Bellator 147: Thomson vs. Villaseca preview and predictions

Bellator returns to the spiritual home of Strikeforce for their show tonight, which isn't surprising considering Scott Coker's in change. But they're not running the SAP Center - this show is out at San Jose State University. It's definitely not the best card the promotion has ever run, especially with the main event being a showcase matchup for former SF champ Josh Thomson. The next two fights are decent though.

I'll take a brief look at the main card fights here. As usual, the show will air on Spike TV at 9pm ET.

Josh Thomson vs. Pablo Villaseca

As mentioned, this is a showcase fight for Thomson. I'm not a big fan at all of main events where one guy is -1700.  If we're talking a top-flight fighter here, I'd get it. But Thomson? He's definitely good, and he's definitely one of the best guys Bellator has brought in, but this could have been the co-main. It SHOULD have been the co-main, considering the bout below it.

Prediction: Thomson by decision

Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Daniel Weichel

This is more than likely a number-one contender fight at featherweight for Karakhanyan. Weichel was just KO'd by champ Patricio Freire in his last bout, so I highly doubt he'll get another shot. But that was Georgi's fight to start with - Weichel was just filling in for him after an injury. In other words, this fight has a lot more relevance than the Thomson fight, and it should feature much better action as well. In terms of the actual fight, it's even money but I feel that Karakhanyan is a very, very good bet here.

Prediction: Karakhanyan by submission, round 2

Derek Anderson vs. Patricky Freire

Patricky says he's going to 145 if he doesn't get a title shot. Considering the guys at lightweight that Bellator has brought in (Thomson) or might bring in (Ben Henderson)...I think he should just go to 145. Anderson holds a win over Freire already, so it might not even matter.

Prediction: Freire by split decision

Adam Piccolotti vs. Mario Soto

Prediction: Piccolotti by decision

Brian Rogers vs. Virgil Zwicker

Prediction: Zwicker by KO