Ryan Bader and Matt Mitrione will clash in Connecticut this Fall as the Bellator World Heavyweight Grand Prix continues.
The next date in Bellator’s World Heavyweight Grand Prix is set, as Matt Mitrione will face Ryan Bader on October 12. The promotion announced the news Tuesday. The winner of Mitrione vs. Bader will face the winner of the second semi-final featuring Chael Sonnen vs. Fedor Emelianenko. The date for that second fight has not been set, but Bellator CEO Scott Coker has consistently said that the fights would happen within weeks of one another, to ensure no one had any advantage in terms of rest and recuperation.
The Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix returns October 12th! 🔥
Semi-finalists @mattmitrione and light heavyweight champ @ryanbader face off at @MoheganSun to decide who will advance to the #BellatorWGP finals!
Exclusive online pre-sale this Thursday. pic.twitter.com/EUrhg9Pqbh
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 10, 2018
Bader, the promotion’s light heavyweight champion, scored a quick KO over King Mo Lawal in his quarter-final bout in the heavyweight grand prix. The 25–5 light heavyweight made his debut in the larger weight class in that bout, but faced with the man many tabbed as the next 205lb contender, size didn’t matter.
It will against Mitrione, who is a natural heavyweight. ‘Meathead’ (13–5) defeated Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson in a close split decision last February to move forward to the semi-finals. Having fought his entire career between the UFC and Bellator heavyweight divisions, he’s very used to dealing with some of the biggest competitors around. Mitrione was an early favorite to win the grand prix, something boosted when he got past Nelson, one of the more formidable opponents in the tournament.
Mitrione vs. Bader will headline was is expected to be Bellator 207, October 12 in Uncasville, CT.
