Douglas Lima (photo via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Having reclaimed Bellator’s welterweight title, Douglas Lima is targeting the promotion’s middleweight belt.

Lima won Bellator’s 170 belt for the third time last October, by defeating Rory MacDonald via unanimous decision. Lima’s second run as champion was stopped by MacDonald in January, 2018. But, talk of a rubber match between the two was recently halted, as MacDonald has since signed with the PFL.

The 31-year-old Lima (32-7) recently spoke with MMA Junkie, and while discussing his next bout, the dangerous fighter said ths:

“I’m sure there will be a couple of rematches unless they sign some big names at welterweight,” Lima said. “But I really want to move up to 185 to fight for that belt. That’s an option I’m thinking about and waiting to hear back if we can do that for the next fight or the one after next. I already gave them a date I want to fight. I want to fight in March or April. They’re working now as we speak, so we’ll see what they come up with but I’m opening to middleweight title or defending my belt. It’s whatever Bellator decides.”

Bellator President Scott Coker has said that Lorenz Larkin could be next for Lima, if the UFC vet beats Keita Nakamura this Saturday at Bellator Japan. Lima defeated Larkin by decision in 2017.