of the upset here.
