Masvidal has his eye on the title, but can’t overlook Imada in Semi-Finals

Masvidal has his eye on the title, but can’t overlook Imada in Semi-Finals

TImada_VS_AMartinez1.JPG

There is no question that Jorge Masvidal believes he will be the Bellator
Lightweight world champion.  But before Masvidal starts celebrating his
projected sweeping series of tournament wins, he must first take a good hard
look at his Semi-Finals opponent, Toby Imada.

 

JMasvidal3.JPGAs a veteran of over 25 professional fights, Imada is often
considered the best, most underrated fighter the sport has seen.  Whether or
not Imada’s iron chin is capable of withstanding the American Top Team
standouts strikes is left to be seen, but one thing is for sure – Toby Imada
is a very real contender for the title.

 

Imada claimed a victory early in the first round at Bellator I in Hollywood,
Fla, easily defeating Alonzo Martinez via rear naked choke at just over
three minutes into the matchup.  The question remains whether or not
Masvidal is taking Imada too lightly leading up to their Semi-Final bout in
Dayton, Ohio on May 1.

 

If the fighters stay on their feet, the clear-cut striking advantage belongs
to Masvidal, but should the match go to the ground, the advantage may be
Imada’s. The only thing that is certain is that this Lightweight contest
will not be your average matchup.  This bout will either be the
well-deserved highlight of Imada’s career or it will mark the beginning of
Masvidal’s final step to $175,000 and the Bellator Lightweight title.

 

 The winner of Masvidal/Imada will advance to the final round of the
Lightweight World Championship and await the outcome of Alvarez/Reynolds
bout also scheduled for Bellator V.