This two title fight main card is the biggest Bellator has produced in 2022.
Scroll for coverage of all fourteen fights with odds and stats, and place your bets by 7:00 PM ET April 15th, 2022 to get in on the action.
Bellator 277 Betting Picks
If you’re new to MMA betting, we suggest reading the descriptions of each fight, so you can see our varying levels of confidence and suggestions on which fights to avoid in parlay.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for McKee Jr. vs Pitbull FC
In their first match up in July 2021, odds were even at -105 a peice. Pitbull has been the favorite since his win over Michael Chandler in 2019, upsetting the champ at +175. Pitbull’s last loss was to Benson Henderson at +325, and has since ranged from +160 to -500 in a string of wins, upsetting only two fighters along the way.
McKee has been a favorite his entire career, never taking the underdog position. He’s ranged from -265 against Darrion Caldwell to -1500 against Daniel Crawford. He has a 72% finishing ratio in his career, giving the under a significant advantage. Critics think Pitbull’s one chance at victory will be a flash knockout, and I have to agree.
| Fighter | Aj McKee Jr ‘Mercenary’ | Patricio Freire Pitbull |
| Money Line | -325 | +240 |
| Over/Under 2 ½ Rounds | Over +120 | Under -160 |
| Age | 27 | 34 |
| Height | 5’10’’ | 5’6’’ |
| Reach | 73’’ | 65’’ |
| Record | 18 | 32-5 |
| Submissions/TKO | 6/7 | 8/5 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Team BodyShop | Pitbull Brothers |
McKee won the first match up, taking Pitbull’s 145 pound title and ending a seven fight winning streak that included some of Bellator’s greats like now UFC contender Michael Chandler. Pitbull is known for blistering right hands and solid submission work.
Considering that Pitbull’s last loss prior to McKee was Henderson, a 5’9’, 70” inch featherweight, I think Patricio simply has a problem with range. Other losses include Pat Curran and Daniel Straus, both fighters that have a height and reach advantage over the stocky Pitbull.
McKee vs Pitbull Over/Under
McKee has finished four of his last five fights, and seven of his last ten, holding true to McKee’s 70% average finishing ratio. Pitbull has only ever been finished by McKee, but was forced to retire against Henderson.
The under is the better bet, but I could see McKee playing the outside and working toward a decision victory. For that reason, the Under isn’t our top pick, but it is a way to get a higher payout than the McKee money line.
Bellator 277 Main Event Prediction
In their first fight McKee decimated Pitbull in both striking and grappling.
It wasn’t competitive, and he’s clearly the better fighter. Bellator is booking McKee as their star, and Pitbull knows it, which can mess with a fighter. McKee has holes in his game, but he’s undefeated for a reason.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Nemkov vs Anderson LHC
Anderson is a former UFC fighter that moved to Bellator three fights ago. He’s been a -610 to -175 favorite since joining the promotion, defeating former champion Bader at -175 last October in the very first round. In the UFC, he had mixed results. Corey Anderson’s UFC record (after three wins at TUF) was 10-5, including wins over champions Jan Blachowicz and Glover Texeira.
Nemkov is the current champion, and has been the favorite in all bouts for Bellator other than wins over Phil Davis and Bader at +125 and +165. Even his career losses for Rizin were as the favorite. His odds usually range from -170 to -600. Nemkov has the momentum, winning his last nine fights. Anderson lost a fight to Blachowicz just three fights ago in early 2020.
| Fighter | Vadim Nemkov | Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson |
| Money Line | -185 | +144 |
| Over/Under 4 ½ Rounds | Over +125 | Under -165 |
| Age | 29 | 32 |
| Height | 6’0’’ | 6’3’’ |
| Reach | 76’’ | 79’’ |
| Record | 15-2 | 16-5 |
| Submissions/TKO | 3/10 | 0/8 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Stary Oskol | Kennel Fight Club |
Nemkov has more submission skill than Anderson and he’s likely to win the takedown. His strong views on weight cutting have kept him the smaller man for the majority of his career, especially in his losses for Rizin.
Anderson has a striking advantage and you could argue that Nemkov had a tougher time with Ryan Bader. However, they fought Bader some fifteen months apart, and the 38 year old champion is fading quickly.
Nemkov vs Anderson Prop Bet Predictions
With Nemkov finishing three of his last five fights, the under 4 ½ Rounds may look like the easy bet, Anderson has finished all three of his Bellator performances, and lost only one decision in his career.
Corey has plenty of decision fights with grapplers, such as Glover Teixeira and Mauricio Rua. I’d bet the Over 4 ½ if I had to, but there are better bets to be made in this fight.
