The stakes have been raised for Bellator’s upcoming bicentennial event.
Bellator president Scott Coker announced Thursday that Bellator 200’s main event, a heavyweight rematch between Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Roy Nelson, will serve as an official alternate bout for the promotion’s 2018 heavyweight grand prix.
“That will be for the first alternate spot,” Coker said. “Whoever wins will be the alternate for the tournament in case somebody gets injured.”
Coker announced the news at Bellator 198’s pre-fight press conference held to promote this weekend’s tourney quarterfinal bout between former Pride FC champion Fedor Emelianenko and ex-UFC titleholder Frank Mir, which headlines Saturday’s event in Chicago.