Yaroslav Amosov takes on Mark Lemminger in a 175lb catchweight bout at Bellator 244 on Friday, August 21. Amosov looks to extend his unbeaten record to 24-0 as he continues to carve out his path towards a Bellator welterweight title shot. The event emanates from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. This card will simulcast on Paramount Network as well as DAZN.
Yaroslav Amosov
With Bellator 244’s arrival, Amosov can finally resume competing and can keep adding to his 2020 campaign. Despite the seeming ubiquity to being inconvenienced by the pandemic, this doesn’t seem to apply to Amosov.
“Everything went well. I can’t say it really affected me that much. Was training in the Ukraine. I didn’t really have any understanding as to when the fights were going to come back and when we were going to get back into the cage,” he explained, speaking to Cageside Press. “Overall I was keeping in shape in the Ukraine. There’s not much limitations over there. We got the date offer and I jumped on it. I took it right away because I always want to be active.”
The undefeated 170lb’er finished up training in Miami ahead of this bout. The fight was offered to him about four weeks ago. This lead to Amosov getting in a bit of tape study on his adversary this Friday night.
“I looked at some of his fights. He’s a worthy opponent. I looked into his style and his background,” said Amosov. “I believe that he’s an opponent that I will have success with but at the same time, I’m taking him very seriously. Just like every other opponent I’ve had, I’m making sure that I’m ready.”
Looking Ahead – Jon Fitch?
Though Lemminger is now the opponent on the docket, there were purportedly some possibilities of a Jon Fitch fight too.
“Initially we were supposed to fight Jon Fitch. I don’t know, from what I understood there was some problem with getting all the contracts signed in time,” revealed Amosov. “There was some reason that he didn’t want to proceed with doing this fight at this date. I’m ready to fight him or anybody. I try not to choose and pick. I just want to fight the best. Jon Fitch is a standout MMA fighter and a legend in all ways. So it would be a pleasure, an honor to fight him.”
Fitch was recently revealed to be fighting BJJ standout Nieman Gracie next month. Who knows what the future might bring. The 170lb division is a stacked one right now in Bellator and Amosov is among a crop of contenders teetering on the precipice of securing a shot at the crown.
“To be honest with you, I’m ready to fight for the title today. If I was given the opportunity, I would take it now,” stated Amosov. “I’m waiting for my opportunity. It’s of course up to Bellator and Bellator makes their decisions, their plans. I’ll be waiting. Right now I have an important fight with Mark and I’m taking that seriously. That’s all I’m thinking about right now.”
Amosov continued, adding “in the near future from what I understand, Lima might change weight class or vacate. If there’s an opportunity to fight for that title, I’ll do that. I’m ready to go.”
Bellator 244 takes place this Friday, August 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The main card airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN. Preliminary card action can be found on the Bellator MMA Youtube channel.
