Logan Storley came closer than anybody in Bellator to handing Yaroslav Amosov his first professional loss, which is why he knows it’s going to be tough for anyone to accomplish the feat.
As the ex-NCAA All-American wrestler prepares to face NeimanGracie in the main bout at Bellator 274,, he has his eyes set on the action in front. He can’t help but watch the May 13. welterweight title bout between Michael Page and Amosov.
While Storley’s wrestling skills make him the most difficult opponent for Amosov, Page doesn’t dismiss Page’s chance of winning, even though Page may be facing an uphill struggle.
“I think the thing with ‘MVP’ is he can strike in an instant with his knees and his jumping right hands and hooks and kicks, anything can happen,” Storley told MMA Fighting.
” I believe that if Amosov reaches him quickly and gets to his back lock, just like with Lima’s, then he will get in half guard and control the man — now, “MVP” is going to lose this and Amosov may smother him. He’s very fast and tricky, so he might try to land something early. He’ll probably try to get .”
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Page has not faced high-level competition since his arrival in Bellator.
While that may be an issue based upon his resume, Storley doesn’t consider Page a potential contender. That is why he was able to book the fight against Amosov.
“He fought in the tournament,” Storley said of Page. He beat Daley, then lost to Lima. Then he returns and beats another person and finally beats Lima. In a close bout, he beat the [former] champion. His following is evident and I believe that this helps him. It’s not something I see as wrong.
” It’s not his fault that he is fighting for the title. I don’t have the right to make matches. I have no problem with him fighting for the title after beating Lima.”
As far as his own title aspirations, Storley would love the opportunity rematch Amosov, or even face a tricky opponent like Page. But none of that will matter if he can’t get through Gracie on Saturday night.
Storley has been a regular at these moments in the spotlight, thanks to his career as collegiate wrestler. But this will be his first opportunity to headline a card since joining the Bellator roster in 2017. That’s why he’s not looking too far ahead, because he’s seen plenty of people make that mistake in the past.
” If you are looking to play the “what if” game, you will find it hard to resist,” Storley stated. “It puts unnecessary pressure on yourself. That was what I saw with the Amosov battle. I knew what was next. It was clear to me that if I won the fight I would be fighting in the final round for my belt. I might be the champion right now.
“That stings, but it is what it is. It’s a split decision. I thought I did enough [to win], obviously I didn’t, but nothing but respect for Amosov. It’s a completely different fight. Gracie is a different fight from Amosov.”
Fighting with one the best submission experts on Bellator presents it’s own problems. However, Storley is not afraid of taking Gracie to the ground if necessary.
He still has five rounds left to complete the task and Storley feels confident he will get past Gracie and remain a formidable threat to whoever is crowned champion.
” I’m aware he is slick and tricky,” Storley stated about Gracie. I’ve seen his fights. He was [my teammate] Jason Jackson. I know where he’s good. But at the same time, I train with the best guys in the world as I have for the past four years.
” I fought the greatest guy in the world at 170 [pounds], so I know my position and can stay focused for all 25 minute to beat NeimanGracie .”
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