The Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix kicked off at Bellator 192, with Chael Sonnen earning a unanimous decision win over former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
Two fighters have been announced as alternates in the heavyweight grand prix by Bellator MMA President Scott Coker, with those fighters being UFC veteran Cheick Kongo and Javy Ayala.
Kongo (27-10-2) is currently in the midst of a five fight winning streak, which includes wins over UFC veterans Alexander Volkov and Oli Thompson. Kongo has previously challenged for the Bellator MMA Heavyweight Title, losing to then champion Vitaly Minakov at Bellator 115. Kongo did earn a total of eleven wins during his time in the UFC, including a win over heavyweight grand prix competitor Matt Mitrione.
Ayala (10-6-0) has won five fights under the Bellator MMA banner, including a knockout win over Sergei Kharitonov at Bellator 163. Ayala has previously fought heavyweight grand prix competitor Roy Nelson at Bellator 183, suffering a decision loss. Ayala has seen just one of his appearances in Bellator MMA go the distance and that was the aforementioned bout against Roy Nelson.
Bellator 194 is when the next bout in the heavyweight grand prix takes place, as Roy Nelson battles Matt Mitrione.
