Sergei Kharitonov got knocked out by Javy Ayala in his Bellator MMA debut at Bellator 163. But he's looking to jump back on the horse in quick fashion.
The Russian heavyweight now feels like he is back on track and ready to become the Bellator MMA Heavyweight Champion.
“My immediate goals are to beat Chase Gormley, ask for a rematch against Javy Ayala and, long term, to get a belt and be a champion,” Kharitonov said to MMA Junkie Radio.
While some people call his loss to Ayala an upset, the heavyweight veteran feels it was a mistake he made that lead to the loss.
“I would never say (it was) an upset,” Kharitonov said. “I don’t believe in upsets. I don’t believe in lucky punches. I believe that that was my mistake and he capitalized on that, so I don’t want to take that away from him. But I will prepare for him and I would like to get a rematch.”
Kharitonov returns to the promotion to battle UFC veteran Chase Gormley at Bellator 175.
Bellator 175 takes place on Friday, March 31 from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois with Rampage Jackson and King Mo headlining. Fightful will be providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
