Bellator Champions Series London: McCourt vs. Collins - Fight Preview: Darragh Kelly vs. Dmytrii Hrytsenko Prediction

The Bellator Champions Series London continues with an intriguing lightweight bout between two undefeated fighters: Ireland's Darragh "The Moville Mauler" Kelly and Ukraine's Dmytrii Hrytsenko. Both fighters come into this bout with perfect records and a strong desire to make a statement on one of MMA's biggest stages. This fight is a classic matchup of skill, strength, and strategy, with significant implications for the lightweight division.

 

Betting Odds

Fighter	Odds	Over/Under	Over Odds	Under Odds
Dmytrii Hrytsenko	-210	2.5 Rounds	-130	+110
Darragh Kelly	+165	2.5 Rounds	-130	+110

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Darragh "The Moville Mauler" Kelly

Darragh Kelly, nicknamed "The Moville Mauler," is a rising star in the lightweight division, fighting out of SBG Ireland under the tutelage of renowned coach John Kavanagh. At just 26 years old, Kelly has quickly built a reputation as a well-rounded fighter with a record of 6-0-0. Standing at 6'0" with a 72-inch reach, Kelly uses his height and reach to great advantage in the cage, often overwhelming opponents with his aggressive style and relentless pressure.

Kelly’s most recent fight was in June 2024 at Bellator, where he secured a first-round technical submission victory over Mathias Poiron with a guillotine choke in just 1:29. This win extended his undefeated streak and further showcased his submission prowess, with three of his six wins coming by submission. Kelly has also demonstrated knockout power, with two of his victories coming via TKO. His ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground makes him a versatile and dangerous opponent.

Training out of SBG Ireland, Kelly has access to some of the best coaching and training partners in the world. His striking is crisp and powerful, often setting up his grappling exchanges. On the ground, Kelly is relentless, with a strong submission game that has caught many opponents off guard. As he prepares to face Hrytsenko, Kelly will look to use his aggressive style to impose his will and secure another impressive victory.

Dmytrii Hrytsenko

Dmytrii Hrytsenko, fighting out of American Top Team in Ukraine, is another undefeated prospect with a record of 9-0-0. At 27 years old, Hrytsenko has steadily climbed the ranks, earning a reputation as a well-rounded and technically proficient fighter. Standing at 6'0", Hrytsenko matches Kelly in height, making this a highly competitive matchup in terms of physical attributes.

Hrytsenko’s most recent fight was in October 2023 at Bellator 300, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Justin Montalvo. This win showcased his ability to go the distance and maintain a high level of performance throughout the fight. Hrytsenko is known for his striking and grappling balance, with four of his nine wins coming by knockout and two by submission. His ability to adapt to different opponents and fight styles has been a key factor in his undefeated streak.

Training at American Top Team, Hrytsenko has honed his skills under some of the best coaches in the sport. His striking is technical and precise, often setting up his grappling exchanges. On the ground, Hrytsenko is a strong grappler with a diverse submission arsenal. As he prepares to face Kelly, Hrytsenko will look to use his technical prowess and well-rounded skill set to extend his undefeated streak and solidify his status as a top contender in the lightweight division.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Darragh "The Moville Mauler" Kelly

Darragh Kelly is a well-rounded fighter with a strong emphasis on aggression and pressure. His striking is powerful and relentless, often overwhelming opponents and forcing them to make mistakes. Kelly’s ability to mix up his striking with takedowns and submissions makes him a versatile threat in the cage. He is particularly dangerous in grappling exchanges, where his submission game has proven to be lethal.

Kelly’s fighting style is built around constant pressure. He likes to push the pace and keep his opponents on the back foot, using his striking to set up takedowns or clinch situations where he can work for submissions. His ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. The key to Kelly’s success in this fight will be his ability to impose his will on Hrytsenko and force the Ukrainian fighter into uncomfortable situations.

Dmytrii Hrytsenko

Dmytrii Hrytsenko is a technically proficient fighter with a well-rounded skill set. His striking is precise and effective, often setting up his grappling exchanges. Hrytsenko’s ability to adapt to different opponents and fight styles has been a key factor in his success. He is comfortable fighting at range or in close quarters, making him a versatile and unpredictable opponent.

