Bellator’s light heavyweight grand prix may bring a sense of order to the promotion’s stacked 205-pound division, but it could also cause potential issues at heavyweight. That’s because the reigning heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader , is set to compete as part of the eight-man grand prix, and if he’s successful in the early stages of the tournament, it could effectively place the heavyweight division on hold. Bader (27-6 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) will headline Bellator 256 , where he’ll take on former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida (26-10 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) in a quarterfinal clash. The event takes place on April 9 in Uncasville, Conn. and will air on Showtime. Speaking with reporters, including MMA Junkie, during a virtual media session, Bellator president Scott Coker said he’s aware of the potential logjam if Bader progresses in the grand prix, and said that discussions are already being had behind the scenes to keep the heavyweight division moving if Bader’s tournament commitments continue.
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