Coming off of his first professional loss to Aaron Jeffery in August 2023, middleweight Dalton Rosta (8-1 Bellator) will finally return to the cage on Saturday against Norberto Nobeni Jr. (7-0 MMA, 6-0 Bellator) with a chance at a title shot still in the wings.
In an interview with Zain Band of MMA Knockout, the 28-year-old Rosta said Nobeni Jr. is a great opponent with a karate-based style, but one he hasn't seen yet. Rosta, who holds a brown belt in jiu-jitsu and trains with American Top Team, knows the importance of rethinking his plan and getting back on track.
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“He was in almost an MVP-style karate stance, bouncing up and down on weights,” Rosta said. “It was awkward. I know he covers the distance well and has power in his hands, so it should be a good fight. It should be fun. I'm looking forward to it.”
Rosta said those who believe Nobeni Jr. is better than his previous opponents are completely wrong and he hopes to prove doubters wrong with a win.
“But it's a step up for him in terms of the competition,” Rosta said. “His style is harder. It's hard to emulate or replicate in any way.”
– Rosta talks about his fight with Noveni Jr.
Rosta has used his extensive wrestling experience and college football background to focus primarily on his ability on the ground, winning four times by decision, with at least two of those victories coming primarily from ground control, but he's comfortable no matter where the fight takes place.
“I'm a fully evolved fighter,” Rosta said of adapting to a discipline outside of traditional boxing.
Still, the trip to Ireland will mark the first overseas fight of his career for Rosta, and with a win, and a Jonny Eblen-Fabien Edwards rematch looming in September, the stakes could not be higher.
Then Rosta had his shot.
“I think I’m going to knock him out on fight day,” Rosta said of his predictions for the Nobeni Jr. bout.
– Rosta predicts KO win in Dublin
Rosta said he isn't particularly buying Nobeni Jr.'s recent comments that two more wins would automatically give him a title fight, but he wants to put him in the right position.
“I'm focused on Norbert,” Rosta said. “He may not feel the same way.”
– Rosta regarding Norbet's recent comments
Rosta and Nobeni Jr. will face off on a 14-fight card that will air on MAX starting at 12pm ET/9am PST on 3Arena.
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