Bellator 257 Odds, Picks & Betting Preview – Nemkov vs Davis 2

• The light heavyweight grand prix continues with two matchups on Friday
• The champ Vadim Nemkov rematches Phil Davis in the main event of Bellator 257
• See the odds, picks, and betting preview for the full Bellator 257 main card, below

Bellator is back in their bubble at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut on Friday, April 16th, for Bellator 257. In the main event, light heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov looks to defend his belt for the first time when he rematches Phil Davis.  The co-main event sees Corey Anderson take on Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov in a light heavyweight grand prix matchup.

Bellator 257 airs live on Showtime and on YouTube for Canadians on April 16, 2021, at 9 PM EST.

Bellator 257 Odds

Odds as of April 13

Does Nemkov Defend His Belt at Bellator 257?

Vadim Nemkov and Phil Davis first met back in November of 2018 with Nemkov winning a close split decision win. Since then, the Russian went on to earn his way into a title fight and won the title last August. Davis, meanwhile, has also been undefeated since losing to Nemkov.

Nemkov & Davis Recent Fights

Ever since the fight ended in 2018, Davis had been calling for the rematch with Nemkov and he gets his wish in the opening round of the grand prix. The fight also means more now as well due to the fact it is a title fight and Davis can try and reclaim his Bellator light heavyweight title he lost back in 2017.

In the fight, I do expect the first round or two to be very similar to the first fight where Davis tries to slow down the pace and use his point-fighting style to have success. It should remain standing as, although Davis is a good wrestler, Nemkov has proven to have legit takedown defense and is a problem on the ground if it gets there.

Nemkov vs Davis Stats

This is a very interesting matchup as Davis will try and use his jab and kicks to not let Nemkov close the distance. However, in Nemkov’s last fight against Bader, he had a pressure-heavy style and brought the fight to the champ and didn’t let him get going. If he does that to Davis, he could frustrate the 36-year-old.

Once Nemkov starts to pick Davis apart, the American will likely go to his roots and try and wrestle the champ. Unfortunately, I do believe Nemkov will be able to keep it standing and will continue to pick Davis apart. I don’t think Nemkov will be able to get the finish as Davis has never been finished in his career, but the fight is five rounds which gives Nemkov more time to get the finish. If he doesn’t, it should be a clear decision win for the champ.

Pick: Vadim Nemkov (-188)

Will Yagshimuradov Pull Off The Upset?

When this fight was announced, many wondered who Dovletdzhan Yagimuradov was. Corey Anderson is a well-known name and was on the verge of a UFC title shot when he asked the promotion for his release so he could sign with Bellator. Yagimuradov, meanwhile, is the former ACA light heavyweight champion and is on an eight-fight winning streak.

Anderson & Yagshimuradov Recent Fights

Corey Anderson should be able to win this fight if he sticks to his game plan of wrestling and keeps his hands up. Anderson has been rocked several times and has been KO’d in all of his past three losses. However, I do think he will be able to take Yagshimuradov down and either grind out a decision or get a ground and pound TKO win.

Pick: Corey Anderson (-178)

Other Bellator 257 Picks:

1. Sabah Homasi (+140): Homasi should be able to mix in his wrestling and striking to control Daley and win a decision to pick up a big win.
2. Desiree Yanez (-138): Yanez will be able to control Arteaga on the ground and either get a submission or earn a decision.

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