Bellator announces Kongo, Ayala as heavyweight tournament alternates

Bellator president Scott Coker announced Cheick Kongo and Javy Ayala will serve as the first two alternates for the promotion's Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, which kicked off Saturday night, according to MMA Fighting.

Kongo (27-10-2) is on a five-fight winning streak with all victories coming by decision, most recently defeating Augusto Sakai last May. The 42-year-old was the runner-up at the Bellator Season 9 heavyweight tournament, which concluded in 2014.

Ayala (10-6) is coming off a loss to heavyweight tournament participant Roy Nelson by decision in September.

Chael Sonnen defeated Rampage Jackson in the first quarterfinal matchup of the tournament Saturday at Bellator 192, and will now move on to face the winner of Fedor Emelianenko-Frank Mir, set to take place in April. Nelson will fight Matt Mitrione in the next quarterfinal matchup on Feb. 16, with the victor taking on the winner of Ryan Bader-Muhammed Lawal in May.