Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi defends belt against Austin Vanderford in February

G. Mousasi and A. Vanderford will face each other on February 25th for the middleweight title at Bellator. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Bellator middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), Gegard Mousasi He already has a date and opponent for his new belt defense. According to 'MMA Junkie', the fighter faces Austin vanderford on February 25th of the next season. The clash is negotiated to take place in Ireland.

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A former UFC standout, Mousasi has shined in Bellator since 2017. For the company run by Scott Coker, Gegard has fought six fights to date, winning on five occasions.

The champion's only defeat for the company came in 2019, when the fighter ended up being surprised by Rafael Lovato Jr. The stumble cost the athlete the group title, but Mousasi regained the throne in 2020, by going through Douglas lima, in a duel valid for the vacant belt.

Undefeated in his career in MMA, Vanderford will have his first opportunity to compete for a title with Bellator. husband of paige vanzant, the fighter has 11 consecutive victories and has worn the company's gloves since 2015.

Current number one in the rankings, behind only Gegard, Austin won the right to challenge the champion in May of this season. To fight for the belt, the North American had to go through Fabian Edwards.