When Bellator MMA unveiled the brackets for its heavyweight grand prix last year, oddsmakers tabbed Matt Mitrione as one of the early favorites. Mitrione opened with 9/4 odds to win the bracket, while light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader was listed as a close second at 14/5.
Mitrione will face Roy Nelson in the first round of the tournament at Bellator 194 on Friday at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday night. The card will be televised on the Paramount Network beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.