Linton Vassell (23-8 MMA, 11-5 BMMA) has been on a tear since moving up from light heavyweight to the heavyweight division and is on the verge of realizing a title shot. However, he will first have to rematch the only man to defeat him on this run, No. 1-ranked Valentin Maldovsky (11-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA).
Vassell spent the first six years of his Bellator run at light heavyweight, where he always stayed in the title hunt and challenged for the belt on two occasions. However, in 2019, the England native decided it was time to make a move up to the heavyweight division.
“Making light heavyweight was so taxing,” Vassell told MMA Underground. “Obviously, as you get older the weight is harder to lose, so it was brutal. Being at heavyweight, you can take a lot more damage if you have to, so that’s a big plus.”
He was welcomed to the heavyweight division by the surging contender Maldovsky in 2019, with Vassell losing the fight by unanimous decision. Since then, he has racked up four consecutive wins with three finishes.
During this four-fight winning streak, Vassell has defeated Sergei Kharitonov, Ronny Markes, Tyrell Fortune and Tim Johnson. The last outing against Johnson was a major confidence builder, as he continues to gain heavyweight experience.
“That’s probably one of my best fights,” Vassell said. “I felt like I really needed that kind of fight because I haven’t had that before. I haven’t been that close to losing and then flip it around and get the win, so that’s one of my favorite offerings.”
Now, Vassell has climbed the rankings and landed at the No. 2 spot. He will meet Maldovsky again, the only man to beat him since moving to heavyweight, at Friday’s Bellator 292, which takes place at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Maldovsky is the No. 1-ranked heavyweight contender, and the winner of this anticipated fight could be next in line for a title shot.
“This is something I wanted since the first fight we had,” Vassell said. “I’m just grinning. I’m happy, excited. I feel like I’ve found my footing in heavyweight. I’m finishing all my opponents, three out of the last four, in dominating fashion. I’m going for the finish this time in a smart way.”
If Vassell can get the job done against Maldovsky, he will be looking at a rematch against the Bellator heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader. He previously fought Bader for the light heavyweight title in 2017, but sees a rematch being different at heavyweight.
“Well, I won’t be at light heavyweight,” Vassell said. “I’m a different breed now, man.”
“I’m busting these guys up,” Vassell added. “They’re not lasting with me. But first off is Maldovsky, so I’m going to deal with him, and then fight Bader.”
Despite the result of the first meeting with Maldovsky, Vassell is confident that he will be able to continue his winning streak at Bellator 292.
“I finish him in the second round,” Vassell said. “Proof is in the pudding man. That’s what I do, and I’m going to keep doing it. Can they stop me? No.”
Check out the full interview in the video above.
The Bellator 292 main card airs live on Showtime (10 p.m. ET) following prelims on YouTube (7 p.m. ET). Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
