5 things for fans to keep an eye on at Bellator 272

#2. Confirmation and announcement of the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix

Another thing fans should keep an eye on at Bellator 272 is whether the bantamweight Grand Prix will be made official. The promotion has invested heavily in the 135lb division, which has become one of their most exciting divisions. Scott Coker has hinted at a bantamweight Grand Prix, but hasn’t made an official announcement.

It’s understandable why he would refrain from doing so while the light heavyweight Grand Prix is ongoing. With the light heavyweight tournament expected to conclude in early 2022, Bellator 272 would be the perfect time to make it official. There’s plenty of depth in the division, so it’d be interesting to see who makes the cut and who could be on the outside looking in.

The bantamweight division has been talked about as a perfect division to hold a Grand Prix in. The main event could be an indicator that it’s in fact the plan. With that said, 2022 could be a massive year for the promotion's bantamweight division.

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#1. Bellator 272 main event – champion vs. champion

Photo courtesy of Bellator MMA

Topping this list of what fans should keep an eye on at Bellator 272 is the main event. Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis will be making his first title defense when he takes on Kyoji Horiguchi, who makes his return to the promotion. Horiguchi is a former Bellator bantamweight champion and reigning RIZIN bantamweight champion. This is significant because it will see champions in two different promotions competing against one another.

Horiguchi is looking to reclaim the bantamweight championship he was forced to vacate after sustaining an injury in 2019. He has held the bantamweight titles of two promotions once before and will be looking to do so again.

Horiguchi’s quest to repeat history won’t be easy as Pettis is currently riding a four-fight winning streak. Pettis’ most recent win came against Juan Archuleta, who he defeated by unanimous decision to become the new champion. Pettis vs. Horiguchi could be a prelude to what fans can expect to see in the rumored bantamweight Grand Prix.