Bellator 105 Date: October 25, 2013 Arena: Santa Ana Star Center City: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Middleweight bout: Eugene “The Sniper” Fadiora (-245) vs Keith “KO Kid” Berry (+205) Fight Breakdown: The Bellator 105 main card features a scrap between two finishers when Eugene “The Sniper” Fadiora steps inside the cage against Keith “KO Kid” Berry. Fadiora is the favorite in this match-up at -245 ($245 to win $100), while Berry is the underdog at +205 ($100 to win $205) at Several Bookmakerss. EUGENE “THE SNIPER” FADIORA (12-1 MMA, 0-0 Bellator) is making his promotional debut, riding a three-fight win streak, with all wins coming by way of submission in the very first round of action. The lone blemish on his career is a first round submission loss to current undefeated UFC welterweight Gunnar Nelson. While Fadiora is skilled in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Nelson was on a completely different level. Fadiora is a talented striker who is patient on the feet and carefully selects his strikes, landing a high percentage of them. He has good footwork and solid striking defense. He is a strong fighter and it reflects in his grappling, as he’s able to control opponents on the mat and especially against the cage. This 25-year old Brit has a lot of heart and is tough to finish. He has a good chin and is capable of taking punishment without wilting. Having been to the judge’s scorecards only once in his 13-fight professional career, Fadiora’s conditioning will be a question mark heading into this bout. KEITH “KO KID” BERRY (15-11 MMA, 2-1 Bellator) is coming off a second round knockout loss at the hands of Jeremy Kimball at Bellator 97 three months ago, snapping an impressive four fight win streak he had put together which included three first round finishes. He takes this bout on short notice, replacing an injured Andreas Spang, and looks to get back on the win column with hopes of being in the next Bellator middleweight tournament. Berry is taking this fight on short notice and lack of preparation could be a big factor here. The California native is a well-rounded fighter, but he has poor takedown defense and a poor chin. His chin costs him in fights, as he likes to trade and look for the knockout. He is definitely a finisher, as 13 of his 15 professional mixed martial arts career victories have come inside the distance; nine of them being knockouts, and four being submissions. His poor chin has cost him most of his fights, having been knocked out seven times in 11 losses. Fight Prediction: Berry should look for the knockout as soon as the fight starts. He has gone three rounds only three times in his 26-fight career, so he does not have very good conditioning. In fact, he was already tired heading into the second round in his last outing, and considering that he’s cutting weight to a new weight class on short notice, I think he will have cardio issues in this bout. He needs to look for the knockout early, otherwise his chances will become very slim. I won’t be surprised if he gets the knockout, but I think more often than not, Fadiora ends up stopping him. Gabe’s Pick: Eugene Fadiora by TKO (knees, 1:38 round 2) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Under 1.5 Rounds -140 for a moderate play
