Bellator 237: Fedor vs Rampage Odds, Picks & Betting Preview

• Bellator 237 hails from Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Dec. 28 (10 PM ET)
• Fedor Emelianenko returns to Japan where his career took off, while Michael Chandler is back after losing his lightweight title
• See the odds and betting preview below

Bellator is in Japan for the first time in company history and they are doing so with a main event that features two Pride legends. Both Fedor Emelianenko and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson fought several times in Pride and both have talked about wanting to go back to Japan. On Saturday (Dec. 28) they will get their chance.

The co-main event sees former lightweight champion Michael Chandler battle surging contender and short-notice replacement Sidney Outlaw.  The card also features  Michael Page plus two Bellator vs. RIZIN fights: Goiti Yamauchi vs Daron Cruickshank and Lorenz Larkin vs Keita Nakamura.

The card airs on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 PM ET.

Fedor Emelianenko vs “Rampage” Jackson Odds

*Odds taken Dec. 23.

Can Fedor Get Back Into The Win Column?

Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) is coming off of a 35-second knockout loss to Ryan Bader in the heavyweight grand prix finale. Before that, the Russian legend TKO’d Chael Sonnen and Frank Mir in the opening round of his previous two fights.

Emelianenko is considered one of the greatest fighters of all-time and has an aura around him when it is his fight week. He has notable wins in his career over the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Mark Hunt, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Coleman, Tim Sylvia, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Rampage Jackson (38-13) last fought back in September 2018 when he TKO’d longtime rival Wanderlei Silva in the second round. Before that, he lost a decision to Chael Sonnen in the opening round of the heavyweight grand prix.

Rampage is a former UFC light-heavyweight title challenger against Jon Jones and also the former UFC light-heavyweight champion. In Pride, he was the heavyweight champion and has notable wins over Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Lyoto Machida, and King Mo Lawal.

Tale of the Tape

This is truly a legends fight and, at heavyweight, it is very hard to call.

Both Fedor and Rampage have been rocked several times in their past couple of fights so how much damage their chins will be able to take is a big question. Both still have a ton of power and I expect this scrap to take place on the feet.

I have more confidence in Emelianenko’s striking and chin; he should be able to piece up Jackson and earn a TKO win in the first or second round.

Pick: Fedor Emelianenko (-155)

Michael Chandler vs Sidney Outlaw Odds

Does The Winner Earn A Title Shot?

Michael Chandler (19-5) is coming off a shocking knockout loss in 61 seconds to Patricio Freire to lose his lightweight title. Before that, he beat Brent Primus by decision to reclaim the belt after having to beat Brandon Girtz and Goiti Yamuchi to earn the rematch after losing via leg injury to Primus back at Bellator NYC. The veteran also holds notable wins over Benson Henderson, Patricky Freire, Derek Campos, Eddie Alvarez, and David Rickels.

Sidney Outlaw (14-3) made his Bellator debut back on Nov. 14, picking up a win against Roger Huerta. Now, he is getting a big step up in competition when he takes on the former champ on short notice. The former Contender Series alum has notable wins over Huerta, Krzysztof Kulak, and Michael Cora.

Tale of the Tape

This is a very interesting fight for a couple of reasons. First, if Michael Chandler wins, it proves he is still one of the best at lightweight. If Outlaw wins, he may very well get the next title shot.

The odds are too high in Chandler’s favor, but with Outlaw taking this fight on short notice, it will be hard for the 27-year-old. This fight is destined to go to decision and pretty tight, but I see Chandler using his wrestling to win the rounds and earn a unanimous decision.

Pick: Michael Chandler (-400)

Bellator 237 Main Card Odds

Here are the odds for the remaining fights on the main card.

Lorenz Larkin vs Keita Nakamura Odds

Goiti Yamauchi vs Daron Cruickshank Odds

Michael Page vs Shinsho Anzai Odds