Bellator 256 odds, picks: MMA insider releases picks for Bader vs. Machida 2 and other fights on April 9 card

Ryan Bader takes on MMA icon Lyoto Machida in the main event of Bellator 256 on Friday night. The matchup is a quarterfinal for the promotion's World Grand Prix tournament in the light heavyweight division. The main card is slated for 9 p.m. ET and will be televised on Showtime. Bader is a -300 favorite (risk $300 to win $100), while Machida is offered at +250 (risk $100 to win $250) in the latest William Hill Sportsbook odds for Bellator 256. 

Before you make your Bellator 256 picks, make sure you see what the ultimate MMA insider, Ian Parker, has to say. 

A former fighter who's been in the industry for 15 years, Parker has managed some of the world's best, including former UFC middleweight champ Chris Weidman, Costas Philippou and Gian Villante. Parker trained alongside UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra. Now, Parker breaks down fights and makes betting picks for the Voice of the UFC, Jon Anik.

Parker is coming off a mind-boggling 2020 season. On the Anik & Florian Podcast, Parker went an astounding 58-14, returning $9,465 to $100 bettors who followed him. He hit 11 of his 17 underdog picks and 19 of 30 main events. Overall, Parker nailed an astonishing 81 percent of his plays. 

At Bellator 255 last week, Parker went 3-1 to provide a profitable night for SportsLine members. His winners included calling a win for Jason Jackson (-115) over Neiman Gracie (-105) in the co-main event. Anyone who has followed Parker already has seen massive returns! 

For Bellator 256, we can tell you Parker is backing Adam Borics (+110) to pull off the slight upset against Jeremy Kennedy (-130) in a matchup of featherweight prospects on the main card. 

"I have a feeling after we see some heavy strikes early, Borics will likely take Kennedy down and use his ground game to his advantage," Parker said. "Borics has fought the higher-level competition and, as an underdog, I think he gets the win."

Parker has also locked in his picks for Bader vs. Machida 2 and more. You ABSOLUTELY need to see his picks before locking in any plays for Bellator 256. 

Who wins Bader vs. Machida 2? And which other fighters should you back at Bellator 256? ... Join SportsLine here to see which fighters you need to be all over at Bellator 255, all from the ultimate MMA insider who returned nearly $9,500 to his followers in 2020!