The MMA universe has patiently waited for the announcement of the Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1 Light-Heavyweight tournament brackets since it was first slated in June.
Now, the brackets have been made public with Muhammed ‘King Mo’ Lawal vs. Linton Vassell and Phil Davis vs. Emanuel Newton set for the two semi-final match-ups.
Both ‘King Mo’ and Vassell come into the fight with wins at Bellator 134: The British Invasion, with Lawal taking a split decision over Cheick Kongo, whereas ‘The Swarm’ scored a second round TKO over Sokoudjou.
In contrast, Newton and Davis lead into DYNAMITE 1 with losses on their record, after Davis lost a split decision to Ryan Bader and Newton dropped his 205lb title to Liam McGeary at The British Invasion.
The interesting dynamic has the potential for at least two rematches, with Vassell having fought Newton at Bellator 130 last October. A fight Vassell came mightily close to winning before Newton secured a fifth round rear-naked-choke win.
Former champion Newton also has the possibility for a third fight against ‘King Mo’, which should he win, would almost certainly end any chance of the two of them fighting again. ‘The Hardcore Kid’ holds two unanimous decision victories over Lawal in 2013.
Also, in the reserve tournament fight, Bellator newboy Francis Carmont (23-10) faces off against Philipe Lins (9-1).
The winner will find themselves next in line for a Bellator Light-Heavyweight title shot, which McGeary defends in the main event against veteran Tito Ortiz.
Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1 – Saturday, September 19 – SAP Center, San Jose, Calif.
Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Tito Ortiz (18-11) vs. © Liam McGeary (10-0)
Glory Vacant Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Saulo Cavalari (31-2) vs. Zack Mwekassa (13-2)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Fight: Phil Davis (13-3) vs. Emanuel Newton (25-8-1)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Fight: Linton Vassell (15-4-1) vs. Muhammed Lawal (15-4, 1 NC)
Glory Welterweight Feature Fight:Paul Daley (37-13-2 MMA/20-3 Kickboxing) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (24-13/1-2 Kickboxing)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Josh Thomson (20-8) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-8-1)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Alternate Bout: Francis Carmont (23-10) vs. Philipe Lins (9-1)
