Bellator 301 will display excellent fights on Friday, November 17, which will include the featherweight showdown between Timur Khizriev (13-0-0) and Justin Gonzales (14-2-0) in the preliminary card. Khizriev is a moneyline favorite at -395.

Khizriev is undefeated through 13 fights and has shown to be an animal in long distance battles (decisions). He recently defeated Richie Smullen by unanimous decision at Bellator 297 in June of last year. 

In his 13 wins, he has established three knockouts, one submission, and nine decisions. Each one of his knockouts and only submission were finished in the first round.

“Imam” has bounced around various fighting leagues over the years and performed well in each organization. Notably, he has gone 3-0 in ACB, 2-0 in Bellator, and 1-0 in ACA.

His success has earned him quality rankings, as he is the 74^th-best featherweight fighter in the world. Another quality win here would likely earn him a tougher fight in his next Bellator challenge.

Gonzales had established some momentum recently, but unfortunately came up short in his last fight. He has gone 2-2 in his last four fights, with his recent battle being a loss to Mads Burnell in Bellator 295 and ending his previous two-fight win streak.

His fighting resume boasts 14 wins that consist of four knockouts, a submission, and nine decisions. Two of those wins have resulted in first round finishes. In addition, two of these wins have ended in the opening round.

“J-Train” has had mixed results in Bellator, going 3-2 in competition. He has also gone 1-0 in Legacy Fighting Alliance and a successful 1-0 outing in Dana White’s Contender Series.

He is currently ranked as the 93^rd-best featherweight fighter in the world. This will be a big test as he prepares for one of the toughest matchups he has encountered in some time.

MyBookie is offering odds for this battle that show Timur Khizriev as a moderate favorite to win here. Bettors should look into adding Khizriev to a parlay with other fights on the night or consider a prop bet on Friday to make his odds more appealing.

Khizriev has proven that he can end ima fight in any way necessary to earn the win. He can also do it fairly quickly depending on his opponent’s defense.

Gonzales does not seem like he has the resume to combat his opponent consistently here. Look for a prop bet that would accommodate Khizriev with an early stoppage.