Bellator showcased one of their most exciting fight cards to date when Bellator 258 took place on Friday the 7th of May in the Mohegan Sun Arena. The fight card on the night consisted of a total of eleven bouts, featuring Raufeon Stots, highlight-reel finishes, veterans returning, rivalries being settled, and most notable, the Bellator bantamweight championship changing hands as Sergio Pettis secured a hard-fought victory after a twenty-five-minute battle.
Talking of contenders and Bellator’s bantamweight division, I had the opportunity to catch up with Raufeon Stots fresh off his victory in Uncasville, Connecticut against a durable Canadian in Josh Hill. Raufeon Stots moved to (16-1) on the night, (4-0) under Bellator, and marked his eighth consecutive win. Many believed Raufeon Stots vs Josh Hill would be a title eliminator and the 32-year old certainly made his claim. Raufeon Stots controlled the fight throughout the three rounds, was never in trouble, had a clear speed advantage and displayed his superior grappling credentials, and edged his way closer to the bantamweight title shot!
Post Fight Interview With Raufeon Stots
First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you on another great performance. Two days out from Bellator 258, are you pleased with your performance and how did you view the win overall?
Raufeon Stots – I am happy with my win! I’ve come to realize this fight that I am levels above my competition with how well I can play different styles! I controlled a 20 fight bet with distance being a “wrestler”.
I’m seeing a pattern in your recent opponents, Bellator is really testing you and feeding you guys who are riding 4/5 win streaks such as Bell, Lee and now Hill and you deal with them relatively comfortably. Do you feel the times right for you to start testing yourself against the guys above you in the rankings and start making your name heard for the title shot?
Raufeon Stots – I just say yes more often. I got offered guys above me too but they declined. At this point, I’m above them all so they have to get through me to get a title shot.
After the dominant round-one, as you walked back to your corner, what was going through your head? Did you know this was going to be your night there and then and that Hill couldn’t cause you many issues going forward?
Raufeon Stots – Yeah after round one I realized I could dominate him on the ground and he had no answers for me there it was a wrap. That was the only question I had going into the fight.
You’re showcasing your development and improvements fight by fight, we are getting to see your whole game more and more, offensively and defensively, as well as your ground game and striking credentials. Would you say we are seeing the best Raufeon Stots right now?
Raufeon Stots – I am definitely the best I have been but the scary thing is I’m still improving and learning so the best is yet to come.
Lastly from me, your ideal situation, who would you want next and are you looking to get one more in this year? Map out your perfect scenario for the rest of the year?
Raufeon Stots – If I could get at least one more fight in this year that would be good. Two fights would be amazing! If I fight for the title within those 2 I would be surprised.
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Featured Image Credits to Raufeon Stots
