Yoel
Romero earned his first mixed martial arts win in more than
four years at
Bellator 280, as he defeated Alex
Polizzi via third-round technical knockout in Friday’s co-main
event at Accor Arena in Paris.
Advertisement
The former UFC middleweight title challenger has his next fight
booked against Melvin
Manhoef in another 205-pound clash at Bellator Dublin on Sept.
23. However, there is already some buzz surrounding a potential
booking against reigning Bellator middleweight champ Gegard
Mousasi down the road.
Bellator president Scott Coker confirmed interest in that matchup
at the Bellator 280 post-fight press conference.
“One of the reasons we brought Yoel Romero
in was to eventually fight Gegard
Mousasi,” Coker said. “If Yoel keeps winning, I think you’ll
see a collision at some point at either 185 or 205.”
During pre-fight promotion, Romero said if a bout against Mousasi
comes to fruition, he would prefer that it take place at
middleweight because of the opportunity to fight for a
championship. “The Soldier of God” reiterated that sentiment after
besting Polizzi.
“As you guys saw they brought Melvin
Manhoef to the stage, but I see farther than that,” Romero said
through a translator. “I feel as if I’m going to do another fight
at 185 and continue on that route — and get in line for that
belt.”
Mousasi is scheduled to defend his middleweight crown against
Johnny Eblen at Bellator 282 on June 24.