7️⃣ fights unbeaten inside the Bellator cage!
The Light-Heavyweight World Champion looks to prove he's the best 205lber around against @CoreyA_MMA this Friday live on @SHOSports in the #BellatorLHWGP Final.#Bellator277 pic.twitter.com/S2SroRs7fU
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) April 12, 2022
Nemkov has been dominant in Bellator, and his performances here overshadow his Rizen losses.
Nemkov vs Anderson Prediction
Nemkov is the better grappler, and in recent fights Anderson needed to win the takedown to do real damage. His win over Bader could have gone either way, but I think Bader’s chin is fading, and Nemkov is a massive jump in talent from his last three fights. Anderson’s performances imply he’ll be looking to grapple, but the Stary Oskol team is one of the best for grappling in MMA.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Pico vs Edwards
Pico is a heavy favorite in the Bellator 277 odds, and has been the favorite over his entire career, win or lose. He was upset by Corrales at -500 and Borics at -280. These are the highest his betting odds have ever been.
He was scheduled to be in the DWCS but pulled out at the last minute. Edwards fought just two weeks before fight night, scoring a first round submission. He’s filling in for Jeremy Kennedy, who was a +500 underdog to Pico.
| Fighter | Aaron Pico | Adli Edwards |
| Money Line | -1100 | +600 |
| Over/Under 1 ½ Rounds | Over +135 | Under -175 |
| Age | 25 | 32 |
| Height | 5’8’’ | 5’11’’ |
| Reach | 70’’ | NA |
| Record | 9-3 | 9-1 |
| Submissions/TKO | 2/6 | 2/3 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Jackson Wink MMA | Elevate MMA, Various |
Pico is the younger fighter, but does give up some size to the lanky featherweight Edwards. Edwards has finished no high level fighters, but has given some undefeated fighters their first loss, such as Bredon Marotte in 2019 (now 6-1.) Edwards is primarily a grappler, and Pico’s extensive grappling career shows him to be difficult to take down and control. His first fight loss by guillotine was before he’d developed any real striking and far before he joined Jackson-Wink academy- it shouldn’t affect your Bellator 277 betting pick.
Pico vs Edwards Over Under Prediction
All of Pico’s fights except his last were finished. He recently won his only decision over 12-0 Justin Gonzales. Aaron has struggled with high intensity strikers, but that doesn’t appear to be Edwards bread and butter.
Edwards has won three of his last five via decision, stopping the other two inside the first round. Fight tape of Edwards shows a slow start while striking, staying outside of range looking for a takedown. Adli was a D-2 All American wrestler, and I doubt either fighter will stay on the ground for long.
Pico’s money line is too high for my liking. He’s not invincible, but he is a fan favorite. I see this fight ending early for one fighter or the other, and I could even see Adli landing a head kick on Pico if he lets his guard down against a late replacement.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Johnson vs Vassell
Vassell is on a three fight winning streak after an upset win over undefeated Tyrell Fortune at +210. This is after a three fight losing streak ranging +125 to +600 to Davis, Bader and Moldavsky. He faces knockout machine Tim Johsnon, who is on a two fight skid against Fedor and Moldavsky at -165 and +230 respectively. Tim defeatedTyrell Fortune in 2020 as a +600 underdog.
| Fighter | Timothy Johnson | Linton Vassell |
| Money Line | +110 | -145 |
| Over 2 ½ Rounds | Over +120 | Under -160 |
| Age | 37 | 38 |
| Height | 6’3’’ | 6’4’’ |
| Reach | 78’’ | 82’’ |
| Record | 15-8 | 22-8-0, NC 1 |
| Submissions/TKO | 2/7 | 5/4 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Academy of Combat Arts | Hard Knocks 365 |
| Last Weigh In | 264 | 239 |
Vassell is the larger of the two fighters, and he’s more committed to a fighting style that seems effective for older MMA competitors, submission work and ground strikes. He’s finished three of his last two fights after second round takedowns. Johnson is always looking for the knockout and it nearly cost him against Cheick Kongo in their 2020 split decision. Kongo won takedown exchanges, but wasn’t able to capitalize, but he was 44 at the time and his age is clearly affecting his ability to turn up the heat.
Johsnon vs Vassell Prop Betting
Johnson has been knocked out in his last two fights, and has only had one decision in his last seven fights. Vassell has had two decisions in his last seven fights, but I don’t think he’ll be dictating the pace as the lighter man. Vassell tends to finish outside of the first round, which is why the Over is set to 2 ½ Rounds. I’m steering clear of the prop bets.
There are just 3️⃣ days to go until Linton Vassell takes to the stage.
He faces Tim Johnson in an all-star Heavyweight clash at #Bellator277.
