Los Angeles, CA — Light heavyweight Grant Neal picked up the biggest win of his career so far at Bellator 290.
With a split decision victory over Karl Albrektsson, Neal (8-1) has now won two in a row, after previously notching a win against fellow top prospect Christian Edwards.
After 15 minutes in the cage on Saturday, Neal broke down his performance for Cageside Press and other media outlets.
“I felt the performance was beautiful. It was very technical,” Neal told us. “He’s one of the best in the entire sport. It doesn’t matter which division, which organization — Karl Albrektsson is one of the best. To beat one of the best and outclass him in every way was absolutely amazing. It was a fun time, and I’m very proud of my performance. I’m going to start to run things now.”
Neal believes with this latest win, the division will take notice.
“Yeah. Of course. It’s Grant “The Truth” Neal. Everybody knows now, hey, I’ve not had an easy way. Look at the opponents I’ve beat, look at everybody that’s been in my path. It’s only been me, every single time. It’s my time.”
“It’s my time,” he added.
A return to action could come sooner rather than later for Grant Neal, who suggested Bellator’s return to Temecula, CA in March could be doable.
“I see myself getting back out there as soon as possible,” said Neal, who added that his last layoff was way too long, especially coming off a huge win. “Another huge win, I expect to be in that cage soon.”
Later, Neal addressed where the victory would leave him in the light heavyweight rankings. Currently, he sits at #6 in the 205lb weight class.
“All the guys in front of me, they’ve been fighting forever,” Neal acknowledged. “I’ve been fighting my whole life, but my whole life is, some of these guys, barely the beginning of their careers. I’m the youngest guy in the division, and I understand you’ve got to pay your dues. And I’m willing to pay my dues to be at the top, to be the best, because that’s who I am.”
“That being said, this is my time, this is going to be my division, and with all the respect in the world, I’m coming.”
Watch the full Bellator 290 post-fight press conference with Grant Neal above.
