Bellator Prospect Watch: Neiman Gracie

Bellator Prospect Watch: Neiman Gracie

By Dan McConnell

After a few weeks off, the Bellator cage is almost ready to open its door once again for fun-filled and blood-splattered fights we all know and love as MMA fans.

As the title of this article ‘Prospect Watch’ and the promotion returning to the iconic Madison Square Garden next weekend, I’ve saved one of the top prospects on my stacked list for just the right time!

Nieman Gracie is a Brazilian mixed martial artist, and stems from the famous Gracie Brazilian-Jiu Jitsu family tree, and founding fathers of mixed martial arts.

The current Bellator welterweight holds 15-BJJ medals across World Championships and American Championship competitions, all in the heavyweight division.

Nieman has been on a tear in the 170-pound division from turning his attention to MMA in 2013, riding a current unbeaten 7-fight win streak and is certainly one of the hottest prospect in the world right now!

The former world champion BJJ specialist turned to MMA just six years ago with World Series Of Fight (currently PFL). It didn’t take too long for a huge global promotion to snap him up, with Bellator getting their hands on this hot-prized possession after just 2 victory’s in two contests.

However Neiman Gracie is faced with his toughest task next Saturday the 14th of June. He will take on current 20-5 Bellator welterweight champion in the semi-finals of the 170-pound Grand Prix, Rory MacDonald.

Holding a tied record for the most submission wins in Bellator history with six, and a total of eight on his record it certainly will be interest to see what game plan the 30-year old will employ. ‘The Red King’ Rory MacDonald and undisputed Bellator champ is known for his ‘stand and trade’ fighting style, which is a complete polar opposite of styles.

Can the second degree BJJ black belt force the fight to the ground? Can he get the back of MacDonald and book his place in the welterweight tournament finals? We are just over a week away….