MFC 38's Jonatas Novaes: Kurt Southern undeserving of immediate rematch

Rematches are a common occurrence in the MMA world, and they can take place for any number of reasons.

From a controversial decision to a referee who impacts the result of a bout to two fighters simply putting on amazing scrap that people are begging to see again, it’s hardly rare to see athletes compete against one another more than once inside the ring or cage.

In the case of Jonatas Novaes, his rematch with Kurt Southern at Friday’s MFC 38 event in Edmonton has nothing to do with how the first fight played out. Instead, it’s all about getting to the championship.

“It’s my understanding that if I beat Southern again, I’ll get a shot at the belt,” Novaes told MMAjunkie.com.

Novaes (11-4) and Southern (12-4) first squared off at MFC 36 in February. It was a highly competitive fight before Novaes ended it with a submission early in the third round. Even though Southern was arguably winning the match prior to the stoppage, Novaes was convinced his business with “The Hurt” was done.

So when news of the rematch came across the wire, Novaes was surprised and somewhat outraged he’d have to duplicate his efforts just seven months later.

“I don’t think he deserves to be my opponent right after I defeated him,” Novaes said. “When I faced him, I knew sooner of later I would catch him, even though he was ahead on the cards. I don’t think I should have to face him twice in a row.”

By no means was Novaes hesitant when it came to accepting the fight, but ultimately the natural progression of his career is to take on fresh opponents.

Nevertheless, the rematch is what’s next for both men, and Novaes plans to eclipse his last performance in order to ensure he gets a shot at the MFC lightweight title and never has to compete against Southern again.

“I work for MFC, so I’ll face whoever they put in front of me,” Novaes said. “My goal is to defeat him again and fight for the belt.”

For the latest on MFC 38, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.