The bantamweight division in MMA recently has a gotten a big boost when at UFC 132 Urijah Faber challenged Dominick Cruz for the Bantamweight Title and Cruz won a very entertaining fight. We got another one about two weeks back when Cruz made a successful title defense against Demetrious Johnson. That momentum continues this Saturday as Bellator Bantamweight Champion Zach Makovsky (13-2 MMA, 5-0 BFC) faces Ryan Roberts (16-9-1 MMA, 0-1 BFC) in his second non-title bout since winning the Bantamweight Title in season three.
The guy with the nickname, “Fun Size” feels the bantamweight division is on the way up and the fans better be ready for what’s in store.
“Think it’s good and a very talented weight class,” Makovsky told us. “A lot of guys and not just in the UFC. The UFC has a bunch of the top bantamweights, but I think this tournament in Bellator shows a lot of good talent too. Dream is having a bantamweight tourney too. So there’s a ton of good guys coming up all over the world and I’m happy the division is getting showcased a little more now. I think a lot of things are in store for the bantamweights.”
Roberts will be making his debut in the bantamweight division as he competed at lightweight and featherweight in the past. That is something Makovsky isn’t taking lightly.
“I think it’s going to be tough fight,’ said Makovsky. “Ryan’s a pretty big, strong guy. Got a ton of experience. He’s fought in some of the top organizations like the UFC, fought in Bellator before. He fought some very talented guys like Donald Cerron, Marcus Auriello, Duane Ludwig, some really talented guys a heavier weight.
“He lost to those guys, but he’s been there. He dropped to 45 and was doing very well. This will be his first fight at 35. I think he’s going to be physical and strong and that can possess a challenge. I think he’s pretty well rounded. He’s good at everything, not necessarily great at anything. I think I will be able to take advantage of that. I think I’m going to be a little better everywhere and I think I can win the fight wherever it goes.”
The Makovsky vs Roberts fight will be apart of the main card that airs on MTV2, which takes place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City,NJ at 9ET.
You can listen to the entire interview with Zach Makovsky at sportstownchicago.com.
For all the latest on Bellator 54, go to MMASucka.com.
