LOS ANGELES – Jaylon Bates wants to do more than just get past his next opponent.
The bantamweight is scheduled to clash against fellow prospect Jornel Lugo on Saturday at Bellator 290. Bates (6-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) does not only want to add another win to his undefeated record, but wants to set the blueprint on how to beat Lugo (8-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA).
Lugo is coming off a unanimous decision loss to top contender Danny Sabatello in April 2022, and Bates thinks he can do a better job than Sabatello and put away Lugo.
“He definitely showed some things that Lugo lacked, but I don’t think it was a blueprint because he didn’t finish him,” Bates told MMA Junkie at Thursday’s Bellator 290 media day. “I’m coming to finish him, and when I finish him, that will be the blueprint.”
Bates and Lugo originally were scheduled to fight this past November, but the bout was scrapped. Bates said an injury forced him out, but he’s good now and ready to compete.
Bates likes that Bellator kept the matchup intact and thinks this won’t be the only time he meets Lugo.
“Absolutely, (I like the matchup). I believe after this, after I win, it will be Bates vs. Lugo 2 down the road.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 290.