Tag: Bellator World Grand Prix

Phil Davis wants “to go big or go home” in rematch with Nemkov

Phil Davis reflected on his time at Penn State and how it helped mold him to be the MMA star he is today.

Penn State’s own Phil Davis has gone from being a wrestling program great to one of the top stars in the world of mixed martial arts. On Friday night, Davis will headline Bellator 257 with a rematch with Vadim Nemkov to open the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. The light heavyweight title is also on the line.

Davis lost a split decision against Nemkov in November 2018, so a chance for redemption is something Davis cherishes.

“Just being included in the grand prix is such a great opportunity to test my skills against all these other great fighters. But to get the champion first, you want those situations. You want to go big or go home.”

 

“Just being included in the grand prix is such a great opportunity to test my skills against all these other great fighters. But to get the champion first, you want those situations. You want to go big or go home.”

Phil Davis is a former Penn State wrestler and he became an NCAA wrestling champion in 2008. Davis was also an NCAA All-American from 2005-2008 during his time at Happy Valley. Davis said being a part of the Penn State wrestling program helped keep him at the top of his game.

“It was just the atmosphere. The team, my coaches. Everyone in the room is pushing you,” Davis told Nittany Lion Wire. “Everyone in the room is challenging you.”

Bellator 257 pre-event facts: Phil Davis on the cusp of history

“To get to the next level of being good at a sport and of being great at a sport, you have to accept every challenge,” Davis explained. “I just remember feeling there was no day I would let my team down. I would show up every day and I would kick butt every day.”

 

Davis is a former Light Heavyweight Champion in Bellator MMA, defeating Liam McGreary at Bellator 163 in 2016. He now looks to recapture the belt and move on in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix.

Phil Davis will battle Nemkov on Friday, April 16 from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut at 9 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

[vertical-gallery id=1034]

[listicle id=1456]