Ben Reiter Expecting to ‘Impose His Will’ at Bellator 156

Though he suffered the first loss of his career last November to Francisco France at Bellator 146, middleweight up-and-comer Ben Reiter doesn’t feel he was beaten in the fight.

Looking back on the loss, Reiter believes it was a momentary lapse in concentration, rather than being manhandled, which cost him the bout.

“I felt like it was a good match-up for me, but I made a mistake and (France) capitalized on it,” Reiter told MMAWeekly.com. “I felt like it was split-second error that cost me that fight. It was the first time in a fight I was in a bad position and I think I kind of froze up a little bit.

“Those are things I need to work through. I’ve got to keep learning, evolving and moving forward – that’s the only option. I think at some point I’d like to get a rematch in the future if it happens. I’ve been focusing on getting better every day.”

Reiter (16-1-1) will look to rebound at Bellator 156 in Fresno, California, on June 17 when he takes on AJ Matthews (8-4) in a 185-pound match-up that was initially supposed to happen a year ago.

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“I think it’s a similar fight, but everybody learns and get better, so there are always new things to prepare for,” said Reiter. “We do bring similar strengths from a year ago, but I’d say we’re both just better (now).

“AJ is a tough fighter, but I think that I’m the stronger grappler. I think that’s what I’ll impose my will at. I’m really looking forward to the match-up. I’ve trained like a beast for this fight, and I’m ready.”

While Reiter is looking to finally get past Matthews, he’s mindful to not let his attention slip too far ahead of the task ahead of him on June 17.

“I just have to keep focusing on each fight, with an overall goal of being world champion, and we’ll see how long that takes, but it’s one fight at a time and I’m focusing on each opponent in front of me,” Reiter said.

“I’m going to keep training and keep better and focus on winning this upcoming fight because it’s an important one.”

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