Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi defended his belt successfully against John Salter in the main event of Bellator 264. Salter pushed the action early on and aimed to move the fight into the realm of wrestling from the get-go. However, Mousasi found a way to make Salter pay for his attempts and he eventually secured a TKO finish in round three.
Salter managed to secure the takedown in rounds one and two, however, they came at an exceedingly high price. His insistence on wrestling offense led to him being visibly tired at the start of round two. The ever-savvy veteran in Mousasi capitalized on John Salter’s dwindling momentum until he found an opening to close the show.
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The 2️⃣x champ @Mousasi_MMA continues his reign over the Middleweight division with a well-earned stoppage victory#Bellator264 pic.twitter.com/YFZx6K8uD8
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
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Gegard Mousasi x Austin Vanderford: A potential all-time classic
‘The Dreamcatcher’ is on a tear in his Bellator run and has only lost one fight thus far in the promotion. He’s now defended his belt on multiple occasions and is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with. His current record with the organization is 6-1 and his only loss to Rafael Lovato Jr. came by the way of majority decision.
This one will be 🔥👀#Bellator264 pic.twitter.com/xbt6N7afOn
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
Mousasi has made good on his early career potential to be a championship-caliber fighter even at the age of 36. The 48-7 veteran shows no signs of stopping and he wants to continue to shred through the middleweight roster. What’s more, he already has his next assignment ready for him in the form of undefeated middleweight Austin Vanderford.
Both men squared off in the cage and Bellator MMA President Scott Coker clarified at the post-fight presser that they will fight next. Paige VanZant’s husband has certainly made a name for himself in the organization as he puts up exciting fights. Once he’s medically cleared to fight from his arm injury, a fight date will be announced for the same.
.@AustinV170MMA says he's prepared for 5️⃣ rounds with the champ!#Bellator264 pic.twitter.com/rPeqshuLVF
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
‘The Gentleman’ trains out of Gracie Barra in Portland and is 11-0 as a professional. His last contest against Fabian Edwards was extremely indicative of his desire to be world champion. Mousasi will definitely be favored in the contest and fans can’t wait to see this one go down.
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