Ahead of Bellator 261 this Friday, where the pair will battle for the promotion’s first-ever interim title, heavyweight contender Tim Johnson noted some similarities between himself and opponent Valentin Moldavsky.
One’s an American wrestler, one a decorated Sambo practitioner, for starters. So you know the grappling side will be strong. During the Bellator 261 media day on Wednesday, Moldavsky gave his response. “There’s some similarities with me and Tim Johnson. He likes to hug the cage, and he’s decent in the standup. I’m more likely to take takedowns and finish guys on the ground, and that is it,” he stated.
Moldavsky was short and to the point with the media Wednesday. Asked by Cageside Press if the feeling ahead of a title fight, and his first main event, was any different than his prior bouts, he replied by saying that “I understand there’s more responsibility now, since it’s a title fight, but I’m feeling the same as before every fight. I’m calm, and I’m ready to go.”
That was a better reaction than some media members received. Asked if he would feel like a real champion prior to unifying the belt (held by heavyweight champ Ryan Bader), Moldavsky bristled at the question. “I don’t really like that question, so I’m not going to answer it,” the heavyweight contender stated.
As for representing Team Fedor and the Nemkov brothers, “it is a very big honor to represent the team and train with those guys,” Moldavsky said.
Watch the full Bellator 261 virtual media day scrum with Valentin Moldavsky above. The event takes place this Friday, June 25 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
