Bellator 285 Predictions and Picks: Benson Henderson vs. Peter Queally

Bellator 285 Predictions and Picks: Benson Henderson vs. Peter Queally

Bellator 285 Start Time and Where to Watch

• Event: Bellator 285: Henderson vs. Queally
• Date: Friday, September 23
• Time: 4:00 PM ET
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Where to Watch: Showtime

Bellator is back in Dublin for Bellator 285 on a rare off-weekend for UFC. With the biggest MMA promotion taking the weekend off, there will be many more eyes on the Friday afternoon card. The main card features a lightweight bout between #3 Benson Henderson and #7 Peter Queally. I have two plus-money plays for the main event.

Benson Henderson vs. Peter Queally Prediction

Benson Henderson is a legend in the lightweight division and enters this fight with a 29-11 record. Henderson joined the Bellator promotion after a long and successful stint in the UFC, winning the title and defending it three times before falling to Anthony Pettis in their rematch. Henderson left the UFC on a bright note, knocking off Jorge Masvidal by decision before signing with Bellator. Since then, Henderson has gone 6-6 in the promotion, most recently ending a three-fight skid with a win over Islam Mamedov. Is the win what Henderson needed to get himself back on track? At 38 years old, it's hard to tell how much Henderson has left in the tank. Perhaps the win was all he needed to set himself straight, though. He faces a tough challenge against Peter Queally.

Peter Queally is only four fights into his Bellator career and has already fought for the title. Queally beat Patricky Freire in May last year, but could not seal the deal in the rematch in November, losing by second-round knockout in his title shot in the rematch. Queally is now 2-2 in the promotion and looks to earn another shot at the belt with a win in his home country of Ireland tonight.

My biggest question in this fight is if Henderson has any left in the tank. He is a veteran of the sport, and in his prime, he could beat the best of the best in the UFC. However, his 6-6 record in Bellator is not inspiring, and he has been an active fighter for years now, and he has fought 26 times in the past 11 years since joining the UFC. So even though Henderson is only one year older than Queally, he has taken a much bigger physical toll on his body than Queally over the years.

When Henderson is on, he is on. His volume striking and BJJ skills are better than anyone in the lightweight division in Bellator. Queally will be no threat for Henderson on the mat, as Queally is a predominant striker. If Henderson is confident in his striking, he will be able to get Queally to the mat, and from there, things will go south for Queally. Queally has never been submitted before, but he has yet to face someone of Henderson's abilities on the mat.

However, if the three-fight skid Henderson shows up and Queally can get it going on the feet, I wouldn't be surprised to see him land a knockout. Henderson is incredibly tough to finish, and he has only been knocked out two times in his forty-fight career, but as I mentioned earlier, he is aging and has taken a beating throughout his career. Time and time again, when fighters age, they start to lose by knockout more often. This could be the beginning of the end for Henderson, or he gets Queally to the mat and finishes Queally in front of his home crowd. I think either can happen, which is why my favorite play is on the under. Henderson has more five-round experience, so if this fight reaches the fourth or fifth, Henderson should be able to land a takedown on a tired Queally and get the tap-out. I could also see Queally catching Henderson early in the fight and ending it. Therefore, I lean towards the under, but I am also taking a shot at Henderson to win by submission.

Benson Henderson vs. Peter Queally Picks

• Doesn't Go the Distance (+160) (Bet $100 to Win $160)
• Henderson Wins by Submission (+510) (Bet $100 to Win $510)

Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page