SAN JOSE, Calif. – Valentin Moldavsky already has a win over Linton Vassell, so in theory, he could have dismissed the idea of a rematch.
Instead, Moldavsky (11-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) said doing it again with Vassell (23-8 MMA, 11-5 BMMA) was just about the only thing that makes sense in Bellator’s heavyweight division.
“It made sense,” Moldavsky said at Wednesday’s media day for Bellator 292. “Since I beat him, he’s won four in a row. He’s No. 2, I’m No. 1, so it makes sense that we fight each other for the No. 1 contender. If he was on a losing streak or whatever, I probably would’ve had some questions. But it makes sense.”
Heavyweight champion Ryan Bader is fresh off a TKO win over Moldavsky’s teammate, Fedor Emelianenko, so he’s in need of a next opponent. Based on the rankings, it’d be logical to assume it would be the Moldavsky-Vassell winner.
“That’s the only thing that makes sense, right? If No. 1 fights No. 2, it’s nowhere to go but the title – Step A, naturally.”
Immediately after Moldavsky said that, Bellator official Mike Kogan, who was translating for him, said the winner of the fight will get a title shot.
Bellator 292 takes place Friday at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Check out Moldavsky’s full media day interview in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 292.
