Bellator scored a tremendous coup when they signed BJJ superstar Rafael Lovato Jr. and introduced him to their middleweight ranks. He made his way to the top in short but dramatic fashion, ultimately toppling Gegard Mousasi in a shocker for the belt. Due to unfortunate health concerns, Lovato has had to vacate the belt and a new champion will be crowned this Thursday night.
This time, the title is to be contested between former Strikeforce and Bellator champion Gegard Mousasi (46-7, 2 draws) against current welterweight champion Douglas Lima (32-7). Currently on his third title run, Lima’s path back to the welterweight belt was paved by slamming the door shut on his rivalry against Andrey Koreshkov, edging out Rory MacDonald in a rematch and superstyling on Michael Venom Page to hand him his first loss via ragdoll physics.