Bellator 214: Scott Coker Outlines Why Ryan Bader – Fedor Emelianenko is Perfect For GP Final

Ryan Bader and Fedor Emelianenko are going to battle in the finals of Bellator’s heavyweight grand-prix tonight, and it sounds like Scott Coker couldn’t be happier about that fact.

When Bellator announced the tourney’s opening round match-ups and brackets several months ago, more than a few folks noted that a Bader – Emelianenko fight would be very interesting. After all, Emelianenko is one of the sport’s greatest legends, and Bader is Bellator’s 205 champ and a UFC vet.

Well, fast forward to today, and that match-up will headline Bellator 214 tonight. Recently Coker was asked if Bader – Emelianenko is the most intriguing bout that could take place in the finals, and Bellator’s President said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“Absolutely (it’s the most intriguing final). When you think about Fedor being the GOAT, being the greatest fighter of all time and has really looked good in his last two fights. What I mean by that is not just the way he’s won, but he’s looked really fast to me. Very explosive. Ryan, to me, arguably could be pound-for-pound one of the best fighters right now, and he’s in his prime. It’s going to be a tough fight for Fedor, but that guy has always stepped up over and over, and we’re going to see something really spectacular on Saturday.”

It certainly seems like a win-win situation for Bellator. If Fedor wins, then the Russian star will have done the unexpected, by winning the promotion’s heavyweight belt at the age of 42. If Bader wins, then Bellator will have a champ-champ, who Bellator can promote as a pound-for-pound contender. Coker also noted that provided Bader can stay busy, and commit to title defenses, Bellator will allow him to defend both belts.

Here is the complete line-up for Bellator 214, which will take place in Inglewood, California.

MAIN CARD (Paramount Network)

Vacant Bellator Heavyweight Championship
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ryan Bader

Featherweight: Aaron Pico vs. Henry Corrales

Heavyweight: Jake Hager vs. JW Kiser

Bantamweight: Juan Archuleta vs. Ricky Bandejas

Featherweight: Brandon McMahan vs. Adel Altamimi

PRELIMINARY CARD (Bellator.com)

Catchweight: A.J. Agazarm vs. Jesse Roberts

Lightweight: Chris Gonzalez vs. Henry Mendez

Bantamweight: Weber Almeida vs. Odan Chinchilla

Featherweight: Jay Jay Wilson vs. Tyler Beneke