Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader faces King Mo in the opening round of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Bader has a weight that he wants to compete at in the grand prix, which is significantly higher than the light heavyweight division limit.
“I’m putting on a little muscle because I don’t have to worry about making weight, obviously,” Bader told MMA Junkie. “I’m a solid three to five pounds heavier and I’ll carry that through camp; that’s the difference. When I’m making 205 I have to go heavy on strength and conditioning and get down to like the 220 mark to make weight. We’ll keep pushing hard, keep that weight on and plan to be 230, 233 when I get in there.”
The champion hasn’t competed at heavyweight during his tenures in both Bellator MMA and the UFC.
King Mo has yet to reveal a planned weight for the fight against Bader, but Bader believes Mo is going to be the smallest heavyweight he has ever fought.
“He’s probably the smallest guy I’ve ever fought, let alone in a heavyweight tournament,” Bader said. “He’s the smallest guy I’ve ever fought, ever. Weight’s not a big deal there, but moving on to the next round with Mitrione, he’s a big dude. But at the same time you want to have your cardio up. You want to be quick and agile. So it’s a fine line there.”
Bellator 199 takes place on Saturday, May 12 from the SAP Center in San Jose, California with Ryan Bader and King Mo headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
