In a spectacular showcase set for the end of this month, Bellator heads back to Southern California for an excellent co-main event battle. In the top heavyweight match of the night, No. 5-ranked Marcelo Golm is set to square off with Daniel James, the eighth-ranked heavyweight in Bellator. Prior to that, the women’s featherweight division will see a fantastic battle between the top fighter in that division, Cat Zingano, and Leah McCourt. The former is a decorated former fighter from the UFC while the latter will be looking for a statement victory over one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history.
In this report, SBS will be taking a closer look at each combatant, who will win their respective bouts, and also more notes about MMA wagering.
| Bellator 293 | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcelo Golm vs. Daniel James | Golm | +120 | +120 | +120 |
| Cat Zingano vs. Leah McCourt | McCourt | -110 | -110 | -110 |
What to look for from: Marcelo Golm
At just 30 years of age, Golm is hitting the prime of his career and is ready to keep the good times rolling as he climbs the Bellator heavyweight ranks. The Brazilian is currently 10-3 in professional bouts and has seven professional knockouts to his credit. Moreover, he is riding a current four-fight winning streak and has not lost since April 2019. In his last bout against Davion Franklin, the 30-year-old won the fight thanks to a rear-naked choke at Bellator 283. Some MMA pundits have also noted that he is a devastating striker with strong grappling capabilities. He also will have an age advantage over James, being his junior by 11 years.
What to look for from: Daniel James
Opposing Golm will be the veteran James who has accrued 10 knockout wins in his career, giving him a professional record of 14-6 in MMA bouts. A fighter boasting significant power and long arms (giving him a reach advantage over Golm), James has the experience advantage over his Brazilian foe with more years as a professional fighter and more pro-fights to his credit. In addition to some different physical advantages, the No. 8-ranked 41-year-old will use his in-ring savvy to wear down his younger foe and look for a knockout opportunity like has done in prior bouts.
Prediction: This will be a close battle, but Golm should get the upper hand here even though he has more ring rust but will wear down the older James.
What to look for from: Cat Zingano
Zingano is a trailblazer when it comes to women’s MMA. She is the first mother to compete in the UFC and is the first women’s fighter to earn a TKO victory in the UFC as well back in 2013. She is ranked as the No. 1 fighter in the Bellator women’s Featherweight Rankings and has accrued a record of 13-4 in her professional MMA career. Currently, she is riding a three-fight winning streak, notching two unanimous decision victories, along with one submission victory via armbar. In the past, she has knocked out the likes of MMA superstars like Amanda Nunes and Miesha Tate.
What to look for from: Leah McCourt
Facing off against Zingano is McCourt who hails from Dublin, Ireland. Known as “The Curse” the 30-year-old is a rising star in the Bellator ranks with a record of 7-2. The No. 4 ranked competitor in the Bellator Women’s Featherweight Rankings, McCourt has been able to tangle with all kinds of foes and find success. She is a former International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation gold medalist and a former IMMAF World and European Amateur champion. With most of her fight wins coming by way of decision, McCourt has been able to confound foes with her active style and tenacity.
Prediction: Another classic bout, McCourt should be able to get the upper hand here and get the torch passed from Zingano to herself.
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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