Bellator MMA will continue to promote the mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament, much like it did with the heavyweight class, when 10 top welterweights get paired off for the promotion’s upcoming 170-pound grand prix.
The festivities get underway with Douglas Lima vs. Andrey Koreshkov on Sept. 29 in San Jose, which also marks Bellator’s debut on the DAZN digital streaming platform with a price point of $9.99 a month.
In addition to Lima and Koreshkov, the tournament will include reigning Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald, striking sensation Michael “Venom” Page, UFC import Lorenz Larkin, mat specialist Ed Ruth, wrestling powerhouse Jon Fitch, and jiu-jitsu ace Neiman Gracie.
Ukrainian “Dynamo” Yaroslav Amosov was also named and the promotion is actively trying to reach a deal with Paul “Semtex” Daley, who would be a welcome entry into the tourney based on his one-punch knockout power (and existing beefs with guys like “MVP”).
The brackets have yet to be released, but I know I speak for more than just myself when I visibly wince at the idea of Page getting taken down and humped into oblivion by someone like Fitch. Also, I’m not sure what happens to MaDonald’s belt if he’s upended in the tournament.
Though if he loses it, “Red King” may have a second one to fall back on.