Hrytsenko’s grappling is also a significant strength, with a diverse submission arsenal that has caught many opponents off guard. He is particularly effective in scrambles, where he can quickly transition to dominant positions and work for submissions. Hrytsenko’s ability to control the pace of the fight and dictate where the fight takes place will be crucial in this matchup against Kelly. The key for Hrytsenko will be his ability to stay composed under Kelly’s pressure and use his technical skills to find openings for counters and takedowns.

Recent Performances and Matchup Analysis

Darragh "The Moville Mauler" Kelly

Darragh Kelly’s recent performances have highlighted his aggressive style and ability to finish fights. His most recent victory, a first-round technical submission over Mathias Poiron, showcased his submission skills and ability to capitalize on his opponents’ mistakes. Kelly’s ability to push the pace and overwhelm his opponents has been a key factor in his undefeated streak.

As he prepares to face Hrytsenko, Kelly will need to rely on his aggressive style to impose his will on the Ukrainian fighter. If Kelly can push the pace and force Hrytsenko into defensive positions, he has a strong chance of securing another finish. However, Kelly will need to be cautious of Hrytsenko’s technical striking and grappling, as one mistake could turn the tide of the fight.

Dmytrii Hrytsenko

Dmytrii Hrytsenko’s recent performances have highlighted his technical prowess and ability to go the distance. His most recent victory, a unanimous decision over Justin Montalvo, showcased his ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the fight. Hrytsenko’s ability to adapt to different opponents and fight styles has been a key factor in his success.

As he prepares to face Kelly, Hrytsenko will need to rely on his technical skills to stay composed under pressure and find openings for counters and takedowns. If Hrytsenko can weather the early storm and dictate the pace of the fight, he has a strong chance of securing a decision victory or finding a finish on the ground. The key for Hrytsenko will be his ability to dictate the pace of the fight and avoid getting overwhelmed by Kelly’s aggression.

Matchup Analysis

This matchup between Darragh Kelly and Dmytrii Hrytsenko is a classic clash of styles, with both fighters bringing different strengths to the table. Kelly is known for his aggression, pressure, and finishing ability, while Hrytsenko is a technically proficient fighter with a well-rounded skill set. Both fighters are undefeated, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this bout.

Kelly’s path to victory lies in his ability to push the pace and force Hrytsenko into defensive positions. If Kelly can overwhelm Hrytsenko with his aggression and land significant strikes or secure a takedown, he has a strong chance of securing a finish. However, Kelly will need to be cautious of Hrytsenko’s technical skills, particularly in striking and grappling exchanges.

Hrytsenko’s path to victory lies in his ability to stay composed under pressure and use his technical skills to outpoint Kelly or find a submission. If Hrytsenko can weather the early storm and use his technical prowess, he has a strong chance of outpointing Kelly or finding a submission in the later rounds. Hrytsenko’s ability to adapt to Kelly’s aggression and find openings for counters and takedowns will be crucial in this matchup.

Potential Implications for the Division

A win for Darragh Kelly would further solidify his position as one of the top prospects in the lightweight division and potentially earn him a shot at higher-ranked opponents or even a title eliminator bout in the near future. Kelly’s aggressive style and ability to finish fights make him a fan favorite, and a victory here would only add to his growing reputation.

For Dmytrii Hrytsenko, a win over Kelly would be the biggest victory of his career and establish him as a legitimate contender in the lightweight division. Hrytsenko’s technical skills and well-rounded game make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, and a victory here could propel him into title contention. A win over Kelly would likely earn Hrytsenko a shot at higher-ranked opponents and potentially set him up for a title eliminator bout.

Psychological Aspects

Mental fortitude will be a critical factor in this fight. Darragh Kelly enters the bout with the confidence of an undefeated fighter, having won all of his professional fights so far. Kelly’s belief in his abilities and his readiness to face any challenge will be key in how he approaches this fight. If Kelly can stay composed and stick to his game plan, he has a strong chance of continuing his undefeated streak.

Dmytrii Hrytsenko, on the other hand, will need to harness his motivation to hand Kelly his first professional loss. Hrytsenko’s confidence in his technical skills and ability to adapt to different opponents will be crucial, as he will need to impose his will on Kelly to secure the victory. The psychological battle will be about who can impose their will and stick to their game plan under the bright lights of Bellator Champions Series London.

 

Prediction