John Douma: ‘If you follow New England MMA, I have to be the favorite’ against Mike Kimbel at Bellator 215
John Douma discusses his upcoming fight against the surging Mike Kimbel at Bellator 215. The event will kick off a weekend doubleheader for the organization on Friday night, Feb. 15 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut and will air on the Paramount Network.
Douma discusses getting the opportunity to fight Kimbel, how this fight was discussed prior to the booking, having a hard time booking a fight for CES — where he has spent his entire professional career to this point — what a win will do for him and where he could go from there, his lack of enthusiasm for the Super Bowl and much more.
The 22-year-old also addresses the notion of some fans that this fight will be a showcase for his opponent.
“I think they’re trying to push their guy and give him good fights,” Douma said. “Maybe I am. I try not to think about it too much. I know I’m not and everyone that’s in the know understands this will not be an easy fight for Kimbel. If you know fighting, if you follow New England MMA, I have to be the favorite. I’ve been in more wars, I have more wins, I have more fights. He’s real exciting. His career is on a real exciting path right now, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew if that was (Bellator’s) intention.”
There’s even a cameo from amateur New England lightweight contender Dion Rubio.
Bellator 215 Fight Card
Main Card, Paramount Network, 9 p.m.:
- Matt Mitrione vs. Sergei Kharitonov
- Logan Storley vs. Ion Pascu
- Mike Kimbel vs. John Douma
Preliminary Card
- Marisa Messer-Belenchia vs. Lindsey VanZandt
- Jason Rine vs. Pete Rogers
- Amanda Bell vs. Amber Leibrock
- Marcus Surin vs. Pedro Gonzalez
- Billy Goff vs. Ryan Hardy Evans
