Phil Davis: 'Leaving the UFC for Bellator rekindled my passion for the sport'

P. Davis (photo) left the UFC after losing to R. Bader. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

The dream of practically every professional MMA athlete is to reach the UFC, the biggest organization on the planet. However, in the case of the North American Phil Davis, you can say that the realization came even when he left the octagon. In an interview given before his debut with rival Bellator, Davis said that the change of scenery made him rediscover his passion for the sport.

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“My last fight in the UFC (against Bader) was a very strange fight for me. Obviously I want to win every competition I enter, but in my head it was just a weird fight. Now, fighting for Bellator, I feel like my preparation has reignited my love and passion for the sport. I am so gratefull. I’m not saying it was a bad opportunity before, but I think it’s a better opportunity where I am now”, guaranteed Davis, in an interview with the “MMA Junkie” website.

Despite the satisfaction in his new home, and the unusual statement about his departure from Ultimate, Davis made a point of showing gratitude not only to the organization chaired by Dana White, but to all the events he attended. “I fought in five different organizations and I am very grateful to each of them for giving me the opportunity to fight and advance my career. Looking back, I can't say this or that about them. They all gave me a chance when I was young in this sport and helped build my name and gave me what I needed to get to this position I am in now. I’m grateful,” he assured.

The first fight of Phil Davis in the Bellator circular cage takes place this Saturday (19), a date that could also host the North American's second appearance in the new organization. That's because Davis will be part of Bellator's one-night tournament: Dynamite and will face Emannuel Newton in the opening round. If he gets past the former champion, Davis will face the winner of the other semifinal, between King mo Lawal and Linton Vassell, in the big decision hours later.