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Bantamweight Raufeon Stots says ‘resentment’ towards UFC gone, happy with Bellator 236 debut fight.

One of the best regional fighters in the United States has finally been snapped up by a big show, and while it isn’t the UFC as many MMA pundits had predicted, Raufeon Stots isn’t disappointed.

“I feel like everything happens for a reason and I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Stots told FanSided ahead of his Bellator debut. “I feel like this is the start of something great for me. And I’m where I’m supposed to be and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”

Stots enters the Bellator cage for the first time on the heels of a multi-fight, exclusive deal at Bellator 236 when he takes on Cheyden Leialoha.

“All my resentment or whatever toward the UFC kind of dissipated because I’m so happy with, like the contract and stuff,” he said. “And like when I’m fighting and I also like, like where I’m at compared to the other people that I thought were ahead of me.”

Stots has been touted as one of the biggest bantamweight free agents for years. Of his 13 fights, he’s only lost once. He’s thrived under the LFA banner most recently but hasn’t fought in a cage since May.

“I’m happy with Bellator and I’m hoping to fight up the ranks and work toward a Bellator title. As far as the UFC, they are the last thing on my mind. I feel like my task at hand right now is to, like, win this fight and build the ranks where I’m at.”

Stots joins his fellow Roufusport teammate Sergio Pettis, who recently left the UFC to fight under the Bellator banner.

“The narrative is that the UFC is the best organization but that’s not always the case,” Stots said. “It’s a case by case thing, like for some people the UFC is the best organization for them. You know, they’re a good organization for them. I feel like for me the Bellator is the better organization for me. They care more about the tournament style of fighting, They care more about who wins, over who can create the biggest spectacle. So and that’s something that appeals to me.”

Bellator Hawaii takes place on Friday and Saturday night with Bellator Salute on Friday and Bellator 236 on Saturday. Both air live from the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, HI. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all the live results and highlights.