Bellator MMA made a huge announcement following a press conference the organization had yesterday. In particular, the promotion explained that they will move from Paramount Network and go to the premium network, Showtime. In the midst of the proclamation, Scott Coker, President of Bellator, also indicates another Grand Prix tournament is on the horizon.
Specifically, fans are clamoring for the matchup between former UFC title challengers Yoel Romero and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Although, the tournament is packed with plenty of notable names.
Bellator Moves To A New Home With Big Names
The 8-man light heavyweight tournament will result in the winner taking home the light heavyweight belt. Currently, the light heavyweight champion is Vadim Nemkov but it will take a year for the contest to conclude. While one of the bigger fights is Romero vs. Johnson, questions surround both athletes. For instance, Johnson has taken time off since leaving the UFC. On the other hand, Romero is also enjoying a long break since departing from the UFC too.
Prior to leaving the UFC, Romero struggled to pick up a win. In fact, his last three bouts all resulted in a loss. However, the Cuban faced stiff competition like middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, as well as top contenders like Paulo Costa along the way. Overall, the tournament offers redemption for several of the athletes competing.
The first chapter of the 8-man tournament will begin on April 9. With Ryan Bader and Lyoto Machida starting us off. Prior to the end of the conference, Showtime and Bellator indicated exactly who would participate in the light heavyweight Grand Prix.
Here is a list of all the athletes competing at Bellator MMA’s 2021 light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament:
- Yoel Romero
- Anthony Johnson
- Vadim Nemkov
- Ryan Bader
- Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
- Corey Anderson
- Phil Davis
- Lyoto Machida
What do you think of Bellator’s new light heavyweight Grand Prix? Let us know below in the comment section!
