Joe Riggs has rattled off six straight wins. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
“Fight Master” Welterweight Final
Joe Riggs (39-14, 0-1 Bellator) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (15-5, 0-0 Bellator): The clear favorite heading into Bellator’s reality TV debut, Riggs did not disappoint, as he dispatched Rob Mills, Eric Scanlan, Evan Cutts and Cole Williams to advance to the “Fight Master” final. Bronzoulis was a more overlooked talent, but he nonetheless defeated Gareth Joseph, Jason Norwood, Chris Lozano and Eric Bradley to earn his spot opposite Riggs. “Diesel” wins via decision.Welterweights
Alejandro Garcia (14-5, 0-0 Bellator) vs. Cristiano Souza (6-0, 2-0 Bellator): A last-minute injury to Karo Parisyan means that Garcia, a natural featherweight, will move up a couple of divisions to make his Bellator debut. Meanwhile, Souza is a capoeira stylist who was upset by Evan Cutts during his time on “Fight Master.” Considering that he is fighting on short notice against a larger fighter, the odds are against Garcia. Souza wins by TKO in round one.Lightweights
Michael Guymon (14-6-1, 0-1 Bellator) vs. Aaron Miller (14-8, 2-0 Bellator): Though his nickname is “Blood Spiller,” Miller is not much of a finisher, with 10 of his 14 professional victories coming by way of decision. Nonetheless, takedowns and ground-and-pound have carried him to Bellator victories over Shad Smith and Joe Camacho. Guymon, a King of the Cage and UFC veteran, was knocked out by Savant Young in his initial Bellator appearance. Miller wins by decision.Light Heavyweights
Brandon Halsey (4-0, 2-0 Bellator) vs. Hector Ramirez (10-5-1, 1-1 Bellator): Halsey displayed determined wrestling in his most recent appearance -- a workmanlike decision victory over Joe Yager at Bellator 96. Ramirez will attempt to test his opponent’s limited striking arsenal on the feet, but he also likes to work ground-and-pound from top position. Halsey snatches a decision.Welterweights
Joe Williams (9-1, 2-1 Bellator) vs. Jesse Juarez (20-8, 4-0 Bellator): Another member of the “Fight Master” cast, Williams does a good job advancing position and looking to finish opponents on the mat. Meanwhile, Juarez displayed a willingness to brawl, as well as a crafty submission game in his last Bellator appearance. Juarez walks away with a decision or submission.Lightweights
Josh Smith (8-5, 0-0 Bellator) vs. Darren Smith (4-3, 0-0 Bellator): Two California natives make their promotional debuts here. Josh Smith is bigger, more experienced and has a better track record for finishing fights. He takes it by KO or TKO.Featherweights
Cleber Luciano (8-5, 1-1 Bellator) vs. Joe Camacho (13-18-3, 0-1 Bellator): Camacho enters the bout having lost four of his last five, including a decision defeat to Aaron Miller at Bellator 85. Luciano is coming off a 55-second stoppage loss to Nick Piedmont at Bellator 92. Something has to give, and in early Bellator prelims, it is never a bad idea to expect an early finish. Luciano finds a submission in round one.TRACKING TRISTEN 2013
Overall Record: 208-129Last Event (UFC Fight Night 30): 6-5
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8/UFC Fight Night 28): 5-6