Valentin Moldavsky vs Steve Mowry Prediction: Choosing Member of Fedor's Crew

On August 12th, the Bellator 298 tournament will take place in the United States, featuring several fighters from Russia. 

Valentin Moldavsky

One of the main stars of Fedor's team Valentin Moldavsky joined the Bellator in 2017. In five years, the Russian heavyweight got six victories and the title of interim champion.

But things went south for Moldavsky, and often he was simply unlucky. First, Valentin fought for the title with Ryan Bader in January 2022. Before the bout, he fell ill, which prevented him from doing his best. As a result, Moldavsky lost by unanimous decision of the judges.

Next, he met the undefeated Steve Mowry. Valentin started the fight very actively, but in the 54th second, he accidentally poked the American in the eye. Mowry refused to continue the bout, and Moldavsky accused his opponent of simulation, but in the end, it was declared a no-contest.

But Valentin's most brutal fight came on March 10, 2023, at Bellator 292. He met again with Linton Vassell, whom he had already defeated by decision in 2019. In the middle of the first round, he got into an unnecessary exchange, missed a hard punch, and lost

Now Moldavsky has a crucial moment; he must prove his worthiness. The promotion's future looks bleak, with the prospect of Vadim Nemkov moving up to heavyweight looming on the horizon. Valentin needs to win beautifully, brutally, and confidently.

Steve Mowry

The seven-foot American has made quite a splash, winning all ten professional fights, including six in Bellator. The level of Steve's opponents was pretty mediocre. Once Mowry faced Moldavsky, he felt the difference. But that confrontation lasted less than a minute, so we drew no profound conclusions.

After that bout, Steve faced another Russian fighter, Ali Isaev, who returned to the cage after a three-year hiatus. Mowry didn't look his best against the 39-year-old veteran. He failed the first round, woke up in the second and made a real beating, and gave up his position in the third. After three rounds, the judges scored the fight a draw.

Mowry's strengths include an excellent level of fighting, which is atypical for most heavyweights. 

Expert Betting Tips

Valentin Moldavsky is known for his pragmatic style. Most of his fights go to the judges' decision, but this situation differs.

The fight with Mowry is crucial for Moldavsky for several reasons. He has to win. At the same time, Steve has only gone to the judges once in his professional career. In other words, the chances of an early end to the fight are very high.