Douglas Lima is back at 170 pounds to defend his throne, but he still intends on chasing after the middleweight title.
After reclaiming the welterweight title by winning the grand prix, Lima failed to capture the middleweight belt when he was defeated by Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 250 this past October.
Lima (32-8 MMA, 14-3 BMMA) will be returning to his original home to seek his first title defense when he takes on unbeaten Yaroslav Amosov (25-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) at Bellator 260 on June 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connn.
The loss to Mousasi snapped a three-fight winning streak for Lima, who acknowledged his relaxed demeanor likely cost him.
“Winning the tournament against Rory was the highlight of my career,” Lima told MMA Junkie. “In my next fight, I failed to beat Gegard Mousasi for the middleweight belt. I was way too comfortable against him since I would still have my (welterweight) belt even if I lost. I should have been hungrier. Holding two belts would have been a big accomplishment. This is an error I will never again repeat. I still wish to try to capture the 185 belt, and soon.
“Without a doubt, I’d like to fight up a weight class again. It depends if there’s another contender ready to go at 170 pounds. I just lost to Mousasi, even though it wasn’t lopsided. I should probably rack up a couple more wins before I try again. Something else on my wish list is to fight in Japan. Hopefully we’ll do something with Rizin again.”
But first, Lima has to get past three-time sambo champion Amosov, who picked up wins over the likes of Logan Storley, Ed Ruth and David Rickels to reach title contention status.
“He’s not that well-known in the United States, but he’s extremely tough with some great wins,” Lima said. “He’s a complete fighter – good in wrestling, submissions and striking. So I have to be ready for everything. His striking is unusual. I think I’ve had every possible type of opponent in the past, so this is nothing new. I’m just staying sharp in all areas.
“I believe this may be his first five-round bout. It’s something I’m used to. He trains with American Top Team. It’s the same team I represent. I respect him and his team. He doesn’t turn down fights and he’s been beating everyone he’s faced. He does deserve to fight for the belt. But this is my time. I’m training well, and I’m healthy. I expect to win again. I’ll be looking for another finish.”