Cheick Kongo, Javy Ayala announced as Bellator Heavyweight Grand-Prix alternates

[nuraknu]

The eight-man tournament field was finalized months ago, but it wasn’t until now we had any information regarding the inevitable alternates.

Last night following Bellator 192 at The Forum, Bellator President Scott Coker announced that Cheick Kongo and Javy Ayala would serve as alternates in the Bellator Heavyweight Grand-Prix....

Source/more: Cheick Kongo, Javy Ayala announced as Bellator Heavyweight Grand-Prix alternates - MMASucka.com

 

[nuraknu]

I couldn't remember if we talked about this or not. It sounds like there will be alternates who don't actually have to fight in alternate bouts. Not sure how I feel. I guess the alternates are people they hope will lose anyway, but if it comes down to one of them vs. Chael at some point, Idk.

And anyway, they are both decent fighters, and anything can happen in mma.

 

[Limpy]

I couldn't remember if we talked about this or not. It sounds like there will be alternates who don't actually have to fight in alternate bouts. Not sure how I feel. I guess the alternates are people they hope will lose anyway, but if it comes down to one of them vs. Chael at some point, Idk.

And anyway, they are both decent fighters, and anything can happen in mma.

Yup, last time there was a heavyweight GP an alternate won the thing.

 

[BJTT_Kiwi]

Yup, last time there was a heavyweight GP an alternate won the thing.

Yup, that worked out just like they planned.

 

[sparkuri]

I'm glad for Ayala, Kongo is a terrible choice imo.
I hope to see Kharironov's name come up at some point.
It'd be interesting if someone(Fedor or Mitrione) got injured before the finals, and Minakov was called upon.
We'd be looking at the true champ imo.

 

[Jesus X]

meh

 

[nuraknu]

It's just the idea of someone being more "fresh" I guess that is a turn-off. Although I guess the point of the alternate would be wasted if they fought for their spot and got injured or something.

 

[BJTT_Kiwi]

It's just the idea of someone being more "fresh" I guess that is a turn-off. Although I guess the point of the alternate would be wasted if they fought for their spot and got injured or something.

Alternatives fought in the last HW tournament.
Valentin Overeem v Ray Sefo. Sefo got subbed.
I forget who DC had.

Four alternates gives a good pool to choose from

 

[nuraknu]

Alternatives fought in the last HW tournament.
Valentin Overeem v Ray Sefo. Sefo got subbed.
I forget who DC had.

Four alternates gives a good pool to choose from

It's not clear from the article, but it sounds like this time the two alternates will just hang out waiting:

'Over the course of 2018, the Bellator Heavyweight Grand-Prixwill take place. The first quarter-final took place last night at Bellator 192 with Chael Sonnendefeating Quinton “Rampage” Jackson by unanimous decision.

'Sonnen will advance to the semi-finals and face the winner of Fedor Emelianenko vs. Frank Mir– which takes place in April. Next month another quarter-final match-up takes place in the form of a heavyweight rematch between Roy Nelson and Matt Mitrione.

'At a later date, Ryan Bader will face “King Mo” in the last quarter-final. Cheick Kongo and Javy Ayala will be on standby throughout in case any fighter has to pull out of the tournament due to illness, injury, etc....'

 

[ECC170]

If I never have to see rampage or Kongo fight again I'd be ecstatic.

 

[kneeblock]

If I never have to see rampage or Kongo fight again I'd be ecstatic.

I kinda feel that way about everyone in this GP.

 

[Carbazel]

Ayala wasn't the slouch people thought when he fought Roy Nelson. That's a solid alternate.

 

[Nemo?]

If I never have to see rampage or Kongo fight again I'd be ecstatic.

Rampage came to cash a cheque that's for sure.

It would be fucking halerious if Kongo swooped in for an injured fighter and wins this....

Kongo has negative killer instinct passed few years....when he first showed up I had high hopes.

 

[Bats]

Alternatives fought in the last HW tournament.
Valentin Overeem v Ray Sefo. Sefo got subbed.
I forget who DC had.

Four alternates gives a good pool to choose from

DC beat Jeff Monson in his alternate bout.