Joe Warren Says Eduardo Dantas Isn’t The Same After He Beat Him

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Bellator bantamweight champion Joe Warren (13-5 MMA, 12-4 BMMA) said that Eduardo Dantas (18-4 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) is different after he beat him two years ago for the belt. The two will have a rematch at Bellator 166 on December 2. It’s the first of two events at the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Both cards for Bellator 166 and Bellator 167 (December 3) will are on Spike TV after preliminary fights on MMA Junkie. Here are highlights:

On what’s different since their last fight: “I believe he changed after last time I beat him. He changed to a more of a point fighter instead of the tough fighter that’s running across the cage trying to finish you in the first round. I haven’t seen that out of him lately. I see him trying to win with a jab and a few kicks. I don’t know who the hell he thinks he’s fighting, but a jab and a kick is not stopping this man. So hopefully he comes with that whole tool belt. If not I’m going to try to break his ass in that Bellator cage early.”

On how Dantas has changed: “I see that he’s changed who he was. I don’t give a (expletive) who this guy is, personally. We have a personal vendetta against it each other. He’s made it personal a few times. I’m a pretty outspoken guy. Speak the truth. He’s got a problem with me. I think MMA is a game of matchups. You guys would probably agree with me. And I think I’m a terrible matchup for him. I believe I’m stronger, faster, tougher than I’ve ever been right now. And I’ve got the focus to get that belt back, so he’s into some big trouble.”