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This coming weekend features many important heavyweight encounters as the Friday Night UFC event is headlined by heavyweights, former wrestler Batista makes his MMA debut as a heavyweight and Bellator kicks off its heavyweight tournament. This season’s heavyweight tournament features a pair of UFC veterans, Strikeforce veteran and a highly anticipated rematch.
Kicking off the action is a heavyweight tournament opening round fight as Mark Holata (12-3-0) does battle with Vinicius “Spartan†De Queiroz (5-2-0). Mark Holata has won two of three in UFC competition, most notably defeating Abe Wagner at Bellator 69. Vinicius De Queiroz competes for the first time since his UFC release, which came after a UFC 120 loss to Rob Broughton. Vinicius De Queiroz may have bigger promotional experience than his foe, but it will be Mark Holata advancing to the semi-finals.
We remain with the heavyweight tournament opening round as Richard “Rare Breed†Hale (19-4-0) faces Mike “The Juggernaut†Wessel (12-4-0). Richard Hale will be joining Joe Warren and Pat Curran as the only fighters two compete in two separate division tournaments in Bellator as he previously competed in a light heavyweight tournament. Mike Wessel is currently undefeated in Bellator competition, having defeated Ryan Martinez at Bellator 73. Richard Hale is going to be badly out powered by Mike Wessel in this fight on route to suffering a defeat.
Up next is another heavyweight tournament opening round fight as Brett “The Grim†Rogers (12-4-0) battles Alexander Volkov (16-3-0). Brett Rogers previously had tournament experience competing in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, losing in the opening round. Alexander Volkov enters the tournament riding a seven fight winning streak, which includes a victory over former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez. This should be the best striking battle of the opening round, but it will be Alexander Volkov knocking off the Strikeforce veteran.
Headlining this card is another heavyweight tournament opening round encounter as Eric “The American Soldier†Prindle (7-2-0) takes on Thiago “Big Monster†Santos (10-1-0). Eric Prindle won the previous heavyweight tournament, but lost his title shot to now retired champion Cole Konrad at Bellator 70. Thiago Santos last fought Eric Prindle at Bellator 59, the fight ended in a no contest after he accidentally kicked Eric Prindle in the testicles. Eric Prindle has a lot more momentum than his opponent entering the rematch and he will pull out the victory to end the rivalry.
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