Roy Nelson will face Sergei Kharitonov at Bellator 207 in a clash of heavy-hitters that will serve as the evening’s co-main event.
Bellator 207 has a whopper of a co-main event lined up. After losing out on a chance to headline Bellator 200, Ultimate Fighter winner and former UFC star Roy Nelson returns this fall to face Pride/Strikeforce veteran Sergei Kharitonov. MMA Junkie first reported the news. It’s a marquee match-up between two heavy hitters, and will no doubt be a popular choice with fans.
Nelson (23–15), 42 years old, is coming off a loss to Matt Mitrione in the opening round of the Bellator World Heavyweight Grand Prix. That fight also took place in Uncasville, CT, which will host Bellator 207 as well. Prior to that setback, Nelson had won his Bellator debut against Javy Ayala (who happens to hold a win over Kharitonov). ‘Big Country’ is 3-3 across his last six fights.
Kharitonov (27–6 (1)) has not fought in Bellator in over a year, but has stayed busy, as his deal with the promotion allows him to pursue fights overseas. Since a knockout victory over Chase Gormley at Bellator 175 in March 2017, Kharitonov won three straight, including victories over Sokoudjou and Joey Beltran. His last bout, against Anton Vyazigin in M-1, ended in a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke.
There’s no word on whether Nelson vs. Kharitonov will serve as an alternate bout for the Grand Prix. However, given it’s proximity to the semi-finals, it certainly seems possible. Nelson had been expected to face Mirko Cro-Cop at Bellator 200, only for Cro-Cop to suffer a last-minute injury.
Bellator 207 takes place October 12 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
