Bellator 233 headliner between Salter and Van Steenis is a toss up
Bellator 233 goes down this Friday, November 8 from the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
Who has the upper hand in the main event?
John Salter has decent hands for a BJJ-based fighter, but he won’t want to stand and trade with 27-year-old beast Costello Van Steenis says Sascha Paruk from SportsBettingDime. This bout will be a constant battle of Salter trying to get it to the mat and Van Steenis doing everything he can to keep it upright. In the end, the veteran wile and bigger tool box of the 32-year-old Salter should be enough hand Costello his second career loss.
Salter (16-4) nabs the main event spot coming off a first round submission win over Chidi Njokuani a year ago. The former UFC fighter only has one loss with the Bellator promotion, a third round submission to famed grappler Rafael Lovato Jr. in 2018.
Prior to the loss, Salter racked up five consecutive wins for Bellator, all by first or second round finishes. He has proven to be a worthy contender in a stacked division, and with a win here at Bellator 233, could earn himself a title shot in the near future.
The man trying to keep that from happening is Costello Van Steenis (12-1).
Van Steenis has only one blemish on his record, a decision loss close to four years ago. He too has been on a tear since arriving in Bellator, picking up four consecutive wins of his own.
While the two combatants may not have the biggest names in combat sports right now, the fight is evenly matched and should bring excitement for the fans.
The card also features the return of ‘King Mo’ Muhammad Lawal who announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition earlier this year.
Be sure to check Bellator 233 this Friday night.
Bellator 233 fight card:
John Salter vs. Costello Van Steenis – 185 lbs
Muhammed Lawal vs. Andrew Kapel – 195 lbs
Leslie Smith vs. Arlene Blencowe – 145 lbs
Tyrell Fortune vs. Azunna Anyanwu – 265 lbs
Julius Anglickas vs. Jordan Young – 205 lbs
Janay Harding vs. Amanda Bell – 145 lbs
Lucas Brennan vs. Jacob Landin – 145 lbs
Romero Cotton vs. Jason Perrotta – 185 lbs
Aaron McKenzie vs. Sean Clements – 155 lbs
Christian Edwards vs. Cesar Bennett – 205 lbs
Logan Storley vs. EJ Brooks – 175 lbs
Grant Neal vs. Jimmy Lugo – 205 lbs
Tyree Fortune vs. Chuck Campbell – 205 lbs
Kyle Crutchmer vs. Robert Gidron – 170 lbs
