Scott Coker: If Yoel Romero Keeps Winning, Future Fight with Gegard Mousasi Likely

Yoel Romero earned his first mixed martial arts win in more than four years at Bellator 280, as he defeated Alex Polizzi via third-round technical knockout in Friday’s co-main event at Accor Arena in Paris.

The former UFC middleweight title challenger has his next fight booked against Melvin Manhoef in another 205-pound clash at Bellator Dublin on Sept. 23. However, there is already some buzz surrounding a potential booking against reigning Bellator middleweight champ Gegard Mousasi down the road.

Bellator president Scott Coker confirmed interest in that matchup at the Bellator 280 post-fight press conference.

“One of the reasons we brought Yoel Romero in was to eventually fight Gegard Mousasi,” Coker said. “If Yoel keeps winning, I think you’ll see a collision at some point at either 185 or 205.”

During pre-fight promotion, Romero said if a bout against Mousasi comes to fruition, he would prefer that it take place at middleweight because of the opportunity to fight for a championship. “The Soldier of God” reiterated that sentiment after besting Polizzi.

“As you guys saw they brought Melvin Manhoef to the stage, but I see farther than that,” Romero said through a translator. “I feel as if I’m going to do another fight at 185 and continue on that route — and get in line for that belt.”

Mousasi is scheduled to defend his middleweight crown against Johnny Eblen at Bellator 282 on June 24.