LOS ANGELES – [autotag]Mads Burnell[/autotag] was expecting bigger implications from his Bellator 263 co-main event.
Burnell (15-3 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) faces former two-time title challenger [autotag]Emmanuel Sanchez[/autotag] (20-5 MMA, 12-4 BMMA) on Saturday and hoped to emerge as a No. 1 contender for the featherweight title.
But after the promotion determined that the Bellator 265 fight between Jay Jay Wilson and Adam Borics will serve as a title eliminator, Burnell was a little surprised.
“I’m only focused on this fight. What happens after, that’s after,” Burnell told MMA Junkie at the pre-fight news conference. “(Saturday), we get it on – we see who’s the best, and the best man continues, goes on, and probably gets the title shot. I thought initially this would be a title eliminator, but then I saw Jay Jay Wilson and Adam Borics had a title eliminator, No. 1 contender spot fight coming up, so it is what it is. I have this fight on Saturday – that’s all I’m focused on.”
Burnell may not earn a title shot with a win over Sanchez, but the stakes are high regardless for the Danish prospect. An impressive showing will push him a big step toward the winner of the grand prix final between champion Patricio Freire and undefeated challenger A.J. McKee, who headline Saturday’s card.
Bellator 263 takes place at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.