Rafael Lovato Jr is riding high on his latest Bellator victory – against a seasoned grappling expert John Salter.
“He definitely made it a war and brought out the best in me,” Lovato Jr. told MMAjunkie continuing:
“I’m ready,” he said. “They give me the opportunity, I’m taking it. I’d love to fight either one of those guys. It would be an honor. They’re both legends; they’re both warriors.
“I’m putting everything into this, and I feel like I’m in a very special phase of my life right now, and I would love this opportunity and this challenge to fulfill my martial arts destiny and become a world champion.
What a chess match! ♟️@lovatojrbjj and @JohnSalter_mma serving up the high-level grappling exchanges we all anticipated! #Bellator205 pic.twitter.com/wZSiTmUvYX
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 22, 2018
Lovato Jr is 35 years old and is one of the rare non Brazilian holders of significant IBJJF titles.
Even if MacDonald wins and sets up a potential layoff for contenders as he fights through the upcoming Bellator welterweight tournament, Lovato Jr. will stay optimistic about his chances.
“There’s always what-ifs,” Lovato Jr. said. “I’m just going to keep getting better, and hopefully, I get the call and that’s what’s next. But I believe it’s only a matter of time.”
