Heavyweight Marcelo Golm believes he deserves the main event spot at Bellator 293 over legend Cat Zingano, stating that the heavyweight division needs younger and more exciting fighters.
Cat Zingano will co-headline Bellator 293 against Leah McCourt this Friday night in Temecula, California. Heavyweight Marcelo Golm, a former UFC fighter, agrees with the decision to feature Zingano in the event. Golm, who has won two consecutive fights via stoppages since joining Bellator in 2021, is set to face Daniel James in the main event of Friday’s card at the Pechanga Resort Casino.
Golm explained his reasoning, stating, “I think it makes more sense. She’s a legend of the sport, can’t say anything about it. She’s incredible, I’m a huge fan of hers. But the heavyweight division needs younger people, exciting people.” He continued to express that he believes it was the correct decision to place him in the main event, noting, “I think it was the right call to put me in the main event because they know I’m always fighting for the finish. I’ve never won a fight via decision and the heavyweight division needs that. She’s a legend and I have enormous respect for her, but I do think my fight had to be the main event.”
Sporting a 10-3 record and 4-0 since leaving the UFC in 2019, the 30-year-old talent admits he didn’t expect to be in a main event position just three fights into his Bellator career, but he is prepared to give it his all under the spotlight. Golm also mentioned that Linton Vassell should be next in line for Bellator champion Ryan Bader; however, with a win on Friday, he believes he could be just one fight away from the title. “Vassell definitely deserves it, he’s on a good streak and beat tough guys so he’s definitely next,” Golm said, “but I think after one more fight, maybe against the No. 4 or No. 3 ranked guys, there’s nowhere else to go. I’ll focus on this fight now, it’s a super tough guy. But I think I’m one fight away from the title after this.”
Golm acknowledges James’ dangerous striking power but remains confident in his own abilities to secure a victory. Though his main focus is on his upcoming fight with James, Golm would be more than happy to participate in the undercard of a potential Bader vs. Vassell rematch and serve as a backup fighter. “I’ll never root for anyone to get injured, but at least give me a fight on the same date and I’ll stay ready,” Golm stated. “We can get hurt training so hard, so it might happen. I’m thinking about this fight first. If I can get a fight on the same date of the title fight, perfect, that will make me the next contender.”