Gegard Mousasi to defend title vs. John Salter at Bellator 264 in Connecticut

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator will head back to Mohegan Sun this August and bring a middleweight title fight with it.

Bellator 185-pound champion Gegard Mousasi will compete for the first time in 2021 when he battles John Salter. The fight will serve as the main event of Bellator 264 on Aug. 13.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the booking Friday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Mousasi (47-7-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) has not competed since October 2020 when he spoiled Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima’s bid at a title in a second division. The win earned him the then-vacant 185-pound title, which he held once prior before a loss to since-retired Rafael Lovato Jr.

Salter (18-4 MMA, 8-1 BMMA), meanwhile, has compiled a three-fight winning streak in the middleweight division since he too lost to Lovato in September 2018. The streak includes a submission over Chidi Njoukuani, a unanimous decision against Costello van Steenis, and a submission over Andrew Kapel.

No other fights have been announced at this time.