Tom Casale is a well-respected writer and mixed martial arts fan. Read Casale's predictions for the first ever Bellator Fighting Championships below:

Lightweight Tournament: Nick Agallar (21-5) vs. Jorge Masvidal (16-3)

I don't know if this fight is going to last three rounds or 30 seconds but however long it is, it should be filled with non-stop action. Agallar will have a better chance if tries to take Masvidal to the ground instead of trading punches with the former street fighter. But I see this being a slugfest, which is advantage Masvidal.

Predicted Winner: Jorge Masvidal

Lightweight Tournament: Eddie Alvarez (16-2) vs. Greg Loughran (18-11)
Alvarez is the favorite in the Lightweight division and for good reason. He is one of the most talented 155-pound fighters currently competing in all of MMA. Loughran will provide a solid test for Alvarez but it's only a matter of time before the Lightweight favorite finishes off his opponent.

Predicted Winner: Eddie Alvarez

Featherweight Tournament: Nick Gonzalez (14-6) vs. Yahir Reyes (12-5)
This is one of the most even fights of the night. Gonzalez is an accomplished boxer and devastating striker. He will try to make this a stand-up fight. Reyes is a submission specialist who will try to take Gonzalez to the ground. I originally liked Gonzalez in this match-up but I have since changed my mind. Reyes has won nine of his last 10 fights; I expect him to continue that hot streak tonight.

Featherweight Tournament: Estevan Payan (6-1) vs. Luis Palomino (9-4)

Payan has been a professional fighter for just over a year now. He trains with Arizona Combat Sports, which is home to some of the sports best young fighters. Palomino is known for his heavy hands and he has the boxing skills to knock out anyone in the Featherweight division. Palomino is the more experienced fighter but I like the upside of Payan, so I'll side with him in a mild upset.

Predicted Winner: Estevan Payan

Featherweight Tournament: Joe Soto (4-0) vs. Ben Greer (11-4)

This is one of the fights I'm looking forward to the most because I believe whoever survives this battle will be a major player in the Featherweight division. Soto only has four professional fights under his belt but he's extremely talented. Soto is a quick finisher, with none of his fights going the distance so far in his career. Greer is a strong wrestler and will most likely try to bring Soto to the ground and impose his will. This is going to be a very interesting fight but I like the young Soto to prevail and move on.

Predicted Winner: Joe Soto

Lightweight Tournament: Alonzo Martinez (22-12-1) vs. Toby Imada (20-11)

This is a battle between two of Bellator's most experienced fighters. Imada is a martial arts expert who is currently riding a six-fight win streak. He has faced some tough competition over the years and is on top of his game right now. Martinez has racked up 22 wins, all by KO, TKO or submission, so he likes to take care of business on his own and not put the fight into the hands of the judges. I am going to side with the red-hot Imada to keep his win streak going.

Predicted Winner: Toby Imada

Non-Tournament Fights

Non-Tournament: Lorenzo Borgomeo (4-1) vs. Daniel Morales (5-1)

Predicted Winner: Daniel Morales

Non-Tournament: Gary...