Phil Davis likes idea of light heavyweight grand prix after Bellator 231

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Phil Davis is zoned in on his return to the cage at Bellator 231 on Friday night.

While he recognizes there’s a serious task in front of him in the form of promotional newcomer Karl Albrektsson (9-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (20-5 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) hopes a victory will propel him to exciting new ventures.

Over the past two years, Bellator has jumped headfirst into tournaments. First, the heavyweight division’s eight-man grand prix was held, then the welterweight tourney which will finish up this weekend, Bellator’s 16-man featherweight grand prix finished it’s opening round last month.

While Bellator president Scott Coker hinted at a potential women’s grand prix beginning in 2020 at a media day Wednesday, Davis hopes the 205-pounders are on deck for the next tournament.

“Absolutely,” Davis told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “You know what? It’s time to make that happen. The welterweights had a great grand prix. The featherweights had an amazing grand prix which is still going and still amazing. It’s time to make that happen at light heavyweight. I’m sure the fans will go ape crazy.”

In the heavyweight grand prix, Bellator light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader moved up in weight and obtained double champ status. As a result, Bader has not competed at 205 pounds since November 2017.

“It’s a little frustrating as would the fans because I’d like to see him defend his belt at light heavyweight,” Davis said. “So I’m sure he knows that and he’s getting that question a lot. But that needs to happen sooner for sure.”

Before a potential tournament comes to fruition or he is matched up with champion Ryan Bader, the former champion Davis will have to get through the tough 25-year-old Swede Albrektsson.

“A young guy, extremely talented, he’s going to have a great career here in mixed martial arts. He’s going to be a name that people continue to see for a long time.”

Bellator 231 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.