Alexander Shabliy vs Patricky Freire Prediction: Russian fighter will advance to the final

Bellator is wrapping up its history, and one of its last tournaments will take place on the night of November 17-18. Russian fighter Alexander Shabliy will fight Brazilian Patricky Freire to reach the final of the Lightweight Division Grand Prix.

Alexander Shabliy is one of the best lightweight fighters in the world, regardless of the promotion, but the way his sporting destiny has turned out, he has never been a champion in any league. This man knows how to do everything in the ring and builds a game plan based on his capabilities and his opponent's capabilities.

Shabliy came to Bellator in 2021, fought four fights here, and won each of them, the last two victories won early. Moreover, his opponents here were very serious - Tofiq Musayev and Brent Primus.

After Usman Nurmagomedov was disqualified for banned substances, experts unanimously said Alexander is now the Grand Prix's main favorite.

Patricky is always in the shadow of his brother; even winning the belt in his time could not prevent this. It was probably because it wouldn't have happened without his brother - Patricio Freire vacated the title. For some reason, the league gave Patricky the right to fight for it (although there were more deserving contenders, like Alexander Shabliy, for example).

But it's all a thing of the past - he won the fight for the belt against Peter Quilli, but in his next fight, he gave it to Usman Nurmagomedov without complaint.

But he still won his last fight, hurting the leg of Bellator debutant Roberto Souza with his low kick.

Patricky Freire is a tough puncher; he is very dangerous in the standup, but he will be helpless in the parterre against Shabliy.

Patricky Freire should never agree to fight, and he will have to keep in mind the danger of sudden take-downs constantly. Shabliy's arsenal is disproportionately richer, his speed is higher, and his striking is arguably more powerful.

Therefore, we believe that Alexander's early victory is more likely than his victory on points.