Tom Casale's Bellator V Fight Predictions

Toby Imada (21-11) vs. Jorge Masvidal (17-3) Lightweight Tournament Semi-Final
Both Imada and Masvidal were extremely impressive in their opening round wins and this should be an exciting fight between two big-time strikers. Imada would be best served to try and take Masvidal down early in the fight. While Masvidal’s ground game is solid, he’s a terror on his feet. Masvidal is one of the hardest punchers in the 155-pound weight class so even though Imada likes to brawl, he will be playing right into Masvidal’s hands if he employs that strategy Friday night. This could one of Bellator’s most exciting fights to date but I’m going with Masvidal to prevail and advance to the finals.

Predicted Winner: Jorge Masvidal

Eric Reynolds (11-1) vs. Eddie Alvarez (16-2) Lightweight Tournament Semi-Final
Some might look at this fight and think it’s going to be a cakewalk for the ultra-talented Alvarez. Well, think again. Reynolds should give Alvarez all he wants in this one. Reynolds is a master at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and would love to take this fight to the ground. Alvarez, on the other hand, wants to force the action right from the start and get Reynolds to exchange with him. It’s a style that has made Alvarez one of the most popular and successful lightweight fighters in the world. I would love to go with the upset here but I just can’t pick against Alvarez. He advances to the lightweight finals with a hard-fought win over Reynolds.

Predicted Winner: Eddie Alvarez

Non-Tournament Bouts

Heavyweight – Josh Barnes (5-1) vs. Dave Herman (14-1)
Josh Barnes is a darn good fighter but after doing a feature story on Herman this week, it’s hard for me to pick against him. This guy went 13-1 by training in his living room. What is he going to look like now that he’s sought out professional MMA training for the first time in his career? Herman is one of the most talented heavyweights in the sport and I think he will send a message against Barnes that the best of Dave Herman is still yet to come.

Predicted Winner: Dave Herman

Heavyweight – Dan Evensen (10-4) vs. Raoul Romero (3-1)
Raul Romero is another good looking young heavyweight. He is a four time national Muay Thai champion and K-1 veteran. Romero is also the only Mexican Heavyweight with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I think Romero’s athleticism and diverse overall skills get the job done here, as he moves his record to 4-1.

Predicted Winner: Raoul Romero

Heavyweight – Sherman Pendergarst (11-12) vs. Joey Beltran (5-3)
Predicted Winner: Joey Beltran

155 lbs. – Frank Carabello (3-0) vs. Waylon Lowe (3-2)
Predicted Winner: Frank Carabello

170 lbs. – Justin Edwards (1-0) vs. John Troyer (8-2)
Predicted Winner: John Troyer

117 lbs. – Tammy Schneider (3-6) vs. Jessica Pene (5-0)
Predicted Winner: Jessica Pene

145 lbs. – Pete Dominguez (9-3) vs. Matt Jaggers (11-4)
Predicted Winner: Matt Jaggers