'Bellator 198 Countdown,' No. 2: Frank Mir's greater purpose against 'the soul of Russia'

Bellator MMA’s heavyweight grand prix continues next week, and the promotion is rolling out a special two-part series previewing the highly anticipated matchup between Fedor Emelianenko and Frank Mir.

Ex-PRIDE FC champion Emelianenko (36-5 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) meets former UFC champ Mir (18-11 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in Bellator 198’s main event at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., on April 28. The main card airs on Paramount following prelims on MMAjunkie.

In the second edition of “Bellator Countdown,” Mir discusses the significance in “believing in something that’s greater than you,” which, for him, are his three kids, who he teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Meanwhile, back in Russia, Emelianenko focuses on training with members of his team – who have nothing but great things to say about him – and explains why fighting Mir is so important to him.

Check out the video above and take a look behind the scenes at how both of these athletes are preparing for their quarterfinal matchup.

Also see:

• ‘Bellator 198 Countdown,’ No. 1: Fedor returns to ‘the place where I became the man I am now’

And for more on Bellator 198, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.