Matt Mitrione and Sergei Kharitonov are set to do battle once again in Bellator 225’s main event on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT. on DAZN.
The two fighters will hope this showdown provides more excitement than February’s 15-second bout. Mitrione tagged Kharitonov with an accidental groin kick that forced the match to go to a no-contest as Kharitonov was unable to continue.
Visibly remorseful about how the Kharitonov duel unfolded in February, Mitrione vows to give the fans a better show this time around.
Martial arts analyst Robin Black sat down with Mitrione earlier this week on DAZN to discuss his previous matchup with Kharitonov and glance into Mitrione’s future as a fighter.
“It wasn’t awesome. I feel bad for the fans, too,” Mitrione said about January's no-contest with Kharitonov. “I take probably an abnormal amount of pride in the show I put on and the product that I give.”
Mitrione (13-6, one No Contest) prides himself in providing viewers with a show, something the previous battle with Kharitonov (28-6, two non-contests) clearly lacked.
“I know that whether I’m liked or not liked, I know that people watch my fights because I put on an exciting style,” Mitrione said.
Mitrione, 41, also touched on his fighting perspective as a veteran, explaining how his natural instincts combat any signs of wear or aging.
“Fighting to me isn’t stressful because I don’t think about it. It’s just the way the body reacts.”
As Mitrione's career evolves, his ability to adapt will continue to be pivotal. The former NFL defensive tackle has endured countless physical clashes throughout his football and fighting career.
“I don’t feel old," Mitrione said. "I’ve got a lot of mileage on my treads so I have to take care of my body in different ways.”
Mitrione and Kharitonov highlight what figures to be a competitive match that could go a long way in determining the heavyweight division.