Linton Vassell defeated former Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary in the co-main event of Bellator 179, a win that made him next in line for a title shot.
Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Phil Davis is defending the gold against UFC veteran Ryan Bader at Bellator 180 and Vassell cannot pick a winner for the fight.
“I can’t pick a winner,” he said to MMA Junkie Radio. “Bader won the first fight, but it wasn’t very entertaining. There wasn’t much going on. But Davis has been very, very active, and obviously has been on a tear. The favor looks like it’s for Davis, but I can’t really pick a winner.”
Vassell has previously challenged for the light heavyweight title, coming up short against then champion Emmanuel Newton.
No matter who walks away with the gold in the end, the top contender is going to be in the crowd to check out the action.
“I’m definitely going to that,” Vassell said. “If I have to, I’ll go in the cage and call out the champion. But I’m going to be there, 100 percent. I’m not going to miss that. It’s a stacked card, but obviously I’m going for the light heavyweight title fight. That’s what I’ve got my eyes on. I’ll be there in person.”
Bellator 180 takes place on Saturday, June 24 from Madison Square Garden in New York, New York with Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
