Rafael Carvalho Wants Gegard Mousasi Next

Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion Rafael Carvalho earned a quick knockout win over UFC veteran Alessio Sakara in the main event of Bellator 190.

When the champion steps into the cage for his next title defense, another UFC veteran in Gegard Mousasi would be the most ideal opponent.

“People talk a lot about John Salter and Gegard Mousasi. They are the ones who stand out. If I could choose, I would like to face Mousasi, because of all the baggage he has. He’s a star in MMA, I would like that challenge. I think he could be the next title challenger, but I’m always confident I’ll win,” Carvalho said to Combate.

Mousasi has only competed under the Bellator MMA banner once, defeating former middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko by decision at Bellator 185.

Speaking of the aforementioned win over Sakara, it is a victory that the middleweight champion calls one of the biggest of his career.

“I always prepare for five rounds. I didn’t expect it to end so fast like that. My shots just connected, one after the other, and I was able to win and keep my belt. When I threw that elbow, my intention was to cut him. When I noticed it really hurt him and that he was crumbling down, I couldn’t miss that chance. It was such a joy, especially in his backyard. I heard the place getting quieter and quieter and they all started applauding me. He’s a very experienced guy, it was one of the biggest wins of my career,” says Carvalho.

The UFC veteran has yet to issue a response to Carvalho and there is no date set yet for when the two can battle.