Bellator 288 has two of the biggest fights in its promotional history this Friday. Taking place in Chicago, Illinois, Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson run it back in a light heavyweight title bout in the 205lb tournament final.
The other title fight on Friday is a blockbuster between lightweights Patricky Pitbull Freire and Usman Nurmagomedov. Undefeated Nurmagomedov will be looking to get his first taste of gold in the promotion against a Pitbull out for his first title defence.
Vadim Nemkov vs Corey Anderson
After their previous bout was ruled a no-contest in April at Bellator 277, Nemkov and Anderson are running it back once again. The Russian has been perfect during his time at Bellator and sits on a seven-fight win streak. Nemkov took the belt off Ryan Bader in 2020 and has defended it successfully twice since. Now looking to put this light heavyweight tournament finale to rest, Nemkov will face another former UFC title contender, Corey Anderson.
Corey Anderson has also enjoyed his time at Bellator. Three wins in the promotion, including an impressive win over former two-division champion Ryan Bader. After Anderson’s head clashed against Nemkov’s during their first bout, leaving the Russian severely cut, the former UFC fighter will look to pick up where he left off and be crowned light heavyweight champion.
The one-million-dollar prize is still up for grabs for both athletes this Friday night, as if the belt was not enough to make these men fight with everything they have.
Bellator 288 prediction: Corey Anderson def. Vadim Nemkov by unanimous decision
Patricky Pitbull vs Usman Nurmagomedov
After Patricio Pitbull vacated the 155lb belt for his brother, he believed it was Patricky’s time to shine at lightweight. Patricky made his brother proud by earning the belt and knocking out Peter Queally in 2021. The Bellator veteran is not set to face his biggest challenge yet, facing a serious up-and-comer in Usman Nurmagomedov.
A Nurmagomedov being champion at lightweight rings a bell. This time, however, it is the cousin of the great Khabib Nurmagomedov getting his first crack at gold. At a perfect 15-0, Usman Nurmagomedov has looked practically unbeatable so far. After four wins in the promotion, Usman now looks to secure himself as the Bellator lightweight champion. The young Russian is a threat in every aspect of his game and poses a threat to every lightweight Bellator has to offer. A Pitbull against a Nurmagomedov is one for the ages.
Bellator 288 prediction: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Patricky Pitbull by knockout
Featured image credits to Bellator MMA/Getty Images
