Bellator 207 marked another entry of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix, and when there is a tournament bout on the card, you can always expect fireworks. Tonight was one of the most exciting cards Bellator has put on in recent years, and there were a lot of the promotion’s biggest stars taking the next step of their careers. There are so many amazing fighters who are in need of another opponent, so here are some possibilities that I think Bellator should consider.
Carrington Banks vs. Richie Smullen
Carrington Banks suffered the most devastating loss of his career in the main card opener, but he has still shown potential in the cage. Banks’ chin got touched tonight, but fighting someone else who wants to grapple would favor him. Welcoming Richie Smullen to Bellator could prove to be a good night for banks, and it would be a battle between two of the best grapplers in Bellator’s Lightweight division.
Mandel Nallo vs. Roger Huerta
Mandel Nallo had a huge coming out party tonight, and I think that should earn him a high profile fight. Roger Huerta is someone that is a legend among hardcore MMA fans, but he has yet to pick up a win under the Bellator banner. This is a classic old school vs. new school fight, and I think it could be a huge turning point in both men’s careers.
Baby Slice vs. Costantin Gnusariev
Baby Slice went out tonight much like his father always did; with a bang. Slice went after his opponent with non-stop submissions and heavy punches, but gassed out and got finished. A fight against a relative unknown like Gnusariev could be good to get him back on track, or hand him another much needed learning experience.
Corey Browning vs. Jake Smith
Corey Browning was undoubtedly signed by Bellator just so that Baby Slice could have a punching bag, yet he pulled off an amazing upset. Browning showed an inhuman amount of heart and excellent cardio, so a fight against someone else just as tough only makes sense. Jake Smith has proven in the Bellator cage that he knocks people out, and this could prove to be fight of the night.
Ion Pascu vs. Erick Silva
Ion Pascu had his moments against Lorenz Larkin, but ultimately the decision did not go his way. Pascu is a talented grappler, but there is only so much you can do without a full training camp. Being matched up against Bellator’s most recent Welterweight signee could give him a chance to prove himself, and it could provide Erick Silva with a much needed dance partner.
Lorenz Larkin: Wait
Lorenz Larkin gained himself a spot as an alternate in the Bellator Welterweight Tournament with a win tonight, and that means he needs to wait and see what happens. The best thing for Larkin to do is train, stay healthy and be ready to step in for somebody. If someone gets hurt in the tournament, then Larkin needs to be ready to step up.
Roy Nelson vs. Mirko Cro Cop 2
Roy Nelson suffered only the third knockout loss of his career tonight, and it marks his second straight loss in Bellator. Nelson was initially supposed to rematch Mirko Cro Cop in the main event of Bellator 200, but Cro Cop fell out with an injury, and he didn’t get a chance to avenge his loss to Big Country. With Nelson now on a two fight skid, rematching someone he already knocked out could be beneficial to him, and Mirko Cro Cop always has a kicker’s chance.
Sergei Kharitonov vs. Rampage Jackson
Sergei Kharitonov managed to keep his unbeaten streak alive with a knockout over Nelson tonight, and that should earn him another big name. Rampage Jackson is as popular as they come in MMA, so a match-up between these two legends should grant a lot of hype. There is no reason for Kharitonov to not currently be in the Heavyweight tournament, and he can prove that by beating everyone who competed in it.
Matt Mitrione vs. James Mulheron
Matt Mitrione got ragdolled in the main event tonight, but he is still one of the best Heavyweights on the Bellator roster. A fight against another UFC vet could be good for Mitrione to get a win under his belt. You can almost guarantee a knockout in this fight, and I would love to see this slugfest.
Ryan Bader vs. Sonnen/Fedor winner
Ryan Bader absolutely dominated Matt Mitrione, which means that he is set to fight the winner of Chael Sonnen vs. Fedor Emelianenko for the Heavyweight title. No matter what happens, it seems that Bader’s wrestling is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I hope to see him stay healthy and make it to the finals of the tournament, and I am confident that he will become Bellator’s first every two division champion.
