Austin Vanderford: ‘I deserve the shot’ at Gegard Mousasi’s Bellator title

MMA News
Austin Vanderford: ‘I deserve the shot’ at Gegard Mousasi’s Bellator title

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Austin Vanderford thinks he’s ready to challenge Gegard Mousasi for the Bellator middleweight title.

After extending the unbeaten start to his career with a unanimous decision win over Fabian Edwards at Bellator 259 in May, Vanderford (11-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) sees himself in a prominent position in the 185-pound hierarchy. Mousasi (47-7-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) doesn’t have his next title defense scheduled, and Vanderford thinks he has a good case.

“I feel like I’m ready to fight for the title,” Vanderford told MMA Junkie. “I feel like I earned the opportunity. There’s some tough guys up there, but those guys haven’t been active and I’ve got a couple fights in already in 2021, so I think I deserve the shot now. I think I’m a tough matchup for anyone in the division and all those guys at the top.”

Vanderford knows he has some competition in terms of getting a crack at the belt. He views John Salter and Anatoly Tokov as viable challengers to Mousasi, as well, but sees his record, name value, activity, and style as the most compelling option for the champion.

“I think I’m right in the mix,” Vanderford said. “I don’t know for sure and I haven’t got the, ‘For sure’ (from Bellator). I think it’s between me, Tokov, and John Salter, so I’m just hoping I get the first opportunity.”

If Vanderford does get his wish, he sees a realistic chance of taking the belt from “The Dreamcatcher,” who is No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings. Mousasi is as decorated as it gets, having held titles in Strikeforce and DREAM in addition to his Bellator belt, as well as a strong run in the UFC that lasted multiple years.

Vanderford holds Mousasi in high regard and said he would be grateful for the chance to test his skills against him – ideally no later than September.

“He’s so good everywhere and there’s arguments he could be the best middleweight in the world, and even up to 205,” Vanderford said. “He’s tough, man. He’s really good everywhere, but I do think I have a tough style and it’s going to be tough for anyone to deal with. I think it would be a fun fight and a good fight just to see where I’m at and I truly hope that’s the next one I get.”

 

Austin Vanderford: ‘I deserve the shot’ at Gegard Mousasi’s Bellator title