"The Polar Bear" Cole Konrad returns to action later this month against Paul Buentello in a non-title heavyweight tilt. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)
Bellator Heavyweight Champion “The Polar Bear” Cole Konrad (7-0) returns to the spotlight at Bellator 42 on April 23, opposite UFC and Strikeforce veteran “The Headhunter” Paul Buentello (28-13). The Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Oklahoma plays host to the non-title superfight that is likely the card’s main event. The card is also expected to feature bouts from the Bellator Season 4 Tournaments.
The decorated NCAA Div. I wrestler Konrad hasn’t had any cage time since his submission win over heavy-handed Neil Grove (10-3) to win the heavyweight title at Bellator 32 in October of last year. Buentello has gone 1-1 since his UFC release last spring and is coming off a knockout loss to former UFC Heavyweight Champion “The Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (28-7) at the War On The Mainland event.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said of the match-up, “Cole had three very dominant performances for us last season on his way to becoming our first Heavyweight World Champion. I’m expecting big things from Cole, and Paul will provide a fantastic test for our young champ.”
A win over that young champion will likely result in a significant upturn for Buentello’s career back but a loss to a light handed wrestler would send him further down the chain of command. Konrad knows Buentello has a world of experience, having previously faced the who’s who of the UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight divisions. Should he take out the veteran Buentello he will not only add a solid opponent to his win column, but may also throw his name into the hat for Strikeforce heavyweight title contention.
Bellator 42 is slated to air live April 23 at 8pm ET on MTV2. MMA Gospel will provide more information on the event as it becomes available.
