6. Matt Mitrione vs. Roy Nelson
Bellator 194
Feb. 16 | Uncasville, Connecticut
As the Bellator MMA heavyweight grand prix begins to take shape, attention shifts to the clash between Mitrione and Nelson at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The winner will advance to the semifinals, where a date with either Ryan Bader or Muhammed Lawal awaits. The 39-year-old Mitrione has the wind of a three-fight winning streak in his sails, having scored consecutive knockouts against Carl Seumanutafa, Oli Thompson and the legendary Fedor Emelianenko since leaving the UFC for Bellator in 2016. Nelson, who turns 42 in June, made his promotional debut at Bellator 183 a little more than four months ago, picking up a unanimous decision over Javy Ayala. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 10 winner owns a December 2012 technical knockout victory against Mitrione.

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