It will be a party at the Coli as Bellator heads to Long Island for Chael Sonnen v. Fedor Emelianenko

It took a while, but Bellator is finally heading to Long Island! Bellator President Scott Coker is rewarding fans for their patience in a big way. The main event of the card will feature Chael Sonnen v. Fedor Emelianenko in a Heavyweight Grand Prix semifinal match. The fight is scheduled for October 13. Newsday was the first to report the news.

Bellator 208 won’t be the first card the company books in the NY/CT area that weekend. The day before, Matt Mitroine and Ryan Bader will face off at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT for Bellator 207.

This is going to be a fight between two MMA greats. Sonnen (37-5-1) has won two in a row, his last fight being a unanimous decision victory over Quinton Jackson in the quarterfinals in January. The best fight for “The American Gangster” to have at the moment is against Fedor (37-5 (1)). The latter  has become an MMA legend due to his power and awareness. The former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion got to the semifinals by knocking out Frank Mir in the first round back in April. With enough time between fights, both should be well-rested.

While the two are up in the age department (both at 41-years old), this is a true money fight for Bellator. Between the trash-talking style of Sonnen and the calm, powerful demeanor of Fedor, fans should be in for a show. That is especially true when it comes to media appearances. Expect a few sparks to fly before they rock Long Island.

Tickets for Bellator 208 go on sale July 27. There will be a presale on July 26. When asked at the DAZN press conference where fans can watch the fight, Scott Coker stated the event will air on Paramount Network while also being simulcasted on DAZN. Stay tunes as more fights are announced for the event.