MMA veteran, Gegard Mousasi defends Bellator middleweight title this Friday

G. Mousasi (left) tries to retain his middleweight belt against J. Salter (right) in Bellator 264. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In his second reign at middleweight (up to 83,9kg.), Gegard Mousasi there will be another great trial by fire in the organization. This Friday (13), at Bellator 264, the veteran puts his title on the line against the dangerous John Salter. The duel, which takes place in Uncasville, will be the main attraction of the show.

See too

VIDEO: Vicente Luque reveals focus on the belt, cites evolution and points out the way to beat Kamaru Usman

Ray Cooper III and MacDonald face off in search of a place in the PFL #7 welterweight GP final

Gegard Mousasi and John Salter make weight and confirm title fight at Bellator 264

Daniel Cormier is one of the UFC's main commentators. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

Cormier responds to McGregor's taunts: 'worry about who kicks your ass in the octagon'

The show has eight scheduled clashes. Brazil will be represented by Roberta Samad, who will face Pam Sorenson in the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg).

PUBLICITY:

A luta co-principal marcará o encontro entre Sabah Homasi e Andrei Koreshkov. O duelo será válido pelos meio-médios (até 77kg.).

Mousasi x Salter

Former UFC standout, Mousasi will have the opportunity to extend his reign in the middleweight division this Friday. The clash against Salter could confirm his first title defense since he occupied the throne by beating Douglas lima, in October 2020, assuming the title, which was then vacant.

PUBLICITY:

With the organization since 2017, Gegard has had a successful career in Bellator, with six engagements and just one stumble. His only setback came in June 2019, when he was surpassed by Rafael Lovato Jr. The American, however, did not even defend his position, being forced to retire from the sport due to a delicate health problem.

When Lovato relinquished the belt, Mousasi qualified to fight for the belt by beating Lyoto Machda in the Bellator 228. After the triumph, the veteran fought for the vacant title against the company's former welterweight champion (up to 77kg), Douglas lima and beat Tupiniquim by points.

PUBLICITY:

Now, once again with the crown, the combatant will face a risky challenge. On Friday, the fighter will face the current number one in the rankings, in a direct confrontation for the throne.

A Bellator representative since 2015, Salter is having a great time in the company. To get the chance to face the champion, the fighter won three consecutive victories and now hopes to fulfill his dream of taking on Gegard's position.

Eye on the fight

On the main card of the show, a confrontation promises to shake up the spirits of spectators. Bellator 264. In a fight valid for bantamweights (up to 61,2kg), Magomed Magomedov and Raufeon Stots are fighting for the title.

PUBLICITY:

A 29-year-old Russian prospect, Magomedov debuted in the company in December last season and already occupies third place in the under-61,2kg group, led by Sergio Pettis. With only one negative result in his career in 19 fights, the athlete hopes to beat his rival to get closer to the title.

Like Magomed, Stots has a successful track record in mixed martial arts. An athlete from the United States, the fighter is currently in fourth place in the category and needs to beat the Russian to advance in the division. For Bellator, Raufeon also doesn't know what it's like to lose.

Brazil on the card

This Friday, Brazil will have just one representative. Acting at featherweight, Roberta Samad will make her second fight for the company.

Fighting for Rio Grande do Sul, Samad will compete in his seventh fight as a professional in mixed martial arts. Working in the legendary division Chris Cyborg, the gaúcha will exchange forces with Pam Sorenson, in the clash that closes the preliminary card.

At 33 years old, Roberta has five triumphs and one setback in her career. Her only defeat came in her only Bellator appearance, when she was bested by former division champion, julia buddIn 2015.

The Brazilian's rival, Pam will make her debut with the company. Former Invicta FC champion, the athlete seeks to repeat her success as a competitor and arrives at the event with a resume of eight wins and three losses in her career in mixed martial arts.