Bellator 109 Date: November 22, 2013 Arena: Sands Bethlehem Event Center City: Bethlehem, P.A. Welterweight tournament finals: Rick Hawn (-475) vs Ron Keslar (+420) Fight Breakdown: Bellator 109 will feature the finals for the Bellator welterweight tournament. Rick Hawn and Ron Keslar will square-off for a shot at the 170 title. Hawn is the big favorite in this contest at -475 ($475 to win $100), while Keslar is the big underdog at +420 ($100 to win $420) at Several Bookmakerss. RICK HAWN (17-2 MMA, 8-2 Bellator) has been on a three fight win streak in the welterweight division, after coming up short against Michael Chandler for the Bellator lightweight title. Two of the three wins were part of the Bellator weleterweight tournament, and he has cemented himself a spot in the finals. After coming short at 155, he is going to try to get the title one weight class above. He got in the tournament on short notice and has made it to the finals. Hawn is a talented judoka who has a good base, and obviously, great takedown defense. He has solid striking skills, as well. It has improved over the years. His boxing is crisp and when he connects, he has the power to put his opponents’ lights out. At 37 years of age, Hawn is in incredible shape. He has great conditioning, especially at 170 pounds, and is capable of going all fifteen minutes without breaking a sweat. Hawn will have the cardio, striking, and dare I say, grappling advantages heading into this bout. RON KESLAR (11-3 MMA, 2-0 Bellator) is riding a six fight win streak, that includes two wins inside the Bellator cage. Both of those wins were in the Bellator welterweight tournament, and he has moved on to the finals. In his last outing, Keslar scored an impressive first round rear naked choke submission victory over War Machine. He is a talented grappler and will have the size advantage over Hawn, as he heads into this match-up. He may try to strike with Hawn to prove that he can stand with him, but I think he will eventually go for a takedown, as outgrappling Hawn seems to be his best route to victory; though, still an unlikely one. Keslar does work decent takedowns, and once on top, he has some vicious ground and pound. He is dangerous when he gets in top position; he does serious damage with his fists and elbows, while also looking for possible openings for submissions. Fight Prediction: I think this fight will take place on the feet; a lot of it likely against the cage, where Hawn will get the better of Keslar in all exchanges. It may all go his way for the entirety of the fight, but there is a chance that Keslar can hurt Hawn here and there, and ultimately, make it a close fight. Gabe’s Pick: Rick Hawn by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Over 2.5 rounds (-155) Risk 6.2u to win 4u
