Bellator bantamweight champ Eduard Dantas – Photo via Bellator.com
Brazilian bantamweight Eduardo Dantas (14-2) realized a dream last month by capturing his first major title by choking out Zach Makovsky to win the Bellator 135-lbs title in Atlantic City.
Since then Dantas has seen his life change significantly, from being recognized on the streets, to English classes in order to connect better with fans in North America.
Talking to Tatame.com, Dantas plans on keeping that title for awhile and would love to defend it in front of his countrymen when Bellator goes to Brazil in 2013.
How does it feel when your dreams come true?
It was really good. Since the first time I fought I had the dream of becoming a champion and raising the belt up high. Thank God I did it step by step. When I earned the title I couldn’t believe it. It was the happiest day ever, especially on an international event. Since I was the first Brazilian to do it, I was even happier. Now I’m training to keep this title for as long as I can, until I reach my ultimate goal, which is to become the best fighter of the world in my division.Bellator plans a Brazilian edition of the show. Did they tell you anything about it?
Yeah. Bjorn (Redney), the event owner, said that in 2013 they’ll come to Brazil.Do you want to be in this card?
Absolutely. If they really come to Brazil I’ll be there. In 2013 Bellator is signing a deal with Spike TV and it’s going to be even better. I’m sure the event will come to Brazil early in 2013.
Bellator Fighting Championships already has put together a broadcast deal with Esporte Interativo recently, which will put the promotions live events into 20 million homes in Brazil.
With the success that the UFC has had in Brazil, it’s only natural that the #2 promotion take a trip south of the equator.