Bellator Dublin: Jason Jackson vs. Ramazon Kuramagomedov continues on the main card with a fight in the lightweight division between Paul Hughes and Bobby King. Hughes has won five in a row as he comes into his highly anticipated debut meanwhile, King has lost back-to-back fights as he looks to get back into the win column this weekend at Bellator Dublin. With that said, check out our Bellator Dublin Series odds for our Hughes-King prediction and pick.

Paul Hughes (11-1) was the big off-season signing of the PFL as he was the most sought-after featherweight outside the big MMA promotions. He has now won each of his last five fights and will now be looking to extend his winning streak to six in a row and make a big splash in his Bellator debut when he faces off against Bellator veteran Bobby King this weekend.

Bobby King (12-6) has now lost each of his last two fights under the Bellator banner to Aalon Cruz and Gadhzi Rabadanov. The mainstay in Bellator’s lightweight division will be looking to derail the Paul Hughes hype train as he welcomes him to the Bellator cage this weekend at Bellator Dublin.

Here are the Bellator Dublin Odds, courtesy of BetOnline. 

Bellator Dublin Odds: Paul Hughes-Bobby King Odds

Paul Hughes: -725

Bobby King: +525

Over 2.5 rounds: +140

Under 2.5 rounds: -170

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Why Paul Hughes Will Win

Paul Hughes, the former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion, is set to make his Bellator debut against Bobby King at Bellator Dublin. Hughes’ impressive skill set and recent performances suggest he has the upper hand in this matchup.

Hughes’ striking is both powerful and precise. With eight of his eleven victories coming via stoppage, Hughes has demonstrated his ability to finish fights decisively. His knockout power, combined with his technical striking, allows him to control the pace and distance of the fight, making it difficult for opponents to find their rhythm.

Hughes’ grappling is top-tier. Training out of Fight Academy Ireland, he has honed his wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to a high level. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling makes him a versatile threat. This adaptability will be crucial against King, who has shown vulnerabilities in grappling exchanges.

Hughes’ fight IQ and strategic approach are noteworthy. He has consistently shown the ability to adjust his game plan mid-fight, exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses. His victories over high-level competition in Cage Warriors highlight his tactical acumen and resilience. Paul Hughes’ superior striking, grappling prowess, tactical intelligence, and relentless pressure make him the favorite to defeat Bobby King at Bellator Dublin.

Why Bobby King Will Win

Bobby King is set to face Paul Hughes at Bellator Dublin, and King will emerge victorious. His experience, striking versatility, and resilience make him a formidable opponent for Hughes.

King’s experience in the cage is a significant advantage. With a professional record that includes numerous bouts against high-level competition, King has faced a variety of fighting styles and has developed a deep understanding of the sport. This experience allows him to remain composed under pressure and adapt to different situations during a fight.

King’s striking versatility is a key factor. Known for his dynamic striking, King can switch stances and throw a wide array of strikes, keeping his opponents guessing. His ability to mix up his attacks with punches, kicks, and elbows makes him a difficult target to predict and counter. This striking diversity will be crucial against Hughes, who relies heavily on his striking.

King’s resilience and toughness are noteworthy. He has been in several wars and has shown the ability to absorb punishment and keep pushing forward. This durability can wear down Hughes, who may struggle to maintain his pace against a relentless opponent like King. Bobby King’s experience, striking versatility, solid grappling defense, and resilience make him a strong candidate to defeat Paul Hughes at Bellator Dublin.

Final Paul Hughes-Bobby King Prediction & Pick

There is a ton of hype surrounding Paul Hughes’ Bellator debut, so much so that they gave him the co-main event in front of his home crowd. Bobby King a longtime Bellator veteran will be sure to look for the upset and spoil the debut of the young prospect. Ultimately, while Hughes has yet to be tested against elite competition he should have passed this test against King with flying colors as he gets a spectacular finish puts his name on the map, and gets his first win in his new home. Hughes by TKO is (+130).

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Final Paul Hughes-Bobby King Prediction & Pick: Paul Hughes (-725), Under 2.5 Rounds (+110)