Bellator 104 Date: October 18, 2013 Arena: U.S. Cellular Center City: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Lightweight bout: Paul Sass (-1100) vs Rod Montoya (+700) Fight Breakdown: The Bellator 104 preliminary card features a lightweight contest between UFC veteran Paul Sass and journeyman Rod Montoya. Sass is the heavy favorite in this match-up at -1100 ($1,100 to win $100), with Montoya being a very big underdog at +700 ($100 to win $700) at Several Bookmakerss. PAUL SASS (13-2 MMA, 0-0 Bellator) is making his Bellator debut, coming off back-to-back losses in the UFC, which ended his undefeated streak and ultimately earned him a pink slip from the promotion. This will be his first bout since being released, and he will be looking to make a statement. It will likely be one that everybody expects. Sass is a submission wizard who will be looking to finish the fight by tapout from the very moment the first round begins. As soon as the fight hits the mat, he should be able to secure something and get the win, that is how good his jiu-jitsu is. On the feet, he isn’t very good, but does improve fight to fight. Going into this bout, he will be looking to take the fight to the mat, where it will be his world and he will have a clear advantage. ROD MONTOYA (15-15 MMA, 0-1 Bellator) will be making his second appearance inside the Bellator cage, coming off a first round rear naked choke submission loss over one year ago. The loss put him on a two fight skid and he will look to get back in the winning column, after dropping from welterweight to the lightweight division, where he figures to have a size advantage over opponents. His weight cut, however, will not help him in this match-up, as Sass is the toughest opponent he has yet to face in his 30-fight professional career. Montoya is skilled in nearly every aspect of mixed martial arts and is capable of keeping his own, regardless of where the fight goes, but he is not necessarily great at anything. He has a good submission game, but his submission defense is atrocious. He is a tough fighter who always looks for the finish and will be looking for one against the Octagon veteran. Fight Prediction: I think the fight hits the mat and Sass earns a tapout victory before the two minute mark. Gabe’s Pick: Paul Sass by Submission (triangle choke, 0:40, round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Under 1.5 rounds -350 for a big play.
