Bellator 251 Odds, Picks, & Betting Preview – Anderson vs Manhoef
- Corey Anderson makes his Bellator debut in the main event
- Will Anderson earn a title shot with a win?
- See the odds, picks, and betting preview for Bellator 251, below
Bellator MMA remains at the ‘FightSphere’ in Uncasville, Connecticut this Thursday, November 5th, 2020 for Bellator 251.
In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson makes his Bellator debut against knockout artist Melvin Manhoef. The card also sees Derek Anderson battle rising contender Killys Mota.
Bellator 251 main card airs live on CBS Sports Network and on DAZN in Canada at 7 PM EST. The table below shows odds for the two fights with odds followed by best bets for the event.
Bellator 251 Main Card Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Corey Anderson | -450 |
| Melvin Manhoef | +350 |
| Fighter | Odds |
| Derek Anderson | -280 |
| Killys Mota | +220 |
Odds taken Nov. 3
Will Manhoef Spoil Anderson’s Bellator Debut?
Corey Anderson was one win away from getting a title shot in the UFC but was knocked out by Jan Blachowicz. He then asked for his release and quickly signed with Bellator. Now, he is back in the same spot where he is likely one win away from getting a title shot, but this time in Bellator.
Anderson & Manhoef Recent Fights
| Jan Blachowicz, loss by KO | Fight 1 | Yannick Bahati, win by TKO |
| Johnny Walker, win by TKO | Fight 2 | Kent Kauppinen, win by decision |
| Ilir Latifi, win by decision | Fight 3 | Rafael Carvalho, loss by TKO (title fight) |
| Glover Teixeira, win by decision | Fight 4 | Rafael Carvalho, loss by split decision (title fight) |
Corey Anderson is getting a very favorable matchup for his Bellator debut on Thursday night. Anderson has proven he is one of the best light heavyweights in the world as he went 10-5 in the UFC and even beat the current champion in the promotion in Blachowicz. Manhoef, meanwhile, is a natural middleweight that no longer wants to cut weight, and at 44-years-old is past his prime.
Anderson will have a massive advantage in the wrestling department and on the feet, is the more active striker. However, Manhoef has insane power, and all it takes is for him to land one punch to end the fight.
Anderson vs Manhoef Stats
| 31 | Age | 44 |
| 6’3″ | Height | 5’8″ |
| 79″ | Reach | 71″ |
| 0 | Bellator finishes | 3 |
Ultimately, expect Corey Anderson to use his eight-inch reach advantage to use his jab to piece up Manhoef. Once he starts to find the range and uses the volume to touch up the veteran, he will shoot for a takedown and ride out top control to coast to a decision.
This will be very similar to the Anderson-Latifi fight that happened in 2018 as Latifi is built the same as Manhoef and is also known for his KO power.
Pick: Corey Anderson (-450)
Will Mota Pick Up The Biggest Win Of His Career?
Derek Anderson vs Killys Mota should be a phenomenal matchup. This battle will really show which fighter deserves a push towards the top of the welterweight division more.
Anderson & Mota Recent Fights
| Guilherme Bomba, win by decision | Fight 1 | Mandel Nallo, win by TKO |
| Zak Bucia, win by decision | Fight 2 | Austin Hubbard, loss by TKO (LFA title fight) |
| Derek Campos, loss by decision | Fight 3 | Bobby Lee, win by submission |
| Saad Awad, win by decision | Fight 4 | Allan Moziel, win by decision |
Both Anderson and Mota are former lightweights that have moved up to welterweight. In this fight, I actually like the underdog in Mota to get his hand raised. Mota is much better on the ground, and his striking has improved over the last couple of fights. The Brazilian’s cardio is also an advantage for him.
Expect Mota to put a pace on Anderson in the first round and in the second, shoot for a takedown and eventually work to getting Anderson’s back and submitting him.
Pick: Killys Mota (+220)
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
