Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix: Opening Round Predictions

Now we have the opening match-ups of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix, we have a better idea how the tournament will play out, injuries or withdrawals aside of course.

Quinton Jackson vs. Chael Sonnen
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Frank Mir
Matt Mitrione vs. Roy Nelson
Ryan Bader vs. Muhammed Lawal

Looking into my crystal ball, this is how I think it will play out, at the end of the opening series of fights I expect the following four to progress.

Chael Sonnen
Frank Mir
Roy Nelson
Ryan Bader 

Sonnen, I think, will use the obvious tactic to drag Rampage to the floor to win a decision, Mir will knock out what is left of Fedor, Nelson will repeat his previous win and stop Mitrione, although that is my least confident pick, and Bader will easily deal with King Mo, probably on points.

Betting Odds:

Matt Mitrione — 9/4
Ryan Bader — 14/5
Frank Mir — 4/1
Fedor Emelianenko — 6/1
Roy Nelson — 6/1
Any Alternate Fighter — 6/1
Muhammed Lawal — 11/1
Chael Sonnen — 14/1
Quinton Jackson — 16/1

Bader, despite being a light heavyweight, looks decent odds. Mitrione could win it, but the one person who I think has his number is Nelson. I just can’t see him getting past Nelson the former UFC heavyweight but if he does then Mitrione is a good pick to win the whole thing. Hand on the heart as we stand now, my money would be going on Bader.