Bellator To Host Eight-Man Tournament to Crown New Heavyweight Champion

Bellator is set to host an eight-man tournament to crowd a new heavyweight champion. The Bellator MMA World Grand Prix takes place in 2018, Scott Coker told MMAjunkie, with a field that includes Fedor Emelianenko, Frank Mir, Matt Mitrione, and Roy Nelson. Four light-heavyweights will move up as well: Ryan Bader, Quinton Jackson, Muhammed Lawal, and Chael Sonnen.

“This is going to be something that’s iconic for us,” Coker said. “Tournaments, traditionally, are kind of the way martial arts contests happen. Now we get to put eight iconic brand names in our sport together over a year, and then whoever wins will be crowned the heavyweight champion.”

The fights will be contested throughout the year, with one tournament fight per night at seven yet-to-be-decided Bellator shows. The final bout is currently scheduled for December 2018. The draw will be determined soon.

“I think there are certain fights that people want to see,” Coker said. “Believe me, we’re going to have some amazing matchups in this tournament. These fights that we’re going to put together are something that the fans want to see. These are iconic names, big brands.”