Bellator 265 Odds, Picks & Betting Preview – Kongo vs Kharitonov

• Bellator returns to South Dakota on Friday, August 20th, 2021 for Bellator 265
• Serghei Kharitonov returns to the promotion to battle Cheick Kongo in the main event
• The number one contender bout at featherweight serves as the co-main event

Bellator returns to Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Friday, August 20th, 2021, as a heavyweight bout headlines the card. In the main event, Cheick Kongo takes on Sergei Kharitonov as a +105 underdog in the Bellator 265 odds.

The co-main event sees Adam Borics battle Jay Jay Wilson in the number one contender bout to determine the next title contender.

Bellator 265 airs live on Showtime and on YouTube for Canadians on August 20, 2021, at 9 PM EST. The table below shows odds for the main card followed by best bets. Make sure to check out the latest online sportsbook promos before locking in your bets for Bellator 265.

Bellator 265 Odds

All odds as of August 18

Will Kongo Return to the Win Column?

Cheick Kongo suffered a close split decision to Tim Johnson in a number one contender bout at heavyweight, and prior to that, he had a No Contest against Ryan Bader for the belt. Sergei Kharitonov, meanwhile, is returning to Bellator after having two MMA fights in Russia and two boxing bouts during the pandemic.

Kongo & Kharitonov Recent Fights

This is an intriguing matchup as both Kongo and Kharitonov are getting up there in age, but both have legit knockout power and still are two of the best heavyweights in Bellator.

Kongo has been hit-and-miss as of late and he does look like he is slowing down, so I do have concerns about his cardio to go five rounds. Kharitonov, meanwhile, does get hit a lot and his chin is a worry as Kongo could take him down and have success using ground and pound.

Kongo vs Kharitonov Stats

This will be an intriguing matchup as I do think the first round will be a slow-paced five minutes as the two try and feel each other out. Kongo could also try and shoot early as he will have the advantage on the ground, and Kharitonov has been spending the past year boxing, so how his takedown defense will be is a big question.

Ultimately, I expect both men to have moments in the fight landing big shots, but Kongo is a good counter striker who will be able to catch the Russian. Once he starts to find the timing of Kharitonov, he will counter him and drop him. I think he lands a second or third round TKO, so at +105 in the Bellator 265 odds, Kongo has great value.

Pick: Cheick Kongo (+105)

Who Becomes the No. 1 Contender at Featherweight?

Adam Borics vs. Jay Jay Wilson is a phenomenal fight, and Bellator has said the winner will get the next title shot at featherweight whenever that might be. They are also both still young in their careers, and two of the better prospects in Bellator as Borics is 17-1 and just 28, while Wilson is 8-0 and 24.

Borics & Wilson Recent Fights

Jay Jay Wilson looks to be the real deal but this will be the toughest fight of his career as Borics is very dynamic on the feet as he will throw flying knees and has KO power. However, his takedown defense and ground game leaves a lot to be desired as Aaron Pico got him down several times, and Caldwell quickly submitted him.

Ultimately, I expect Wilson to use his wrestling and get Borics down and be able to control him. On the feet, he should be able to use his footwork and avoid flying knees. He will get hit by Borics, but Wilson has a fast jab that he can also counter. It will be a close fight, but the wrestling and ground game of Wilson will be the difference as he gets the decision win.

Pick: Jay Jay Wilson (+105)

Other Bellator 265 Picks:

1. Logan Storley (-3500): This is a total mismatch to get the hometown fighter a win and he should get the TKO so look for that prop.
2. Marcelo Golm (N/A): Swanson just took this fight on fight week, and Golm should be the favorite and get the KO win.
3. Jornel Lugo (-190): Lugo looks like the real deal and will be able to out volume Lee on the feet to win a decision.