Enrique Barzola grinds Nikita Mikhailovinto to dust to move onto the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix

Enrique Barzola took on Nikita Mikhailov for a spot in the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix at Bellator 278.

Nikita Mikhailov and Enrique Barzola were the second of two qualifiers at Bellator 278 to decide who would enter the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix. As if that wasn’t a tough enough task but the winner would then face off with Magomed Magomedov. Magomedov is a finishing machine, and while he’s coming off a loss to Raufeon Stots, Magomedov is one of the tougher draws in the division.

Barzola ground out all three rounds against Fedor Team member, Mikhailov, and didn’t let up throughout the encounter. When the judges came down with their decision, there was little doubt about who was moving on.

Now, Barzola has to face off with a very game Magomedov in the first round of the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix. Barzola dominated his fight just like fellow qualifier Danny Sabatello, who smashed his way through Jornel Lugo. Both Barzola and Sabatello will have to step up their game if they hope to have a shot at winning the bantamweight championship and $1 million.

Bellator 278: Juliana Velasquez vs. Liz Carmouche takes place on Friday, April 22, 2022, live from the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, HI. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.