Nelson vs. Cro Cop set as Bellator HWGP alternate bout

It looks like Roy Nelson could get another shot in the Heavyweight Grand Prix.

The headlining bout of Bellator 200 in Europe has a little more meaning than it did a few days ago, and it could give Roy Nelson another chance to win a Grand Prix. The former UFC fighter will meet Mirko Cro Cop in May, and Bellator CEO Scott Coker told the media at a press conference today that the contest will serve as an alternate bout for the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix:

“That will be for the first alternate spot. Whoever wins will be the alternate for the tournament in case somebody gets injured.”

Nelson was an original entrant in the tourney, but lost a decision to Matt Mitrione in his quarter-final bout. Cro Cop has been out of the North American spotlight since “retiring” from the UFC when he was given a USADA suspension. He has since won eight bouts in a row overseas, and will be making his debut in the promotion.

The two men have met before, in the UFC back in 2011. Nelson won that bout via late TKO.

Bellator 200 goes down on May 25th in the SSE Arena in London, England.