Nemkov-Johnson, Bader-Anderson Set For Oct. 16

Bellator MMA’s Featherweight Grand Prix will conclude later tonight (Sat., July 31, 2021) with division king Patricio Freire taking on A.J. McKee for the $1 million prize. But another one of the promotion’s tournaments is nearing its end, as well.

The semifinal round of the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix will go down at an upcoming event on Oct. 16 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ., and will be headlined by a 205-pound title fight between division king, Vadim Nemkov, taking on Anthony Johnson.

Nemkov moved on to the semifinal round by defeating Phil Davis for the second time in the quarterfinals to improve his win streak to eight (highlights), six under the Bellator umbrella. Johnson, meanwhile, survived an early scare in his quarterfinal bout against Jose Augusto at Bellator 258 before knocking him in round two. The fight was “Rumble’s” debut for the promotion after making the jump from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The other semifinal bout will see former division king Ryan Bader take on his ex training partner Corey Anderson. Bader took out Lyoto Machida in the opening round at Bellator 256 (see it), while Anderson knocked out Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov to advance at Bellator 257. The winners of these bouts will then face off in the finale to not only possibly crown a new champion but also for a massive $1 million payday.

Predictions?

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