Friday’s Bellator 296 event from Paris, France could present a changing of the guard for the promotion with Fabian Edwards and Mansour Barnaoui taking on Gegard Mousasi and Brent Primus.
Bellator 296 could see a changing of the guard
The main event of Friday’s Bellator 296 event from Paris, France features Gegard Mousasi battling Fabian Edwards in a middleweight contest live on Showtime.
Also, Brent Primus takes on Mansour Barnaoui, while Douglas Lima faces Costello Van Steenis and Thibault Gouti squares off with Kane Mousah.
The attention here, though, is on the main and co-main events, and just how the “underdogs” could play spoilers and begin their climb to the top of their respective divisions.
Fabian Edwards has the bloodline to do it
The name Edwards might catch your attention, as Fabian’s brother, Leon, is the current UFC welterweight champion.
A 30-year-old, Edwards comes into this contest with Mousasi riding a two-fight win streak, highlighted by a 2022 finish of former UFC champion Lyoto Machida.
Edwards started his career 9-0 before a pair of tough losses to van Steenis and Austin Vanderford.
Mousasi fights for the first time since dropping the Bellator title to Johnny Eblen last June. Prior to that, he had reeled off four consecutive wins, including two by finish and two over Lima and Machida.
Mansour Barnaoui ready to delight home fans
For Barnaoui, this his chance to score a big-time win over a big-time opponent at home. The native of Tunisia now fights out of Paris and Team Magnum.
Since arriving in Bellator, he has opened eyes with a submission win over Adam Piccolotti to extend his current run to eight straight fights. During that time, he won the Road FC $1 million Lightweight Tournament and championship.
Primus has lost two of three, including a June knockout at the hands of Alexandr Shabliy. He did best Benson Henderson between the defeats.
What else to watch for at Bellator 296?
As is typical, the Bellator prelims will be full of key fighters and fights including Chris Gonzalez vs. Tim Wilde and Denise Kielholtz taking on Paula Cristina. Brett Johns is also scheduled for action against Marcirley Alves.
