Preview: Bellator 236 ‘Macfarlane vs. Jackson’

Raufeon Stots vs. Cheyden Leialoha

Hardcore MMA fans have been calling for Stots to get his call up to a major promotion for a really long time. The Houston native sports a 12-1 record with his only blemish coming at the hands of current UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili. Since that loss, he has taken care of business in his last four outings. The 31-year-old is a well-rounded fighter who can finish a contest both on the feet and on the canvas. “Supa” is a high-output volume striker who is light on his feet and does well to cut angles on attacks. He works behind an active jab, a clean straight right and powerful kicks to the body and head. He keeps his hands high to block shots but has shown a disregard for counterstrikes in the past and has been cracked with some really hard shots. The Roufusport export is an elite level wrestler. He was a two-time Division II National Champion. He is explosive through his drop step, barreling over his opponents with ease. Once on top, he has great top control and chooses to punish his foe with strikes instead of looking to lock up a submission hold.

Hawaii native Leialoha is a 7-1 professional best-known for his decision loss to John Casteneda on Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2017. “Steadfast” is one of the main training partners of Max Holloway. He is built similar to his more famous teammate, possessing long arms and legs. On the feet, the 25-year-old does not fight like the former UFC featherweight champion does. He hardly ever throws a jab, preferring to focus on the overhand right, which he usually telegraphs by loading up on it. He does dispatch some hard kicks, though. The Gracie Technics team member mostly uses his striking to close the distance, so he can look to take the fight to the canvas from the clinch. Once on top, the Hawaiian is a bit of a sloppy grappler, often struggling to stay on top due to his lack of hip control. If he can remain on top, however, he does a good job landing ground and pound and has submitted four of his previous opponents. On his back, he looks to sweep instead of working back to his feet. This can be a major issue considering he has poor takedown defense.

Stots is a really good addition to the Bellator featherweight division and is an instant contender for the title. Leiahola, meanwhile, has the chance to show what he has on a grand stage. Unfortunately, though, I think that he is going to catch a lopsided thumping in front of his home town crowd. Look for Stots to dictate the fight in every area before dispatching the home town hero in the closing seconds of the first round. Stots wins via first round TKO.

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