Bellator Champions Series London: McCourt vs. Collins - Fight Preview: Eslam Abdul Baset vs. Mike Shipman Prediction

In a compelling middleweight showdown at Bellator Champions Series London, Eslam "The Ironman" Abdul Baset faces off against Mike "Sea Bass" Shipman. Both fighters bring impressive records and skill sets to the cage, promising an action-packed fight that could have significant implications for the middleweight division.

 

Betting Odds

Fighter	Odds	Over/Under	Over Odds	Under Odds
Eslam Abdul Baset	-155	2.5 Rounds	-120	-110
Mike Shipman	+130	2.5 Rounds	-120	-110

Fighter Backgrounds

Eslam "The Ironman" Abdul Baset

Eslam Abdul Baset, known as "The Ironman," is a formidable middleweight out of Egypt, fighting for S&B Academy. With an impressive professional record of 16-2-0 (1 NC), Abdul Baset has demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, combining powerful striking with a solid ground game. His recent form has been outstanding, with a seven-fight win streak, making him one of the most dangerous middleweights in the region.

Abdul Baset’s last fight saw him secure a unanimous decision victory over Dan Vinni at 971 FC 1 in May 2024. This victory showcased his ability to dominate fights over three rounds, utilizing his striking and grappling to control the pace. Standing at 6'0", Abdul Baset has the physical attributes to compete with anyone in the division, and his relentless style has earned him a reputation as a tough, durable fighter.

Abdul Baset’s fighting style is characterized by his versatility and endurance. He is comfortable exchanging strikes on the feet, but also has a solid ground game, with seven of his 16 wins coming by knockout and three by submission. His ability to adapt to his opponent’s style and impose his game plan makes him a formidable challenge for any fighter.

 

Mike "Sea Bass" Shipman

Mike Shipman, fighting out of London Shootfighters, is a seasoned middleweight with a professional record of 16-4-0. Known as "Sea Bass," Shipman has been a mainstay in the Bellator middleweight division, consistently facing tough competition. At 34 years old, Shipman brings a wealth of experience and a well-rounded game to the cage.

Shipman’s most recent victory came against Steven Hill at Bellator Champions Series in May 2024, where he secured a win via retirement after the first round. Shipman’s striking power and submission skills have been evident throughout his career, with eight knockouts and six submissions to his name. Standing at 5'10" with a reach of 74 inches, Shipman’s physicality and technical prowess make him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Shipman’s fighting style is built around his aggression and finishing ability. He is particularly dangerous in the early rounds, where his power and pressure can overwhelm opponents. However, Shipman has also shown the ability to go the distance when necessary, with two decision victories in his career. His key to victory in this fight will be to push the pace early and avoid getting dragged into a prolonged battle where Abdul Baset’s endurance could play a significant role.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Eslam "The Ironman" Abdul Baset

Eslam Abdul Baset is a versatile fighter who excels in both striking and grappling. His striking is powerful and technical, with the ability to end fights with either hands or legs. On the ground, Abdul Baset is equally dangerous, capable of securing submissions from various positions. His ability to mix striking and grappling makes him a tough opponent to prepare for, as he can adapt his game plan to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses.

Abdul Baset’s endurance is one of his key strengths. He can maintain a high pace throughout the fight, wearing down opponents with his relentless pressure. His ability to push the pace in the later rounds often allows him to take control of the fight and secure victory. In this matchup, Abdul Baset’s key to victory will be to avoid Shipman’s early power and gradually impose his will as the fight progresses.

Mike "Sea Bass" Shipman

Mike Shipman’s fighting style is centered around his striking power and aggression. Shipman is a forward-pressure fighter who looks to end fights early with his heavy hands. With eight knockouts to his name, Shipman is always a threat to finish the fight with a single strike. However, Shipman is also skilled on the ground, with six submission victories, making him a well-rounded fighter who can win in multiple ways.

Shipman’s best chance in this fight will be to close the distance early and land powerful strikes before Abdul Baset can establish his rhythm. If Shipman can control the pace and keep the fight standing, he has a good chance of securing a knockout or forcing Abdul Baset into uncomfortable positions where he can capitalize with a submission.

Recent Performances and Matchup Analysis

Eslam "The Ironman" Abdul Baset

Abdul Baset’s recent performances have demonstrated his growth as a fighter and his ability to dominate opponents across all areas of the fight. His seven-fight win streak includes victories over tough opponents, with a mix of knockouts, submissions, and decision wins. Abdul Baset’s ability to control the pace and implement his game plan has been crucial to his success, and he will look to do the same against Shipman.

Against Shipman, Abdul Baset will need to be cautious of the Englishman’s power in the early rounds. If Abdul Baset can weather the early storm and take the fight into the later rounds, his endurance and versatility will give him a significant advantage. Look for Abdul Baset to mix in takedowns and clinch work to wear Shipman down and secure a decision or late finish.

Mike "Sea Bass" Shipman

Shipman’s recent win over Steven Hill showed that he still has the power and aggression to be a force in the middleweight division. However, his previous losses have highlighted some vulnerabilities, particularly when he is unable to secure an early finish. Shipman’s path to victory against Abdul Baset will be to capitalize on his early power and prevent the fight from going into deep waters where Abdul Baset’s endurance could take over.

Shipman will need to impose his will early, using his striking to keep Abdul Baset on the defensive. If Shipman can land significant strikes and avoid getting taken down, he has a good chance of securing a knockout or winning on the scorecards. However, if the fight goes into the later rounds, Shipman could find himself at a disadvantage against Abdul Baset’s relentless pace.

Matchup Analysis

This fight between Eslam Abdul Baset and Mike Shipman is a classic striker vs. well-rounded fighter matchup. Shipman’s power and aggression make him a dangerous opponent for anyone, but Abdul Baset’s versatility and endurance give him multiple paths to victory. The key question will be whether Shipman can land significant strikes early or if Abdul Baset can weather the storm and take control of the fight in the later rounds.

Abdul Baset’s strategy will likely involve avoiding Shipman’s early power and gradually wearing him down with a mix of striking and grappling. If Abdul Baset can take the fight to the ground, he will have a significant advantage and could secure a submission or a decision victory. On the other hand, Shipman’s best chance lies in keeping the fight standing and using his power to secure an early finish.

Potential Implications for the Division

A win for Eslam Abdul Baset would further solidify his position as a top contender in the middleweight division and could potentially earn him a shot at higher-ranked opponents. Abdul Baset’s well-rounded game and recent win streak make him a legitimate threat in the division, and a victory over Shipman would only enhance his reputation.

For Mike Shipman, a win over Abdul Baset would be a significant statement and could rejuvenate his career in the middleweight division. Shipman’s power and finishing ability make him a dangerous opponent for anyone, and a victory here could put him back on the path to title contention. A win over Abdul Baset would likely earn Shipman another high-profile fight and potentially set him up for a title eliminator bout.

Psychological Aspects

Mental toughness will be a crucial factor in this fight. Eslam Abdul Baset comes into the fight with momentum on his side, having won his last seven fights. His confidence and ability to execute his game plan under pressure will be key to his success. Shipman, on the other hand, will need to overcome the pressure of facing a well-rounded and in-form opponent. His confidence in his power and ability to finish fights early will be crucial, as he will need to impose his will on Abdul Baset to secure the victory.

 

Prediction