Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix

The most recent news we published about the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix, the tournament that the world's second most prestigious mixed martial arts company will hold to name a new heavyweight champion, were the words of Frank Mir about his next opponent, Fedor Emelianenko.

"I think Fedor is still extremely dangerous. The difference is that everyone else has simply improved a lot. Before, fighters weren't as complete. Fedor is still good at everything. But now everyone is good at everything. We really can't say anymore that a guy doesn't dominate the stand-up game or the ground game. Just like in boxing, not everyone does it the same way, but everyone boxes. Underestimating Fedor would be a mistake. He's a great fighter. But the rest of us have caught up."

Now we bring you the recent comments from Chael Sonnen, who will also be part of the tournament, analyzing the different initial fights.

Just announced on @SportsCenter: The Heavyweight World Grand Prix bracket is set and kicks off Jan 20th in LA with @ChaelSonnen vs @Rampage4real!! pic.twitter.com/jEB9pPg4wD

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 23, 2017

Chael Sonnen vs Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson

"Our rivalry goes way back. The last time we saw each other, they had to separate us in a hotel in Arizona. I always thought this fight could happen, but I thought it would be impossible because he would return to the UFC. Contractually, I'm not aware of how it happened, but I'm happy."

Matt Mitrione vs Roy Nelson

"Mitrione hasn't made a good deal. He was one fight away from being a world champion. Now he finds out that he's three fights away. He and I must have had completely opposite perspectives when we received the news. He must have said, 'Oh, God, are you telling me I need to win three fights?' I got the phone call and said, 'Wow, I can win three fights and be world champion.' I didn't see it coming. I think Mitrione is the best heavyweight out there. When I say that, I usually encounter other opinions, but it's my opinion and I mean it. However, they have fought before, and Roy beat him (December 2012). That matters and they both remember it."

Fedor Emelianenko vs Frank Mir

"I love this fight. Pride champion against UFC champion. I don't know if I agree that Fedor is as rusty as others think. Fedor knocked out Mitrione, but it turned out he was knocked out at the same time. That was just a really weird match. I've always respected him and still do."

Ryan Bader vs Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal

"I didn't fully understand it at first. You have the light heavyweight champion in Bader, facing a fellow light heavyweight in Mo, but the belt is not on the line. So let's say Mo wins, defeats the light heavyweight champion... he doesn't become the champion? It's going to upset a lot of people, which is good for the sport, right? Make people talk about something. Those are the two most athletic guys. They actually met in college wrestling (in 2003), NCAA quarterfinals, and Mo beat him. Mo knows he can defeat him, he believes he can do it, and Bader wants the rematch. That's very interesting."

Source: BJPenn.com