5 key takeaways in assessing Bellator featherweight grand prix field

Feathers will fly in September when the cream of Bellator’s 145-pound division goes at it in the organization’s 16-man featherweight grand prix.

Ahead of the first-round pairings announcement, we put together our fantasy featherweight grand prix lineup. And, not surprisingly, there were quite a few differences when the official version was revealed.

As we take a look at the tournament field, here are five key takeaways.

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‘The Wolf’ moves up

When we put together our fantasy featherweight tournament, we made sure there was space for former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell.

The fact he’d just lost his belt to a man who, at best, is only likely to return to the U.S. once or twice a year to defend it meant world title opportunities were starting to look a little thin on the ground.

But throwing “The Wolf” a bone in the form of a featherweight tournament spot makes all kinds of sense. It keeps him active, puts him in the hunt for a different title, and does it in a weight class that should allow him to focus on his fighting without the added pressure of having to cut weight.

He’s got a tough start against Henry Corrales, but if he gets through that test, he might take some stopping.

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