Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix (First Round Predictions)

Bellator MMA is kicking off 2018 with a bang with the first matchup of the Heavyweight Grand Prix, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs Chael Sonnen at Bellator 192. The Forum in Inglewood, California will host this event on January 20th. While Rampage possesses knockout power, I don’t think he’ll have the opportunity to use it on Chael. I believe Sonnen will come into this fight very well prepared and will force Jackson to play his game, which will most likely take place on the ground, where Rampage won’t be able to shut the lights out with one punch. I think that Chael treats Rampage much like he did wanderlei silva in their last fight and comes out with the first round victory.

Next up is the rematch of former Ultimate Fighter season 10 contestants Matt Mitrione and Roy Nelson. Winner of TUF 10, Roy Nelson is coming off of a win in his bellator debut. Mitrione is coming off a win as well, he made short work of Heavyweight legend Fedor emelianenko after a spectacular double knockdown at the beginning of round 1. In their first meeting Nelson was able to TKO Mitrione at 2:58 in the 1st round. But, I think Nelson is dealing with a different, more confident Mitrione especially after his most recent victory. This should be a good fight but I think Matt Mitrione defeats Roy Nelson.

April 2018 will bring us Fedor Emelianenko vs Frank Mir. This fight is very hard to call for me but I believe Fedor will be looking to make a huge statement after his most recent lost to Mitrione. Frank Mir hasn’t fought since March of 2016 and is coming off of 2 losses, one of which by knockout against Mark “The Super Samoan” Hunt. But, this is Mir’s bellator debut so he also has a statement to make. This fight should be interesting but I think Fedor takes it.

Current Bellator Light heavyweight champion, former UFC top contender Ryan Bader is slated to face off against “King Mo” Lawal in may of 2018. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure why bellator is allowing a current champion to compete for another title at a different weight but we’ll see how this plays out. King Mo is coming off a very unimpressive win over Rampage, where as over Bader’s last two fights he won the LHW championship and then successfully defended it. Just based on recent performances, I think bader takes this bout.

These are my predictions for the first round of The Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix, thank you for reading.