Two Heavyweight Grand Prix matches are on the horizon, with Bellator 207: “Mitrione vs. Bader” taking place Oct. 12, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn., and Bellator 208: “Fedor vs. Sonnen” the next night in Uniondale, New York. The winners of those two main events will meet to be crowned the winner of the tournament and reigning Heavyweight champion.
Thanks to the Los Angeles Times (and MMA Fighting) we now know that the final match of the Grand Prix will take place at The Forum in Inglewood (just outside Los Angeles), Calif., on Jan. 26, 2019. The as yet unnumbered Bellator event will be the third straight year of the promotion putting on “tent pole” events at The Forum.
Two years ago, Tito Ortiz choked out Chael Sonnen in what was believed to be the swan song of Ortiz’ career — at least until “Liddell vs. Ortiz“ was booked for The Forum on Nov. 24, 2018. Earlier this year, Rory MacDonald beat Douglas Lima in the same venue to become Bellator’s Welterweight champion.
Can a third trip to The Forum equal — or exceed — the prestige of the previous two? With no other fights announced thus far one can only assume Bellator will try to load up this card.
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