On April 18, 2014, Bellator will invade Iowa with a promotion that vaunts a welterweight championship main event dual between Douglas Lima and Rick Hawn amongst several other intriguing matches. The televised portion of the card will host four matches that will be aired live on the Spike Television network. Although the bouts bolstered have plenty of potential to excite the masses; the crowning jewel of the night is one that has all of the makings of an instant classic.
Rick Hawn (18-2) vs. Douglas Lima (25-5)
This championship bout in the welterweight division features former American Olympian and Judoka specialist Rick Hawn (18-2) taking on Brazilian mauler and jiu-jitsu standout Douglas Lima (25-5). Both Hawn and Lima are highly accomplished prizefighters that possess heavy hands and an array of martial arts skills that are sure to make this fight one to remember.
This is not the first shot at a title for Hawn. The American faced and was defeated by Michael Chandler in a lightweight championship contest. Hawn regrouped, moved up in weight and reeled off wins to capture the welterweight tournament crown, earning him the right to this title challenge. The Judoka technician is a fierce striker with potent fight-ending power and awesome athletic ability. He is also no slouch on the mat as Hawn can hold his own with most world-class fighters while on the cage floor. The thing for Hawn is that, against Lima, the American will need to be in top form in order to have a shot at picking up the welterweight strap.
Douglas Lima is an exceedingly talented jiu-jitsu warrior that is extremely strong for the welterweight division. Like Hawn, Lima is also on a win streak and is a recent tournament victor which is how he got this shot at the 170 pound trinket. Impressively, the Brazilian ended all four recent victories via striking. The grappling specialist definitely upped his vertical game which makes him a well-rounded battler and signifies serious problems for his American competition.
The contest itself has all of the ingredients of a war of attrition in the making: both MMA veterans like to unload heavy artillery while upright and can do serious business while on the floor. Lima has the quicker movements and is better with control while engaging in ground warfare. Still, the American’s athletic ability is certain to give the Brazilian fits throughout the battle. Hawn will be game and his heart will be on full display this Friday but, in the end, this will not be enough for victory. After a ton of early action where both combatants will have their moments, Lima will finish the epic battle within four rounds and the Brazilian’s welterweight reign will officially commence.
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