LIVE on @BBCiPlayer and @VMSportIE this Friday ? pic.twitter.com/R7gLTgcaNf
— Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) April 12, 2022
Many think of Vassell as a slow starter, but he’s not a boring fighter. Tim will struggle with his feeling out period and methodical pace first round.
Bellator 277 Betting Pick for Johnson vs Vassell
Throughout his 31 fight career, Vassell has only been knocked out twice, both times by the best in the game. He has the momentum coming into this fight, and his chin and methodical takedown style are the tools needed to best Johsnon.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Fortune vs Cleveland
Cleveland has been the underdog for his last nine major fights ranging +145 to +575. He went on a three fight winning streak in Iowa with no betting odds, and upset Yusupov in PFL at +500 and defeated former UFC fighter Houson Alexander in 2017.
Fortune lost his last fight to Vassell at -188, his only other loss being to Tim Johnson at -714. He’s been the favorite in every bout, ranging from -188 to -714. This is his fifth time above -500, in his career.
| Fighter | Tyrell Fortune | Rakim ‘The Boogeyman’ Cleveland |
| Money Line | -900 | +500 |
| Over/Under 1 ½ Rounds | Over +175 | Under -260 |
| Age | 31 | 32 |
| Height | 6’2’’ | 6’3’’ |
| Reach | 77’’ | 77’’ |
| Record | 11-2, 1 NC | 22-14-1, 1 NC |
| Submissions/TKO | 1/7 | 5/12 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Arizona Combat Sports | War training Center |
On paper, this should be a shutout. Rakim loses to the best grapplers in the game every time, including Nemkov, Magalhães, and Mowry. This fight reminds me of the Tim Johsnon bout. Rakim has 17 finishes, more finishes than any other fighter Fortune has faced in his career.
Our pick is Rakim Cleveland at +500, a five times your money return. These Bellator 277 odds are tempting to parlay, but keep this fight off your parlay picks.
PLACE YOUR BETS NOW!
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Yagshimuradov vs Johnson
Johnson is a last minute replacement and lost his last fight as a +530 underdog. He was on a five fight winning streak from 2013 to 2019, with his biggest win over Alton Cunningham at +450. Yagshimuradov lost to favorite Albrektsson at +180 and Corey Anderson at +205.
| Fighter | Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov | Tony Johnson |
| Money Line | -300 | +215 |
| Age | 32 | 38 |
| Height | 5’11’’ | 6’2’’ |
| Reach | 72’’ | 77’’ |
| Record | 18-7-1 | 9-3 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Branibor Team | American Kickboxing Academy |
No prop bets have been offered on the fight since it’s being built in such short notice. Here is what we know. Yagshimuradov took two years off during the pandemic, and came back to lose twice in Bellator. He was an ACA champion who finished the majority of his opponents, but clearly struggles with strong wrestlers. Johnson is primarily a kickboxer, and his kickboxing centered style plays right into the hands of Yagshimuradov.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Bonanos vs Carey
All other odds are available at Bovada, but this fight can only be found at Betonline.ag.
| Fighter | Gaston Bolanos ‘The Dreamkiller’ | Daniel ‘Scarey’ Carey |
| Money Line | -300 | +240 |
| Age | 29 | 32 |
| Height | 5’7’’ | 5’7’’ |
| Reach | 70’’ | 67’’ |
| Record | 5-3 | 7-5 |
| Submissions/TKO | 0/5 | 3/2 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Combat Sports Academy | NA |
Both fighters have engaged in professional boxing and Muay Thai, but only Bolanos has extensive pro kickboxing experience. Carey has power and plenty of it, but Bolanos has a granite chin to back it up.
Consider that Bolanos has only lost via decision and submission, and has never been knocked out even in his Muay Thai career. Carey has been knocked out three times since 2018. Getting knocked out annually isn’t a great kicking off point for a fight career.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Crutchmer vs Lombardo
| Fighter | Kyle Crutchmer | Michael ‘The Don’ Lombardo |
| Money Line | -260 | +190 |
| Over/Under 2 ½ Rounds | Over -250 | Under +170 |
| Age | 28 | 32 |
| Height | 5’9’’ | 6’0’’ |
| Reach | 68’’ | 72’’ |
| Record | 8-1 | 12-2-0, 1 NC |
| Submissions/TKO | 3/1 | 2/5 |
| Fighter Training Camp | American Kickboxing Academy | American Top Team |
Crutchmer is an NCAA wrestler and has only lost to Lachinov, a Bellator fighter with notable power and submission skill who lost in the first round of The Ultimate Fighter 29. Lombardo is a big welterweight, who’s last loss was at DWCS to undefeated Kyle Daukaus.
