Bellator 219: Awad vs Girtz Odds & Predictions

• Bellator 219 goes down this Friday, March 29th in Temecula, California
• Can Saad Awad defeat Brandon Girtz?
• Will Shane Kruchten or Daniel Straus get back into the win column in the co-main event?

Bellator heads to Temecula, California for Bellator 219. The main event sees a late replacement, as originally Lorenz Larkin was set to take on Andrey Koreshkov but Larkin had to pull out, leaving Saad Awad vs Brandon Girtz as the new main event.

The Bellator 219 main card airs live on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. EST on Friday, March 29th.

Bellator 219: Saad Awad vs Brandon Girtz Odds

All odds taken 03/28/19.

Fight Record and Recent History

Awad (23-10) is coming off of a decision loss to Benson Henderson at Bellator 208 back in October. Before that, however, Awad won four in a row over the likes of, Ryan Quinn, Zach Freeman, J.J Ambrose, and, Ryan Couture. Awad has been a Bellator veteran dating back to Bellator 10 when he made his promotional debut. Throughout that time he has fought against some of the top names in David Rickels, Wil Brooks, and Patricky Freire, among others.

Girtz (15-8), meanwhile, is coming off of a submission loss to Michael Chandler, in Chandler’s first fight after losing the belt. Before that, Girtz beat Luka Jelcic to snap his three-fight losing streak. Throughout his career, he has beat some notable names in the likes of, Derek Campos, Melvin Guillard, and Drew Dober, among others.

Awad vs Girtz Tale of the Tape

It has been almost a year since Girtz last fought, which could have an impact on the fight. There is no question why Awad is favored by a big margin, as he has the better striking than Girtz, and has also shown he has the cardio to push the pace for all three rounds.

Awad has shown he has the cardio to push the pace for all three rounds.

However, if Girtz is going to win the fight he will need to do what Henderson did, which is use his wrestling, as Girtz is a D2 All-American. If he can take this fight to the mat he should have success, and he shouldn’t be too worried of a submission as Awad’s last submission win was back in 2013.

Ultimately,  Awad has proved he is the better fighter, and although I think the line is high, I believe Awad will be able to win a unanimous decision and get back into the win column.

Pick: Saad Awad (-300)

Daniel Straus vs Shane Kruchten Odds

Once again the odds are high, but that is something about the matchmaking that made this card very lopsided on paper.

Fight Record and Recent History

Straus (25-8) is the former Bellator featherweight champion who is currently on a two-fight losing streak. However, his losses come to quality opponents in Patricio Freire, the current champion, and Emmanuel Sanchez, the top contender.

Before that, Straus beat Henry Corrales and Freire to win the title. He also holds notable wins over the likes of Pat Curran, Joe Pearson, and, Alvin Robinson, among others. However, for this fight, Straus is moving up to lightweight to take on Kruchten.

Kruchten (12-4), like Straus, is also moving up to lightweight for this one after losing his last fight to prospect Aaron Pico by first-round body KO just 37 seconds into the fight. Before that, Kruchten beat Jeremy Mahon in World Series of Fighting.

Straus vs Kruchten Tale of the Tape

Straus is returning after a horrific motorcycle accident that left him unconscious and needing physical therapy to walk again. However, Straus is back and ready to fight again and is a huge favorite for a reason against Kruchten. Although Kruchten will have the size advantage, Straus will be able to win the fight and get back into the win column.

Pick: Straus (-530)

Additional Bellator 219 Odds