Bellator 198’s Emmanuel Sanchez talks sharing a card with legends.
Chicago, IL — Bellator 198’s co-main event features standout featherweight Emmanuel Sanchez (16-3) taking on UFC veteran Sam Sicilia. ‘El Matador’ is currently on a three fight win streak in Bellator MMA, with victories over a trio of tough fighters. Among them are two former Bellator champions: Marcos Galvao and Daniel Straus. Then there’s former WSOF champ Georgi Karakhanyan. Overall, it’s an impressive stretch for Sanchez, who could soon be knocking on the door of a title shot.
Opposite him, of course, is Ultimate Fighter alum Sam Sicilia (16-8). Sicilia’s UFC career ended on a down note care of a three fight slump, but he bounced back in his Bellator debut in December, taking a decision against Galvao.
Sanchez knows he has a tough out ahead of him — but he’s thrilled to be back in Chicago, and part of such a monumental card. Because taking the stage just after him are a pair of legends he’s very familiar with: Frank Mir and Fedor Emelianenko.
“It feels amazing,” he said of being back in Chicago. In regards to the show Bellator is bringing with them, “look how much bigger it’s gotten,” he exclaimed. According to Sanchez, “they [Bellator MMA] want to keep coming back to Chicago, and eventually do a PPV here.”
“What better card to be on, with the legends Frank Mir and Fedor Emelianenko,” he said behind the scenes on Thursday. “You can’t write a better story. I grew up watching these guys. I’ve been watching these guys for years and years.”
“To be on this card right here, in this spotlight,” he added, “I’m amazed, and I can’t wait.”
Sanchez was called away before he was able to expand on the subject, but stay tuned to Cageside Press for Bellator 198 coverage throughout the weekend! The card goes down Saturday night, live on the Paramount Network.
