Bellator 257: Nemkov vs Davis 2 preview, weigh-in results

Get the Full StoryCan Vadim keep the belt and make a move towards that million? Bellator MMA

Another pretty loaded card in the works for this week s Bellator offering. Bellator keeps rolling to make up for their extended hiatus, making the most of the start to the Showtime era. This may be the most packed show yet, with tons of vets and handful of very good prospects getting some work in.

The light heavyweight tournament is in full swing with champion Vadim Nemkov 13-2 defending his title in the first bracket against former UFC and Bellator champ Phil Davis 22-5 . Vadim brings his Sambo predigree, but his crushing power and accuracy as how he managed to topple Ryan Bader in the first place to get that big gold belt. Davis still brings his wrestling, even if his phase shifting is a bit uneven and he prioritizes control over short-term damage or standing exchanges.

Another tournament bout for the evening is former UFC talent Corey Anderson 14-5 against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov 18-5, 1 NC . We all know Corey Anderson, he s a wrestler that hits extra hard and manages to outhustle opponents with superior positioning and great striking choices when he s in top position. But who exactly is Yagshimuradov? He s a former ACB ACA fighter that lands monster takedowns only to maul people on the ground once he has them there. Either that or he makes their body quit en route to a submission. But what about his power? He s dumb strong. He ends fights definitively. Anderson is going to have to be extra methodical here and mind his distance and defense to control this bout. Otherwise, Yagshimuradov is going to have a very wild coming out party.

Paul Daley 42-17, 2 draws will be having his retirement bout against Sabah Homasi 15-8 , which is a compelling bout for both participants. Homasi has a pretty well-rounded game, but Daley always packs that fight-ending power. The difference here is whether or not Daley can use his setups to land the major shots here, something he hasn t quite been able to do for a while. We ll see if he gets the sendoff he s hoping for, or if Homasi spoils the party for him with control and volume.

Former champ Julia Budd 14-3 gets a nifty little challenge against Dayana Silva 9-5 , a bout she most likely should be favored in. Her stepson Lance Gibson, Jr 3-0 seems to be a prized prospect for Bellator, and he ll be in the saddle again taking on Marcus Surin 6-2 .

Aruban threat Gregory Milliard 12-6 meets Lethal Lithuanian Julius Anglickas 9-1 , while former title challenger and SBG Ireland rep Pedro Carvalho 11-4 meets The Maori Kid Jay Jay Wilson 7-0 , who unfortunately missed weight. Former Glory kickboxer Raymond Daniels also returns to MMA against Peter Stanonik 5-4 . Maybe we get another showstopper from Raymond, who knows.

If you re asking yourself if the light heavyweight champion had a brother, yes! Yes, he does. Viktor Nemkov 30-7 , fresh out of M-1 and PFL will be in action as well meeting RIZIN alum Karl Albrektsson 10-3 . Finally, former UFC and Cage Warriors talent Mads Burnell 14-3 returns to the Bellator cage to meet former Cage Warriors, ACB fighter as well as Ultimate Fighter contestant Saul Rogers 14-3 at featherweight.

You can watch the ceremonial weigh-ins here:

Vadim Nemkov 204.5 vs. Phil Davis 205 - Bellator tournament title fight

Corey Anderson 204.75 vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov 204.5 - Light heavyweight tournament bout

Veta Arteaga 124.5 vs. Desiree Yanez 125.75 - Flyweight

Paul Daley 174.75 vs. Sabah Homasi 175 - Catchweight

Lance Gibson Jr. 155 vs. Marcus Surin 155.25 - Lightweight

Julia Budd 145.25 vs. Dayana Silva 144.75 - Featherweight

Karl Albrektsson 205.75 vs. Viktor Nemkov 206 - Light heavyweight

Pedro Carvalho 144.75 vs. Jay Jay Wilson 146.75 - Featherweight

Grachik Bozinyan 170 vs. Demarques Jackson 170.75 - Welterweight

Saul Rogers 145.75 vs. Mads Burnell 146 - Featherweight

Julius Anglickas 205 vs. Gregory Milliard 205.5 - Light heavyweight

Steve Mowry 247 vs. Shaun Asher 247.25 - Heavyweight

Peter Stanonik 170 vs Raymond Daniels 170.75 - Welterweight

Wilson missed weight and is forfeiting 20 of his purse as a result.

Bellator 257 takes place this Friday starting at 5:30pm EST on YouTube, then the main card starting at 9:00pm on Showtime.

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