Yaroslov Amosov knows he has plenty of years left to compete in mixed martial arts.
But Amosov is not interested in sitting around and waiting for a title fight.
No, the 25-year-old nicknamed “Dynamo” plans to be right there competing for Bellator welterweight gold by the end of 2019.
Amosov will take on his toughest opponent to date this Saturday night when he meets David Rickels as part of the Bellator 225 main card from Bridgeport, Connecticut and the Webster Bank Arena.
Highlights: Yaroslav Amosov Vs. Erick Silva
With 21 fights and 21 victories under his belt, Amosov will put his unbeaten record on the line live on Paramount Network and streaming via DAZN. Being perfect, though, has not given the native of Kiev, Ukraine any extra pressure. Related: List Of Undefeated Mixed Martial Artists
“No, I don’t feel it,” Amosov told FightLine. “I constantly train and am in great shape, which is probably why I have no doubt.”
David Rickels An Experienced Opponent For Yaroslav Amosov
Rickels holds Bellator records for the most fights in the promotion at 21, along with the most wins for a non-champion with 14. He is coming off back-to-back victories over A.J. Matthews and Guilherme Bomba.
In 2013, Rickels challenged Michael Chandler for the title. He earned that shot by winning the Season 8 Lightweight Tournament with a second round finish of Saad Awad.
Despite his resume, Amosov believes in himself vs. Rickels.
“Nothing worries (me),” he said. “I am looking forward to this fight.”
Amovos turned pro in 2012 and quickly started picking up wins, sitting at 5-0 by the time 2014 rolled around. He made numerous appearances for Tech-Krep FC before signing with Bellator in 2018.
In his first appearance at Bellator 202, Amosov scored a decision victory vs. Gerald Harris. He followed that up with another three-round win over former UFC fighter Erick Silva at Bellator 216 this past February. Related: Bellator 216 Results: Michael Page Advances
Amosov Targets Title Fight Soon
As for the next few months, he believes a win over Rickels will have him positioned nicely in the division and with the Bellator brass.
“By the end of the year,” Amosov said, “I see myself as a contender for the Bellator belt.”
Bellator 225 features a heavyweight rematch between top contenders Matt Mitrione and Sergei Kharitonov, along with heavyweights Vitaly Minakov and Javy Ayala meeting. Amosov vs. Rickels is the only non-heavyweight fight on the main card as the other two planned bouts include Valentin Moldavsky vs. Timothy Johnson and Tyrell Foturne vs. Rudy Schaffroth.
Related: Bellator 215 Results: Accidental Low Blow Ends Main Event
