SAN JOSE, Calif. – Saul Rogers has made a lot of changes heading into Bellator 266.

Rogers (14-4 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) is moving back up to 155 pounds and will take on short-notice replacement Georgi Karakhanyan (31-11-1 MMA, 9-9 BMMA) on Saturday.

Competing at featherweight, the weight cut drained Rogers, who says he gave up a lot of size and strength to hit the limit. But after a move back up to lightweight and a switch over to Sanford MMA in Florida, Rogers expects to show off the best version of himself.

“I moved to Florida even without a fight date,” Rogers told MMA Junkie. “I just thought, ‘I’m going there, and I’m going to come back when I’ve got a fight.’ So I’ve been over in America away from my kids, my girl, my friends, my family for over three months now. But I’ve got a fight, and I’m ready to go now. This is the best Saul Rogers right now, I’m telling you – 100 percent.”

Rogers initially was scheduled to face Adam Piccolotti, but after Piccolotti withdrew, he ended up with veteran Karakhanyan – someone he was hoping to fight eventually.

“I like the fight,” Rogers said. “He’s a tough guy. He’s been around a long time. But I just feel like I’m more skilled in every area, and I feel like I can dominate him no matter where this fight goes.”

You can watch Rogers’ full interview in the video above.

Bellator 266 takes place Saturday at SAP Center and airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Loading…