Undefeated Austin Vanderford secured his spot as the number one contender for Bellator Middleweight title last May when he defeated Fabian Edwards. Now MMAJunkie broke the news that he will meet reigning champion, Gegard Mousasi on February 25th at Bellator event in Dublin.
Vanderford, who is unbeaten in MMA last fought at Bellator 259, when, as mentioned earlier he beat Edwards by unanimous decision. It was his fifth victory in a row since joining Bellator back in February 2019. He has three wins by unanimous decision, one TKO, and one by submission via Arm – Triangle choke.
Mousasi is after the first successful title defense of his second reign as Middleweight Champion. He defeated John Salter in August at Bellator 264 by third-round TKO. His first reign ended at second defense at Bellator 223, when he lost by majority decision to Rafael Lovato jr. Since then he returned to his winning ways and regained the title after it was vacated by Lovato jr. due to a brain condition. The former Dream and Strikeforce champion rides a three-fight winning streak and has won 11 of 12 bouts dating back to UFC Fight Night 84 on February 27th 2016, when he defeated Thales Leites by unanimous decision.
Elsewhere on the card, former title challenger, Peter Queally returns to his motherland when he faces off against Kane Mousah. Brit, Charlie Leary takes on Frenchman, Davy Gallon and Junior Morgan takes on Darragh Kelly.
Featured Image courtesy of Bellator MMA.
