Bellator 209: Pitbull vs. Sanchez - Picks and Predictions

#4 Cindy Dandois vs. Olga Rubin

Cindy Dandois washed out of the UFC after one fight

A Belgian fighter who’s been around for a long time – since 2009 – Dandois actually has one of the more impressive records at 145lbs, as she holds wins over big-name fighters like Marloes Coenen and Megan Anderson. However, she lasted just one fight inside the UFC – a terrible showing against Alexis Davis that saw her offer some woeful striking and also be largely outgrappled on the mat.

‘Battlecat’ has since bounced back impressively, winning four in a row, and this fight will mark her debut inside the Bellator cage. Opponent Rubin meanwhile is making her third Bellator appearance, although in contrast to Dandois’s extensive record, it’ll only be her fifth professional fight.

Rubin has never fought outside of her native Israel, but she does at least hold three TKO wins due to punches on her record. Footage on her is sparse, but the fact that Dandois looked so inept on the feet in her UFC debut suggests she may have a puncher’s chance.

The smart pick here is Dandois simply due to her superior experience levels and strength of competition, but at 34 years old and almost 10 years into her MMA career, she’s probably reaching the end of her athletic prime. That gives Rubin a puncher’s chance, but I’m not willing to call it.

The Pick: Dandois via unanimous decision