I believe Lombardo is the more dangerous striker overall, and his submission skill will be a threat to Crutchmer’s wrestling centered style. Expect Lombardo to fight from range and outpoint Kyle all night.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Seronio III vs Ramirez
| Fighter | Bobby Seronio III | Calob ‘The Thunder One’ Ramirez |
| Money Line | -650 | +420 |
| Age | 23 | 33 |
| Height | 5’7’’ | 5’7’’ |
| Record | 1-0 | 1-1 |
| Submissions/TKO | 0/0 | 0/0 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Seronio MA | Carnage Fight Team |
Ramirez struggled in his amatuer career, losing his last three fights and losing three fights via finish since 2015. Seronio was an undefeated amatuer, winning mostly by decision with one knockout win.
Still, his fighting style does not look like it matches well with Seronio’s patient traditional martial arts focus, with plenty of range finding and a defensive nature.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Miller vs Gracie
| Fighter | Tyson ‘The Killer’ Miller | Rhalan Gracie |
| Money Line | -490 | +335 |
| Over/Under 1 ½ Rounds | Over -170 | Under +130 |
| Age | NA | 34 |
| Height | 5’10’’ | 6’2’’ |
| Reach | 71’’ | 76’’ |
| Record | 2-0 | 0-3 |
| Submissions/TKO | 0/1 | 0/0 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Institute of Combat | Ralph Gracie San Francisco |
Gracie is a BJJ style competitor that started doing MMA in 2006, taking his first bout against the UFC’s Dustin Hazelett. Miller has one loss on record via decision, but has mostly faced low level fighters with little to bring to the ring.
He’s fought tough competitors, he’s been training for 20 years or more, and clearly has intentions to come in and win. He’s been a black belt for a decade, and I think he’s still developing a striking style that works for him. This is the easiest opponent he has faced, and should be an upset.
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Santos vs Mendez
| Fighter | Edwin De Los Santos | Alberto Mendez |
| Money Line | -350 | +250 |
| Age | 28 | NA |
| Height | 5’5’’ | 5’4’’ |
| Reach | 65’’ | NA |
| Record | 1-0 | Debut, 3-0 Amatuer |
| Submissions/TKO | 0/1 | (0-3 Amatuer) |
| Fighter Training Camp | Smash Fighter Team | NA |
Both fighters are high level strikers and there is no immediate video for Mendez. We’re forced to align with the favorite Santos, who does appear to be a high level striker. However, Mendez is a wildcard with three finishes as an amateur, so place your bet tentatively on Santos.
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Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Hernandez vs Luna
| Fighter | Socrates Hernandez | Rogelio Luna |
| Money Line | +168 | -220 |
| Record | 0-1 | Debut 3-1 Amatuer |
Hernandez didn’t look great in his opening Bellator performance, and even his best performances as an amatuer consist of wild swinging.
I expect Luna to dominate in one of the breakout performances of the night. Our Bellator 277 prediction is Rogelio Luna -220.
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Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Anderson vs Donaldson
| Fighter | Laird Anderson | JT ‘Grandma’s Boy’ Donaldson |
| Money Line | -425 | +315 |
| Over/Under 1 ½ Rounds | Over -125 | Under -115 |
| Age | 23 | 29 |
| Height | 5’8’’ | 5’8’’ |
| Reach | NA | 68’’ |
| Record | 1-0 | 4-5 |
| Submissions/TKO | 0/0 | 01 |
| Fighter Training Camp | Internal Quest Training | Guerilla BJJ Pleasanton |
JT’s losses include unfortunate run ins like Aj McKee. He’s lost three of his last five via submissions and knockouts alike. Anderson has competition in BJJ with high level fighters like Kade Ruotolo and his 3-0 amatuer record features all finishes.
He’s a fighter who’s been active since he was 18 and has finishing power. His quickly developing BJJ game is too much for Donaldson’s lackadaisical style.
PLACE YOUR BETS NOW!
Bellator 277 Odds and Prediction for Haig vs Benson
| Fighter | Theo Haig | Alan Benson |
| Money Line | -750 | +450 |
| Over/Under 1 ½ Rounds | Over -115 | Under -125 |
| Record | Debut (1-0 Amatuer) | 1-2 |
Our opening fight of the evening features Haig, an AKA strength and conditioning coach turned fighter. He’s a talented BJJ competitor and wrecking ball of a human.
Haig should make easy work of Alan, but we’ll be avoiding the over under considering that Haig’s first win was at the very end of round 2. It’s tough to tell if he’ll be playing a safe and methodical style in his debut, or if he’ll try and run Benson over because of his relentless forward movement.
