Los Angeles, CA — If Alfred Kashakyan has flown a little under the radar to this point in his career, that’s about to change this weekend at Bellator 238.
Kashakyan (11-4) has fought on the Dana White’s Contender Series, not to mention another Dana White property, Lookin’ for a Fight. Of late, he’s been plying his trade for Lights Out Xtreme Fighting. But his biggest challenge to date will be welcoming UFC standout Sergio Pettis to the Bellator cage on Saturday in L.A.
For his part, however, Kashakyan isn’t treating it any differently than any other match-up. “It’s normal, it is what it is. Just cause the guy’s name is big doesn’t mean that the fight is going to be any different, so I’m just chillin’,” he told Cageside Press ahead of the bout.
He’ll also be fighting at home, which he sees as “more motivation when I see my people out there. The pressure is just to come out there and make a statement. I want to get that first round knockout, I want to show people that I’m here to stay.”
He does recognize that Pettis is dangerous, of course. “[Sergio] Pettis is a smart fighter, I see him try to counter, he’s durable, he doesn’t panic. He brings a lot of intelligence and fight IQ, but I bring more power in this sport and power I think is dangerous.”
With a win, he’s hoping to make a run for gold. “Maybe one or two knockouts, I think I can take the belt too. I don’t see any threat in this division. I’m here to be the king of Bellator, I’m trying to get that 135 belt and maybe move up to 145.”
Kashakyan vs. Pettis goes down this Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Bellator 238 in Los Angeles, CA. The card airs live on DAZN.
