With the increasing prevalence of fighters withdrawing from events due to injury, often on short notice, Bellator MMA has a backup plan to ensure its heavyweight Grand Prix goes as smoothly as possible.
Bellator President Scott Coker revealed that plan during Thursday’s press conference for Bellator 208, which takes place Saturday. Chael Sonnen and Fedor Emelianenko will battle it out in the tournament’s semifinals, while longtime Bellator and former UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo (28-10 2) will fight Timothy Johnson in a main card feature bout.
“[If] Cheick wins, and if there’s a hiccup (in the tournament), we should probably have those two alternates fight, and then the winner can fight in the finals,” said Coker.