Bellator 261 pre-event facts: The first interim title fight in heavyweight history

Bellator returns on Friday with Bellator 261 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., with a main card that airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

A historic fight is featured in the main event. With heavyweight champion Ryan Bader tied up with the promotion’s light heavyweight grand prix, the company will implement an interim title for the first time at heavyweight.

Timothy Johnson (15-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) and Valentin Moldavsky (10-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) will clash for that belt, with the winner set up to unify with Bader when he becomes available.

For more on the numbers behind the headliner, as well as the rest of the card, check below for 10 pre-event facts about Bellator 261.