It would appear that the mixed martial arts promotion Bellator MMA has locked down dates and match ups for its upcoming heavyweight tournament. Two former UFC competitors will be kicking things off in California.
It was recently revealed that Bellator MMA plans on holding a tournament grand prix to crown the next Bellator heavyweight champion. The tournament is set to include a series of exciting fighters including Fedor Emelianenko, Frank Mir, Matt Mitrione, Roy Nelson, Ryan Bader, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Muhammad Lawal and Chael Sonnen.
As reported by MMA Fighting, the dates and match ups for the grand prix have now been locked in.
Bellator 192 goes down Jan. 20 in Inglewood, Calif. and is set to feature the first fight of the tournament, as former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson goes toe-to-toe with former UFC competitor Chael Sonnen.
Fellow former UFC competitors Matt Mitrione and Roy Nelson will then throw down Feb. 16 in Uncasville, Conn. In April, inside the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., Fedor Emelianenko and former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir will go toe-to-toe.
Lastly, Ryan Bader and Muhammad Lawal will meet inside the Bellator cage in May at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.
