Los Angeles, CA – Bellator 263 features a few lightweight bouts but one to keep an eye on involves Chris Gonzalez taking on long time Bellator veteran Goiti Yamauchi.
Gonzalez (6-0) is undefeated in his young career but knows that exciting fights are what will get him into the top 5 at 155 pounds and that much closer to a title fight. A fight against Yamauchi (25-5) is the perfect bout to get that started.
“Goiti’s definitely been someone who’s been on my radar since I joined the organization. So I’m glad that I got this matchup and I look forward to going out there and asserting myself in the top 5,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez understands what rankings are about but feels that they’re a bit overrated.
“I think the rankings are kind of sh*t to be honest. At the end of the day you’ve got to fight all these guys anyway. The only person that matters on that list is the champion. So as long as I keep winning everything else will play itself out.”
Exciting fights against big names are what will get Gonzalez the title fight he’s looking for.
“It’s just another fight right? I just want to go out there and put on an exciting performance for the fans and show Bellator that I’m capable of these fights. I’ve been asking for bigger name fights and stuff that’s going to propel me to title contention. This fight means a lot at the end of the day I’ve got a job to do and I’m just going to out there and get it done.”
At the top of Bellator 263 is a featherweight bout between Patricio Freire and A.J. McKee. Freire is also the current lightweight champion, a fact that is not lost on Gonzalez.
“He’s been in this featherweight tournament for I think a little bit over a year. There’s kind of been some stagnation in the lightweight division. We’ll see how this matchup with McKee plays out. I wish both of them nothing but success. But after he handles his business and I handle mine this weekend then I hope he’s ready to have a quick turnaround because I’m definitely looking to be a contender for that belt pretty soon here.”
Watch Gonzalez’s pre-fight scrum above and make sure to return to CagesidePress.com for more from Bellator 263
