Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion Rafael Carvalho last defended the gold against UFC veteran Alessio Sakara at Bellator 190.
Former UFC veteran Gegard Mousasi seems to be next for the champion, who would like to have the bout happen this July.
?I don?t think it?s going to be (Salter),? Carvalho told MMA Fighting. ?I spoke with my manager and it?s probably going to be Mousasi. And I want Mousasi. I want him no matter what. We?ll wait for him and see what happens. I think he?s going to have surgery now, so he should be good to fight in July.?
Mousasi made his promotional debut back at Bellator 185, earning a controversial decision win over former middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko.
The UFC veteran is still recovering from surgery and the champion believes the ability to train right now would give him an edge in the potential fight.
?I?m training now and I won?t stop training,? said Carvalho. ?I believe that that gives me an advantage, but it?s a fight. Some guys come back after a while and fight even better, just like Jon Jones did (against Daniel Cormier). I don?t see that as a big advantage, but it?s something.?
There are currently no Bellator MMA events announced for July, as April 28 is the furthest date in the future for announced cards at this time.