Bellator bantamweight title challenger Leandro Higo comes into this Friday's Bellator 195 fight card in Thackerville, Oklahoma, ready to make up for a missed opportunity.

Higo missed weight for his Bellator debut and was unable to fight for the title opposite Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 177 back in April 2017 as originally planned. Ultimately, it wouldn’t matter, as Higo lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In his second Bellator fight, Higo beat Joe Taimanglo by unanimous decision at Bellator 184 in October, a fight he admits wasn't easy.

“I was able to dictate the rhythm of the fight and connected good shots,” Higo told FloCombat. “Joe was really tough and had a great chin. There were some shots I connected there that would probably have dropped other fighters.”

Following his win over Taimanglo, Higo was offered a title shot against Darrion Caldwell at Bellator 195.

“In my mind, I knew it’d be either the title shot or [Joe] Warren next,” Higo said. “I’m glad Bellator found me worthy of the title fight, and now I can’t wait to conquer it.”

Now, Higo has a chance to make up for his missed opportunity at Bellator 177 when he looks to take out the newly crowned champion Caldwell. 

“He’s a good fighter, a great wrestler, but he’s thinking too highly of himself,” Higo said. “It’s my duty to go in there and show it.”

For Higo, it’s clear Caldwell’s wrestling is no joke. The Brazilian is aware of where each man holds his respective advantages.

“I think we match up well,” Higo said. “He has an advantage with the wrestling, but I’m the better striker and I’m better on the ground as well. I think the key for me is to impose my will, only care about myself. Everyone that fights him is so afraid of his wrestling. 

"It won’t be the case with me.”

As for the results of the fight, Higo is expecting nothing less than a finish.

“He’ll fall unconscious on my feet,” Higo said. “I’m going to win it in pitbull fashion with a brutal KO.”

By Lucas Grandsire