Just a question. I never can watch Bellator where I live, so I wonder how their fighters compare to those of the UFC. Is their level just as good (or close)?
Hard to say since the UFC doesn't co-promote. My general impression (which I doubt will be controversial) is that the UFC is superior and that most of the best fighters in Bellator wouldn't be championship material in the UFC. This view is bolstered by the fact that Bellator is turning into a bit of a retirement home for UFC veterans. Some of this is fair, some of it isn't. Douglas Lima and Gegard Moussasi stand out as the two guys in Bellator who have a rational case for being the best in the world. I fully expect Lima to beat whoever emerges from the MacDonald vs. Gracie tussle this weekend, and I'd pick him to beat plenty of the top UFC guys. I'd favor him over Colby Covington, RDA, Masvidal, and possibly even Woodley. I'd be interested to see him against Askren again, given how much Lima has improved (a lot!) Moussasi would beat Weidman again, would win a trilogy fight with Jacare, and would also beat Gastelum. Maybe he could navigate the mine-field that is Yoel Romero. Ryan Bader stands out as the UFC to Bellator transfer who has benefited most from the switch. He went from being a guy who was a solid contender but a guy who reliably choked in big fights to being a double champ. That sort of outrageous swing in fortunes is part of what undermines Bellator's credibility.
Overall the ufc is clearly better imo with a few exeptions such as Rory/Lima/Mousasi. The ufc is still the place to be where generally the best fight with the biggest purses/prizemoney $$$$ in the sport is to be made.
Just as an addition to my previous post, I did want to say that Bellator actually does produce some great entertainment. The welterweight and heavyweight tournaments were basically interesting the entire way through, and despite my concerns about both guys still fighting, Jackson vs. W. Silva 2 was great. Having Lyoto Machida on the roster gives them some legitimately interesting options (Bader or Moose rematches) as well. I don't know if the OP is familiar with Valerie Loureda, one of the girls fighting this weekend. If not, look up her credentials, then look up her instagram. That comparison will tell you a whole lot about Bellator's view of the need to maintain a 'skills meritocracy' as well as how the company plans to get views.
