Bellator remains in Honolulu for Bellator 279, which features featherweight champion Cris Cyborg defending against Arlene Blencowe in a rematch.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
The baddest woman in Bellator is all set for her rematch with @ArleneAngerfist! 👀@CrisCyborg is looking for a 4th successful defense of her Featherweight title. Can “Angerfist” be the one to end her reign? #Bellator279 | 📺 @SHOSports | ⏰ Saturday, 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT. pic.twitter.com/2fCddXA2Lc
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) April 22, 2022
MAIN CARD (10:30PM ET/7:30PM PT)
ILIMA-LEI MACFARLANE (11-1-0) VS. JUSTIN KISH (7-5-0)
Andrews: The former champion returns since losing the title in December 2020 to fight in her home state against a fighter who has lost five of her last six fights. Can you say tune up fight?
Andrews Prediction: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane via UD
PATCHY MIX (15-1-0) VS. KYOJI HORIGUCHI (29-4-0)
Andrews: Have to go with Patchy to use his size and get Horiguchi to the ground.
Andrews Prediction: Patchy Mix via submission
#1 JUAN ARCHULETA (25-3-0) VS. #3 RAUFEON STOTS (17-1-0)
Andrews: Intense weigh-in picture. Going with Stots to ground out another one with his grappling.
Andrews Prediction: Raufeon Stots via UD
MAIN EVENT
CRIS CYBORG (25-2-0, 1NC) VS. #1 ARLENE BLENCOWE (15-8-0)
Andrews: This fight will depend on how Cyborg approaches. She is more careful nowadays and will likely not blitz Blencowe for the quick win unless the opportunity is there. So I expect a decision or a TKO.
Andrews Prediction: Cris Cyborg via UD
Enjoy the fights.
