Two former UFC stars, Chael Sonnen and Rampage Jackson are now with Bellator and booked to compete against one another at Bellator 192 on January 20. This fight will be the very first fight to kick things off for the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix where the winner will be crowned Bellator’s new Heavyweight champion. This will be Sonnen’s first fight at Heavyweight and Rampage’s third. Each fighter has one loss in the promotion but Rampage has four times as many wins as Sonnen.
It’s well known what type of fighter that Sonnen is. He’s one of the best and strongest pressure wrestlers that the Middleweight division has ever seen. Rampage, however, is known for his tremendous punch knockouts and ability to entertain on the feet. So it’s clear what each will want to do in this matchup and they have even admitted it after now appearing to place a rather interesting bet on their fight.
Rampage: I will give you $10,000 for every takedown you get on me.
advertisement – continue reading belowSonnen: Do I do anything in return or do I just say yes? *sticks out hand for handshake*
Rampage: What do I get? *shakes Sonnen’s hand*
Sonnen: Well that’s what i’m saying! Is this a one way?
Rampage: Nah, what do I get if I stop the takedown?
advertisement – continue reading belowSonnen: But I get $10,000 for every takedown I get? Let’s say I go oh we scramble back up to try and get another one, boom $20,000.
Rampage: Go ahead.
Sonnen: Okay. I don’t know.
Sonnen: *chuckles* See i’m married, I can’t just go make $10,000 bets anymore.
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Whether or not the two will go through with the bet is obviously to be determined! But it definitely makes for a fun and interesting dynamic added to the fight.
The winner between the two will go on to face either Frank Mir or Fedor Emelianenko in the semi-finals. Whoever wins that matchup will face either Roy Nelson, Matt Mitrione, King Mo Lawal or Bellator’s current Light Heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader in the finals to decide the Bellator Heavyweight champion.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/15/2017