Report | Bellator MMA to promote talent-packed welterweight grand prix

As Bellator MMA’s exciting Heavyweight Grand Prix nears its half-way mark, the promotion is reportedly plotting another grand prix in its talent-packed welterweight division.

This, per Lance Pugmire of the LA Times.

This tournament will reportedly kick off on September 29. On that night, reigning welterweight champion Rory MacDonald will battle Gegard Mousasi for the middleweight title. MacDonald will be part of the Welterweight Grand Prix, but will only join in once his battle with Mousasi has come to pass.

Per Pugmire’s report, the Bellator welterweight Grand Prix will also feature notable stars in former champion Douglas Lima, former champion Andrey Koreshkov, British knockout artist Paul Daley, and striking whiz Michael “Venom” Page

Apparently, the promotion is hoping to book a first-round tournament bout between the former champions Douglas Lima and Andrey Koreshkov on the September 29 card. The pair, who have met twice before, are tied 1-1 across two bouts.

If the promotion does book this Lima-Koreshkov trilogy fight, that would seem to open the door to a long-discussed Paul Daley vs. Michael Page fight — potentially on the same card, though Bellator president Scott Coker has stated previously that this fight would most likely occur in the pair’s home country of England.

While nothing is official just yet, it seems likely that this welterweight tournament will feature former UFC welterweight title challenger and World Series of Fighting welterweight champion Jon Fitch, who recently debuted in the Bellator cage with a decision defeat of Paul Daley.

Other likely possibilities include Lorenz Larkin, Brennan Ward and perhaps even former Bellator lightweight champ Michael Chandler, who has expressed willingness to fight at welterweight before. Time will tell.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/25/2018.