Bellator 215: Mitrione vs Kharitonov Odds and Predictions

• Can Matt Mitrione bounce back and beat Sergei Kharitonov at Bellator 215?
• Will Kharitonov be in the title picture with a win?
• Which fighter will start 2019 off with a win?

Bellator is set for a huge weekend of fights in Connecticut. First, Bellator 215 goes down live on Friday on Paramount Network at 9:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Bellator 216 goes down on Saturday, live at 10:00 p.m. on DAZN. Both fights are taking place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

First up is Bellator 215, where Matt Mitrione is taking on Sergei Kharitonov in the main event.

Bellator 215: Matt Mitrione vs Sergei Kharitonov Odds

Fight Record and Recent History

Mitrione (13-6) is coming off of a dominating loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 207 that knocked him out of the Heavyweight Grand Prix. Prior to that, Mitrione was on a roll where he was riding a four-fight winning streak. He beat Carl Seumanutafa in his Bellator debut by knockout, then defeated Oli Thompson by TKO in his second fight under the Bellator banner.

Mitrione finally got a step up in competition where he knocked out Fedor Emelianenko, and then beat Roy Nelson by decision in the opening round of the Grand Prix.

Mitrione is coming off of a dominating loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 207 that knocked him out of the Heavyweight Grand Prix.

As for Kharitonov (28-6 and one no-contest), he returned to the Bellator banner in October. After losing to Javy Ayala in his Bellator debut back in 2016, he fought again in 2017 before leaving for two Russian promotions. However, when he returned to Bellator at Bellator 207, he returned in a big way. The 38-year-old knocked out veteran Roy Nelson in the very first round.

Mitrione vs Kharitonov Tale of the Tape

After Bellator just completed their Heavyweight Grand Prix, the path to the title shot is much clearer. It is rather certain the winner of Cheick Kongo vs Vitaly Minakov at Bellator 216 gets the next title shot. However, this fight could have title implications as the winner could then be next in line or one fight away from the title shot. Meaning, this fight is important for both fighters.

Ultimately, Mitrione had a hard time getting up when Bader took him down in his last fight. As well, he didn’t look that good in his bout with Nelson, either. However, Mitrione has shown the ability to knock anybody out.

Although Mitrione has knockout power, Kharitonov is simply better and has solid jiu-jitsu which could very well end the fight.

Although Mitrione has knockout power, I just think Kharitonov is simply better and has solid jiu-jitsu which could very well end the fight. If Kharitonov can get Mitrione down, it is bad news for him. In the end, I see Kharitonov winning this fight by stoppage whether that be submission or knockout.

Pick: Sergei Kharitonov

Bellator 215: Logan Storley vs Ion Pacsu Odds

Fight Record and Recent History

Storley (9-0) should have been in the Welterweight Grand Prix, no question about it. Or, at the very least, should have fought in the alternate fight which Pascu fought in. Storley last fought at Bellator 204 in August, and defeated AJ Matthews by TKO. He has four wins in Bellator and is set to have a step up in competition against Pascu.

Pascu (18-9) meanwhile, fought in the alternate fight and lost to Lorenz Larkin by decision. Before that, he defeated Alex Lohore before losing to Ed Ruth. He has spent the past couple of years bouncing back between Bellator and BAMMA, an English-based MMA promotion.

Storley vs Pascu Tale of the Tape

There is no question why Storley is a major favorite in this fight. He is younger and has shown more promise in the Bellator cage. Ultimately, I see this fight ending in the first or second round with Storley getting his hand raised.

Pick: Logan Storley (-750)

The Rest of the Bellator 215 Card

Bellator 215: Eduardo Dantas vs Toby Misech Odds

Bellator 215: Mike Kimbel vs John Douma Odds

Bellator 215: Cody Jones vs Austin Vanderford Odds