Bellator bantamweight and former champ Juan Archuleta has been out almost a year, but after losing his title to Sergio Pettis in May of 2021, the wait to return has turned out to be worth it.
That’s because, with Pettis out of the bantamweight grand prix, Archuleta (25-3) now faces Raufeon Stots in quarter-final action, with an interim title on the line.
“The wait was definitely worth the wait, I guess. You know what I mean!” a chipper Archuleta told media outlets including Cageside Press during this week’s Bellator 279 media day.
When it comes to the match-up, Archuleta is expecting to see Stots in top form come Saturday night in Honolulu.
“I think both of us are definitely willing to bring a fight. We’re two fan favorites who come in and fight. We’re definitely putting everything on the line to win this title for our families and win this Grand Prix,” he stated. “I’m expecting the best Raufeon come fight night and he better be expecting the best of me because I’m coming in and I know I’m walking away as the champ.“
At the same time, he’s accused Stots of being something of a bully. ”
“He’s a bully. That’s all I have to say. He’s a guy that I definitely don’t want my kids or any of my family members looking up to because that’s the definition of a bully. In today’s day and age, too many people get away with running their mouth. Just like Mike Tyson had to beat the hell out of someone for pestering him, I’m going to do the same thing to Raufeon on fight night.”
Watch the full Bellator 279 media day appearance from Juan Archuleta above. More coverage can be found below.
-
Cris Cyborg
-
Juan Archuleta
-
Raufeon Stots
-
Arlene Blencowe
-
Kyoji Horiguchi
-
Justine Kish
