Bellator announced that Ryan Bader will defend his heavyweight title against Cheick Kongo when the promotion returns to San Jose’s SAP Center on September 7th. The event will be a DAZN exclusive event streamed through the digital platform.
Bader is also the light heavyweight champion. His defense against the French-born Kongo will be his first heavyweight title defense.
The promotion also announced that the event will have the start of its 16-man Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix.
Payout Perspective:
If you already had September 7th on your MMA calendar, that’s because it’s the same day as UFC 242 which will feature the return of Khabib Nurmagomedov against Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi. There has not been a confirmed time for the event considering the difference in time. But, if it were to go against Bellator in its regular time slot there might be some conflict for fans. Bader’s return and rise in Bellator should be highlighted as become a dominant force in the promotion. Facing another ex-UFC fighter, Kongo, presents a tough first defense in the heavyweight division.
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