Bellator 258 Odds, Picks & Betting Preview – Archuleta vs Pettis

• Juan Archuleta looks to defend his bantamweight title for the first time in the main event
• Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson makes his Bellator debut
• See the odds, picks, and betting preview for the full Bellator 258 main card, below

Bellator is back in their bubble at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut on Friday, May 7th, for Bellator 258. In the main event, Bellator bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta looks to defend his title as the favorite in the odds when he faces UFC veteran Sergio Pettis. The co-main event sees Anthony Johnson battle short-notice replacement, Jose Augusto Azevedo, in a quarterfinal matchup for the light heavyweight grand prix after Yoel Romero was forced out of the fight.

Bellator 258 airs live on Showtime and on YouTube for Canadians on May 7, 2021, at 9 PM EST.

Bellator 258 Odds

All odds as of May 4

Does Pettis Finally Become Champ?

Juan Archuleta came up short in his bid to become featherweight champ and dropped back down to bantamweight and won the vacant bantamweight last time out. Sergio Pettis, meanwhile, is 2-0 in Bellator since signing with the promotion after leaving the UFC.

Archuleta & Pettis Recent Fights

This was the fight to make after Archuleta beat Mix as Pettis has looked really good since moving over to Bellator.

Pettis is a former flyweight who had a ton of success in the UFC as he beat the likes of Joseph Benavidez, Brandon Moreno, and John Moraga, but when he moved up to bantamweight in the UFC, he was too small. Now, however, he has been adding size to his frame, which will be needed against Archuleta who has been competing at featherweight and lightweight in his career as well as bantamweight.

Archuleta vs Pettis Stats

This fight seems destined to go the distance as Archuleta likes bringing people into the later rounds, where he can start taking over as he is known for his cardio. However, Pettis is also known for his pace and pressure, which makes this fight so interesting.

The fight should remain standing for the most part as both Archuleta and Pettis are known as strikers, but Archuleta will likely have a size advantage and could very well use his wrestling to tire out Pettis. Ultimately, I expect Archuleta to use his jab and wrestling to be able to control the fight and win a decision in what should be a very competitive scrap.

Pick: Juan Archuleta (-159)

How Will Johnson Look In His Debut?

Anthony Johnson is ending his retirement and is set for his Bellator debut on Friday night in the quarterfinals of the light heavyweight grand prix. Unfortunately, he is not facing Yoel Romero, which is the fight many fans wanted to see.

Johnson & Azevedo Recent Fights

Rumble Johnson has not fought since April 2017 so it will be interesting to see how he looks after, so long-off. In his career, his problem has been him being taken down and getting submitted, as well as him gassing out. If the Brazilian can take him down early and bring the fight into the third and fourth round he will have a ton of success.

Yet, I think Johnson’s power and striking will be too good, and he will eventually land something big.

Pick: Anthony Johnson (-450)

Other Bellator 258 Picks:

1. Patricky Pitbull (-305): Pitbull and Queally don’t like one another and this should be a phenomenal fight, but Pitbull is the better striker and should be able to get the TKO win.
2. Michael Page (-305): I don’t get the point of this fight as Michael Page should be fighting the top of the welterweight division. Another highlight-reel KO for Page.

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