Bellator 217: Gallagher vs. Graham - Predictions and Picks

#3 Richie Smullen vs. Adam Gustab

Richie Smullen's UFC run didn't go so well

This Featherweight clash between Ireland’s Richie Smullen and Poland’s Adam Gustab features another pair of fighters who are massively inexperienced. Smullen would probably have the advantage in that area; another product of SBG Ireland, he took part in Season 27 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2018, not that many would remember it – probably because nobody watched that season.

At any rate, Smullen’s TUF run was hardly memorable anyway. Picked second as a Lightweight by Daniel Cormier, he was forced to pull out of his fight due to cramps in his calves and was essentially accused of mentally struggling by Dana White. The UFC did give him a chance after the reality tapings were over, but he looked hugely overmatched and was quickly submitted by Luis ‘Violent Bob Ross’ Pena.

Judging by his fight footage, like his teammate James Gallagher, Smullen is more of a grappler than a striker, although he seems willing to trade and throws some nasty leg kicks. It’s his ground game that appears dangerous to me, though; his takedowns from the clinch look solid and judging by two heel hook wins in his 3 victories – as well as a Palhares-like willingness to dive for a leg – he’s got some dangerous leglocks up his sleeve too.

In terms of what Gustab offers, footage on him appears to show a pretty decent offensive striker and wrestler, but where he’s clearly lacking is in defense. Judging on what I’ve seen, he leads with his chin, is way too willing to trade wildly and rely on his toughness, and on the ground he seems open to be caught in submissions – his most recent fight against Declan McAleenan, for instance, saw him pretty much land in a triangle choke during a takedown.

To me this looks like another softball in favor of the Irish fighter; you can’t call Smullen a massive favorite simply because he just isn’t that experienced, but this looks like a fight he should win comfortably using his submission game, particularly as dropping to 145lbs for the first time, you’d expect him to be the bigger, stronger fighter.

The Pick: Smullen via first round submission