Mark Godbeer: Bellator 102 headliner could be three seconds or three rounds

It’s been more than 18 months since Bellator 102 headliner and promotional newcomer Mark Godbeer entered the cage. He believes he’s made the most of that time.

Godbeer (8-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) gets a significant opportunity on Friday when he meets UFC veteran heavyweight Cheick Kongo (18-8-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in the headliner of Bellator 102, a Spike TV-televised that takes place at Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, Calif.

In eight career wins, Godbeer has posted eight stoppages, including six knockouts. Adding a win over Kongo, who’s ranked No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA heavyweight rankings, would be a huge milestone for his career.

Of course, heading into the fight, he’s got no shortage of motivation.

“My wife and I recently gave birth to twin baby girls, who we named Star and Angel,” he said. “It was hard at first because even one new baby is a lot of work. It’s common knowledge now that I’ve been out with an injury and, to be honest, if I was able to pick a time to be injured, this would be it. They are now both 1 year old and running around, laughing and joking. Every time I train, my three girls are now in the back of my mind. I want the best for them. If it means I have to fight my heart out to get them the best life, so be it.”

Godbeer’s other motivation? Being a role model. During his injury layoff, the English fighter started teaching at a local gym. It was an experience he thoroughly enjoyed, so now he’s in the process of opening his own facility in his hometown of Bridgwater.

While MMA gave Godbeer’s life some focus and purpose, he said the real pivotal figure has been his wife. He hopes he can provide the same type of influence to kids in his gym.

“My wife tells me when I’m being a dick, when I’m doing well, and she gives me straight answers when I need them,” he said. “I need someone like her in my life. She also stands by me in everything I do, through the good and bad. I’m not the easiest person to live with, but we’ve been together for eight years. That says it all, really.

“My wife is like my savior because she kept me away from all the negativity, such as drugs, gangs, stealing and violence. Growing up in my town, there was nothing for us. And in my opinion, there still isn’t for my kids today.”

He hopes he can help change that with his gym. He also hopes he can provide the type of positive influence his wife has provided him.

“There are some positive things in my town, but most of them have been taken away,” he said. “There’s nothing for the kids. I hope to inspire many of them to take up martial arts by doing well in my own career. I have a few students now, which I’m very happy about. It feels like I’m giving something back to the community.”

His efforts can get a boost with a win over Kongo. After a 4-1-1 run in the organization, the UFC didn’t re-sign Kongo after a knockout loss to Roy Nelson a few months ago. However, that’s been a theme of Kongo’s career: While he’s struggled against the upper echelon of the division, he’s proven capable of beating nearly every other heavyweight, including Matt Mitrione, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Shawn Jordan, Paul Buentello and others.

Of course, it was the stunning come-from-behind win of Pat Barry in 2011 that really made Godbeer take notice of the Frenchman.

“I’ve followed his career,” Godbeer said. “The fight that stands out to me is the comeback against Pat Barry. Who doesn’t like a comeback like that? I hope we have an entertaining fight – one that stands out from the crowd and keeps him in the mix, but also proves I’m a legit contender as well.”

Godbeer, who said he’s not concerned with the idea of ring rust after his long layoff, believes he’s got a style similar to Kongo’s. In his eyes, that means their main-event fight could be over in the blink of an eye – or it could go three grueling rounds.

“I’ve studied Kongo, and I think we have similar styles,” he said. “I’ve been working in all fields of MMA as I’m sure Cheick has, so I don’t think I’ll have any weaknesses. I don’t think Cheick will underestimate me either. He’s been where I am now and knows how hungry I’ll be to win. This fight will be like no other I’ve been in. There is no room for error.

“This fight could be finished in a split second. We are both big heavyweights with serious knockout power, but we’re also both very durable and tough. That’s why I’m preparing for a three-round war.”

For more on Bellator 102, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.