Uncasville, CT – The first fight coming off a health scare can be challenging for any fighter, but to win a tough fight against another seasoned veteran can be even tougher. For Bellator flyweight DeAnna Bennett is was just another obstacle to overcome.
“It felt good to get in there and to get a win. I’ve told a few people like, after my last fight, I had a really big health scare that put me in the hospital for 9 days. Ask my coach like there was a point where I possibly would not even fight again. I almost lost my right foot. My whole thought when I was in there was like, I was coming off such a big win, this sport and fighting means so much to me. My only thought was I have to get back in there and do it,” Bennett told the media during her post-fight scrum at Bellator 274 on Saturday night.
“I had some nurses that were like, ‘Oh well you used to be a fighter’ and I’m like, ‘No b*tch, I’m a fighter and I’m going to get back in there!’ So you can tell me, you can send me home with this walker. I’m going to learn how to walk again and I’m going to be fine!”
Bennett’s win over Justine Kish on Saturday put her on a two-fight win streak and in Bellator that means a possible road to a title shot.
“I need to keep going with that momentum, because my goal is not just to win a fight. My goal is to win the belt. I’m here to be a competitor I’m here to make my way to the top.”
With the win putting her in position to ask for a big fight Bennett still made it clear she’ll take on anyone on her way to the title.
“They have me ranked at #7 which is kind of funny because the last girl fought before Justine is ranked #5. So I feel like ya’ll messed that up so maybe ya’ll can correct that now. There’s 5-6 people ahead of me. I don’t have any single person that I want. I want to fight honestly anyone whose number is higher than mine so I can get to the top. Whoever it is, put them in front of me, I don’t care who it is. I want that belt.”
“I’m not quitting until I get it.
Watch the full Bellator 274 post-fight press conference with DeAnna Bennett above. More coverage from the event can be found below.