Of the weight divisions in mixed martial arts, it seems as though heavyweight has been the most difficult to create superstars. For years the UFC had only Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia as marketable stars and the division grew stagnant as challengers came and went. Of course, with the evolution of the sport, more athletes have ventured into mixed martial arts and the talent pool, thankfully, has continued to expand.
Bellator has had similar struggles to the UFC and other promotions in creative viable, compelling heavyweight standout fighters. Cole Konrad, 2-time NCAA champion, ran through the promotion’s inaugural heavyweight tournament and dominated every other combatant who stepped in his way.
With Konrad’s retirement earlier this year, Bellator is left to try and create a new heavyweight sensation. This year’s heavyweight tournament features former tournament champions, a Strikeforce veteran, and a mix of talent from around the world.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the talent in this year’s tournament.
Mark Holata
Height: 6’3
Record: 12-3-0
It would come as no surprise for me to describe Mark Holata as a powerful individual. If his massive physique was not proof, his knockout power certainly is. The Oklahoma native has been active in professional mixed martial arts since 2007 and has continued to evolve.
What may come as a surprise to most would be Holata’s speed. Despite his broad shoulders and oversized build, Holata has shown the ability to throw feints and counter to produce fast, precise knockout blows. His submission game is better than average, especially for a man of his size, but expect him to try and slug it out against most opponents.
Vinicius Kapple De Queiroz
Height: 6’7
Record: 5-2-0
Of all the combatants in the heavyweight tournament, none come in with as many unknowns as Queiroz. When he enters the cage Friday night, it will be for the first time in almost two years.
After a disastrous one off in the UFC, which included a submission loss to Rob Broughton and a failed drug test due to Stanozolol, Queiroz is looking for a second chance.
The Chute-Boxe native had loads of potential and the most technical striking skills in the tournament, but his ground game is suspect. Will Queiroz come in shape? Will there be ring rust? Can he keep the bout off the mat?
Richard Hale
Height: 6’4
Record: 19-4
When Richard Hale was announced as a participant in the Bellator heavyweight tournament, many people shook their heads. Granted, Hale was a large light-heavyweight, he was having no trouble producing entertaining, competitive bouts at the weight class.
Hale brings one of the more accomplished records to the tournament, and he’ll assuredly have a speed advantage over every opponent. His submissions skills are arguably the best in the tournament and from either top or bottom position he could submit nearly everyone in the tournament.
If Hale moves well and uses his athleticism and speed, he could find great success. If he trades shots however, things could go poorly.
His reverse triangle submission, seen below, may be the most memorable moment of his career but it’s important not to forget he is a former professional boxer and if given the opportunity can finish any fight in a second.
Mike Wessel
Height: 6’0
Record: 12-4-0
If there’s a dark horse in this tournament, a fighter no one is expecting to win, it’s Mike Wessel. The TUF veteran has gone 4-1 in his last five bouts and he has shown improved striking with every outing.
Wessel has faded late in fights before and when up against a more athletic heavyweight, we could see him falter. Expect Wessel to try and keep things standing and use his striking to get an early knockout.
Eric Prindle
Height: 6’5
Record: 7-2-0
To describe Eric Prindle in one word is easy: power. An Arizona native and former training partner of Brock Lesnar, Prindle brings experience and size most heavyweights can only pray for, and as a former tournament winner Prindle may come in as the favourite.
At 265lb.’s of pure muscle, a single punch from Prindle can turn the lights out even on the best of chins. Unfortunately, the rest of his game has a lot to be desired. We’ve see little ground game from the slugger and if it gets past the first round, he may struggle with stamina.
Thiago Santos
Height: 6’3
Record: 10-1-0
If Eric Prindle isn’t the favourite in the tournament, then it’s assuredly Thiago Santos. At 10-1 with surprising power and swiftness, Santos may be the most well-rounded and dangerous fighter in the tournament. His submission skills are arguably the best in the tournament and his size can be overwhelming.
Expect Santos to take down most opponents at will and have his way. If the bout stays on the feet, he can produce knockouts as well. Either way, keep an eye on Santos.
Brett Rogers
Height: 6’5
Record: 12-4-0
By far the most well-known talent in the tournament, Brett Rogers has a lot to prove. After disastrous 2011 which included losing his Strikeforce contract and a stint in jail, Rogers is looking to prove he’s still a viable threat in heavyweight MMA.
Rogers won his Bellator debut earlier this year and will be looking to keep that momentum going into the tournament. He’ll have to keep the fight on his feet and use his size to bully opponents.
Alexander Volkov
Height: 6’0
Record: 16-3-0
At only 23, Volkov is the youngest and least well-known of all the heavyweights in the tournament. Fighting out of Russia, little is known about the M-1 veteran. His lengthy, lanky frame gives him a reach advantage over most opponents and allows him to strike at will. Unlike many heavyweights, Volkov has developed a long jab he can throw to both the head and the body with ease. His ability to flurry as well as counter will help distinguish him as a threat in the tournament.
Volkov’s weakness is on the ground, and his takedown defense is abysmal. If the bout gets to the mat, he will need to get it up as soon as possible.
