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.
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.
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