8 light heavyweights set for Bellator series
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator President Scott Coker has long declared that his promotion has amassed the best light heavyweight division in mixed martial arts, UFC be damned. The upcoming grand prix gives him the chance to prove it.
With its featherweight tournament moving to its final round, Bellator gears up for a 205-pound grand prix launch. The tournament features eight of the promotion’s top fighters and kicks off Friday with Bellator 256 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
“The fact is we have the best light heavyweight division on the planet right now,” Coker told USA TODAY Sports. “Whoever wins this tournament will be champion of the world.”
Friday’s headliner is a rematch between current heavyweight champion Ryan Bader (27-6) and former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Lyoto Machida (26-10). The two first fought each other in August 2012. In that meeting, it was Machida who walked away victorious after knocking out Bader in the second round.
Both fighters expressed that the rematch is a totally different matchup.
“It was so long ago,” Bader said. “I was a different fighter. I’ve won championships. I’ve done grand prixs, all that kind of stuff, (and) fought the who’s who of MMA. It was a lifetime ago for me.”
Machida added, “I don’t think about the last fight anymore. Even if you win or you lose, it doesn’t matter. If you win, you’re not going to take any step ahead of your opponent just because you have the win. If you lose, it’s the same thing because it’s a new fight, new fighter, eight years ago.”
Over the span of the promotion’s next three events, the four openinground matchups will play out to determine the semifinalists. At Bellator 257 on April 16, current light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov (13-2) faces Phil Davis (22-5) in a rematch of their November 2018 bout, which saw the former edge a close split decision. On the same card, longtime UFC contender Corey Anderson (14-5) fights promotional newcomer Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-5-1).
Perhaps the most hyped fight of the first round, however, is booked for Bellator 258 on May 7. Two fan favorites who built their brands in the UFC, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (22-6) and Yoel Romero (13-5), will meet in a sureto-be explosive co-headliner. Both fighters are new to the promotion, with Johnson coming out of retirement and Romero shifting from the UFC.
All three of Bellator’s events can be seen on Showtime as part of the promotion’s new agreement with the premium cable network.