Austin Vanderford has been in the headlines for several years.
Most of them, though, involved his wife, Paige VanZant.
Vanderford can take those headlines for himself when he faces Gegard Mousasi for the title at Bellator 275. The fight headlines the Showtime card from Ireland.
“I’m looking forward to Friday night and going out and putting on a show. I’ve been told by numerous people that this arena is the best crowd in MMA and in combat sports. I’m looking forward to feeling the energy and going out and performing,” he said. “I expect Gegard to be Gegard and that not much will change from all of his previous fights. I’m just a different animal and a different opponent that he’s going to be facing. I feel good, I’m confident and I’m excited for Friday night. It would mean everything to get that belt. I was holding it for photos the other day and I just can’t picture myself leaving Ireland without it.”
Vanderford is 11-0 in his career and has quickly risen the ladder in Bellator.
Despite the perfect record, he knows Mousasi is the heavy favorite. Mousasi has fought the best of the best, coming out on top more times than not over the years.
“I knew going into this fight that I would be an underdog, for sure. Most guys that are gonna come up against Gegard are going to be underdogs, so I was aware that’s what was going to happen,” Vanderford said. “It’s kind of a fun position to be in, honestly, to maybe be slightly overlooked. When I go out on Friday and do what I know I’m going to do, it’s just going to be more fun and my bank account might look a little better too.”
