The Lone Star State of Texas is the place to be this weekend for big time MMA as Viacom’s brand of combat sports is headed to Cedar Park for Bellator 161. The main event will pit Bellator’s heavyweight OG Cheick Kongo against the highly dangerous Tony Johnson. Bellator 161 can be seen this Friday, live on Spike TV at 9:00 P.M. EDT with the prelims streaming online.

Main Card: Spike TV at 9:00 P.M. EDT

Cheick Kongo (24-10-2 MMA; 6-2 Bellator) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2 MMA; 3-0 Bellator): Heavyweight

Cheick Kongo is set for his ninth Bellator fight since his departure from the UFC back in 2013. Since debuting under the Viacom promotion, Kongo has added to his fierce striking abilities by displaying an improved willingness to grapple and grind on his opponents. Kongo believes that the only way his opponent Tony Johnson can win is if he puts him down.

Tony Johnson has been flawless thus far inside of the Bellator cage. Having already faced three world champions in his career, a win over a big name like Cheick Kongo could catapult Johnson into the mainstream spotlight. With a win, Johnson is eyeing a match with popular Bellator heavyweight Matt Mitrione.

Here is Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith on what to watch in Cheick Kongo vs. Tony Johnson:

Joe Warren (13-5 MMA; 11-4 Bellator) vs. Sirwan Kakai (12-4 MMA; 0-1 Bellator): Bantamweight

This could very well be a crossroads fight for former Bellator bantamweight champion Joe Warren. Back in March at Bellator 151, Warren found himself on the business end of a beatdown thanks to top prospect Darrion Caldwell. It took all of 1:33 for Caldwell to remove the oxygen from Warren’s brain thus rendering the former 135 king unconscious. Can Warren bounce back and use his relentless wrestling to stifle Sirwan Kakai and avoid the dreaded back-to-back losses?

Sirwan Kakai has been on the losing end of close decisions in his previous two outings. With a history of slow starts, Kakai must thwart Warren’s early shots to prevent the former bantamweight champion from implementing his round winning style. Will Sirwan Kakai be able to keep this fight on the feet where he should have the edge in striking?

Here is Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith on what to watch in Joe Warren vs. Sirwan Kakai:

Anastasia Yankova (3-0 MMA; 1-0 Bellator) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0 MMA; 1-0 Bellator): (W) Flyweight

The hype is real! Kickboxing Queen Anastasia Yankova is set to make her fourth MMA appearance overall and second for Bellator MMA. Thus far, the Russian striker has utilized her grappling skills to successfully submit all three of her opponents before ever seeing the third round. Will the train remain on the tracks?

Relatively unknown fighter Veta Arteaga has the opportunity to derail Anastasia’s hype train and take her place in the women’s flyweight division. Having fought as an amateur at bantamweight, taking down the athletic Arteaga will pose much more of a challenge for Yankova than with her previous opponents. Will there be an upset?

Here is Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith on Anastasia Yankova:

Derek Campos (16-6 MMA; 5-4 Bellator) vs. Djamil Chan (12-2 MMA; 1-0 Bellator): Lightweight

Cliche time! Styles make fights! Both gentlemen in this arrangement have been spotted going full savage inside of an MMA match. Chan has scored a Technical Submission in a mere 38 seconds while Campos has knocked a victim cold in a brief 37 seconds. Derek Campos has the edge in experience and level of competition, but with the ferocious firepower packed by each participant, the chances of either guy going to sleep is rather high. Cliche time! Don’t blink!

Here is Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith on Derek Campos:

Prelims: Streaming Online

Mark Dickman vs. Daniel Pineda: Featherweight

Kenya Miranda vs. Emily Ducote: (W) Flyweight