Ed Ruth heads into Bellator 239 looking to move on step closer to the belt

When his 2018 ended, welterweight Ed Ruth was in a tough spot having suffered his first career loss which resulted in his elimination from the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix. So when 2019 came around he wanted to get things back on track.

In two fights last year, Ruth was able to rebound and pick up wins in both bouts, and re-establish himself as someone to keep an eye on in Bellator’s welterweight division. Now he’s headlining Friday’s Bellator fight card in Oklahoma.

“I feel like (2019) played out pretty well, especially coming off my loss to Neiman Gracie and getting out of the Grand Prix,” Ruth told MMAWeekly.com. “I just wanted to bounce back as quickly as possible.

“Well, my last fight (versus Jason Jackson in October) I don’t feel like I fought too well, but I was still able to pull out the win that one.”

Looking to build off what he achieved in 2019, Ruth is feeling as excited as ever for his career prospects this year.

“I feel like 2020 is going to be my year,” said Ruth. “I feel like I’ve been training smart. I’ve been able to keep away the injuries and everything. I feel like this is going to be a good year for me.”

On Friday in Thackerville, Okla., Ruth (8-1) will look to keep his winning streak going when he faces Yaroslav Amosov (22-0) in the Bellator 239 welterweight main event.

“I think that he’s going to throw some punches, some kicks, but mostly try to keep it mostly with wrestling,” Ruth said of Amosov. “I’m a wrestler who doesn’t tire, and I’m a better wrestler, so that’s how I feel the fight is going to go.

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“I don’t care where I’m at on the card (as headliner or opener) as long as I’m fighting and getting better in the cage. As long as I feel like I’m still getting better and getting close to my goals, I’m happy where I’m at.”

For Ruth, still being new to MMA, he wants to continue to develop. As long as he’s making forward progress, that’s what’s important to him right now in his career.

“I’m taking it one fight at a time, but it would be great to get close to that belt,” said Ruth. “Those are the fights I want to take.

“If I can fight someone who is higher in the rankings then those are the fights I want for sure. (I can wait for the title shot) as long as I’m fighting. I like to stay busy.”