Muhammed Lawal is keeping a close eye to the upcoming Bellator light heavyweight grand prix.
The former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion likes what Bellator has put together for their 205-pound division this spring – an eight-man tournament where the light heavyweight title is being disputed throughout the entirety of the bracket.
Defending titleholder Vadim Nemkov hopes to solidify his status as champion, while Phil Davis, Anthony Johnson, Yoel Romero, Ryan Bader, Lyoto Machida, Corey Anderson and Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov will attempt to dethrone the champion and leave the grand prix reining over the division.
Lawal, who’s got plenty of experience in MMA tournaments, having won the Rizin FF heavyweight grand prix in 2015 and competed in the Bellator heavyweight grand prix in 2018, is excited to see this upcoming tournament unfold. And although he feels Nemkov might retain his title through the entirety of tournament, “King Mo” admits the grand prix is as competitive as they come.
Speaking with MMA Junkie Radio, Lawal shared his thoughts the upcoming Bellator light heavyweight grand prix.
Vadim Nemkov vs. Phil Davis
“Nemkov is a beast, He has better standup, but when I saw him and Davis fight, one thing I saw was Nemkov kind of faded in the third round. From what I’ve seen, it seems Nemkov has the cardio issues underhand and in control. I think we’ll see a more aggressive Phil Davis, and I think we’ll see a more confident Nemkov.
“That tournament is close, there are no favorites. I favor Nemkov because he’s the champion, but anything can happen.”
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoel Romero
“That’s a tough one, man. My boy ‘Black Elvis.’ See, ‘Rumble’ Johnson, I know him as ‘Black Elvis.’ I just call him ‘Black Elvis’ from back in the day. He’s a monster, and he got Romero who never ages. I think he’s like 5-0 vs. father time, so it’s going to be an interesting fight right there.
“Romero’s quickness and speed and his power vs. ‘Rumble’ Johnson’s size and aggressiveness and power. That’s going to be a nasty fight right there man. Somebody is going to sleep. Comatose.
“The loser is them gloves because I know they’re going to be f*cked up. The winner are the fans. If I could tell you a winner, I’d be like, ‘Look, ya’ll, put all your money on this guy. Go to the casinos and put your money down.’ But, you know what? I’m not going to do that.”
Ryan Bader vs. Lyoto Machida
“Bader is talented, big, but here’s the issue: That dude got so big it’s going to be a hard time to make 205. But Machida is slick. He’s a little older, not as big, but he has tricks up his sleeve. He’s a martial artist.
“That one right there, I think the favorite is Bader because he’s younger and fresher, but Machida can always do something.”
Corey Anderson vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
“Corey ain’t no joke. He can box, he can wrestle, he can do it all. Corey is going to be hard to beat, man. I got Corey in that one. I really like Corey, I like his fighting style.
“I think Corey Anderson is the dark horse. The fights he’s lost in the past has been because of mental errors. He can be wining the fight and all the sudden get caught with something. But he’s coming into his own, I see a little more different Corey. He’s more confident and just seems hungry. I can’t wait for that one.”