Rising light heavyweights collide on Saturday night, as Rodolfo Bellato faces Christian Edwards at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos inside the Meta APEX.
Bellato (13–3–1, 2–1–1 UFC [1 NC]) rebounded from his first Octagon loss with a first-round stoppage win over Luke Fernandez at UFC 326 in March. Edwards (8–5, 0–1 UFC) fell just short in his promotional debut in May, dropping a split decision to Modestas Bukauskas.
Bellato enters as a -180 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Edwards is a +150 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Rodolfo Bellato vs. Christian Edwards Fight Preview
Rodolfo Bellato
- 13–3–1 (2–1–1 UFC [1 NC])
- 8–2 (T)KO
- 4–0 SUB
Rodolfo Bellato bounced back from his first UFC loss in a big way, stopping Luke Fernandez via first-round TKO earlier this year. That win carries extra weight on Saturday night, as Fernandez was just two fights removed from defeating Christian Edwards in Cage Fury FC. Bellato, 30, returns to the cage with a 92 percent finish rate, largely built on his aggressive, powerhouse striking.
Still, the Brazilian’s striking defense and cardio remain serious question marks heading into Saturday night. That said, “Trator” has proven himself quite durable inside the Octagon, going the distance with undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling. Bellato also owns an impeccable 94 percent takedown defense — an encouraging sign against the grapple-heavy Edwards.
Christian Edwards
- 8–5 (0–1 UFC)
- 5–1 (T)KO
- 1–1 SUB
Christian Edwards struggled to make a strong first impression in his Octagon debut earlier this year. The ex-Bellator contender dropped a split decision to Modestas Bukauskas, looking sloppy on the feet and getting stuffed on all four takedown attempts.
“Pain,” 27, has lost five of his last eight bouts heading into Saturday night. However, Edwards is exceptionally durable and wields raw, knockout power. The American will look to display a more refined version of his game against the dangerous but hittable Rodolfo Bellato.
Rodolfo Bellato vs. Christian Edwards Pick, Best Bet
It’s difficult to outline a pathway to victory for Christian Edwards on Saturday night. His opponent, Rodolfo Bellato, can completely neutralize his greatest strength — grappling — while being far more ferocious on the feet. Although his striking defense and stamina are far from strong suits, the Brazilian’s clear edge in Octagon experience should help him control the cage and stay out of harm’s way. Bellato has the tools to leave Las Vegas with his second straight victory.
