by Chris Asbrock

This is one of the most hyped fight cards in recent memory for Bellator and is their second fight card so far this year. When Bellator CEO Scott Coker announced this fight card last year, there was much criticism about the “freak show” fights Bellator continues to promote. One thing to remember is that Coker is in the business to promote fights for Spike TV and the Bellator fan base.

With Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie having a combined age of 101, there is not much hope for a great fight. Regardless, Bellator and Coker know what gets viewers, it is big names in the world of mixed martial arts. A stacked card featuring the trilogy fight between Shamrock and Gracie, coupled with a co-main event featuring two men who have made their name via street fighting, Dada 5000 and Kimbo Slice.

There are other big names on this card as well and you can expect a great night of fights. Lets take a look at my picks for the big Bellator 149 event from Houston.

Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) vs Daniel Pineda (21-11)

Pick: Sanchez via unanimous decision

Melvin Guillard (32-15-2) vs Derek Campos (15-6)

Pick: Guillard via split decision

Emanuel Newton (25-9-1) vs Linton Vassell (15-5)

Pick: Newton via unanimous decision

Kevin Ferguson “Kimbo Slice” (5-2) vs Dhafir Harris “Dada 5000” (2-0)

Pick: Kimbo Slice via TKO

Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) vs Royce Gracie (14-2-3)

Pick: Shamrock via TKO

With the big names on this card and the two main fights, this will surely be the most viewed Bellator card in their history. If this card sees much success with great fights, expect to see Coker and the Spike TV brass put on more cards such as this.

Chris Asbrock is a staff writer and analyst for FTI Sports and can be followed on Twitter  and