mma / News

Rafael Carvalho Was Surprised to Get Bellator Title Shot

October 23, 2015 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

Rafael Carvalho spoke with MMAjunkie about fighting Brandon Halsey at Bellator 144 for the vacant middleweight title. Check out the highlights:

On getting a title shot: “When I found out the belt was vacant, I was hoping to have one more fight before I could get a title shot. It was truly unexpected. But the time has arrived. And I’ve been ready, since that’s my objective, to fight for the belt in my weight class. It happened at a good time.”

On being surprised by the offer: “It was a surprise. I didn’t expect I’d be fighting for the belt so quickly. I was working hard, waiting for my time to come. And it did arrive. … I was thinking this would happen next year. I expect a great fight. May the best-prepared fighter win. I’m very well prepared and I’ll be giving my best.”

On the layoff since his last fight: “I was fine. I was in good condition to fight. I’d been training hard. I was hoping I would have been called sooner than six months. But that was the organization’s decision. I don’t know why it played out like that. … I don’t know how the organization makes these types of decisions. But I was unhurt and perfectly willing to fight as soon as they called.”