Brent Primus focused on Chris Bungard at Bellator 240, but eyed a title shot

Like many fighters, it seems like Brent Primus can never get in as many fights in a year as he would like.

Originally hoping to fight more in 2019, Primus only managed one bout, but with a win in his fight against Tim Wilde at Bellator: Birmingham last May, the year was still a success. He’s getting an early start in 2020, with his first game of the year this weekend in Dublin.

“I expected to have at least two fights in (2019), but it didn’t happen,” Primus told MMAWeekly.com. “I had another one, but I’m trying to stay more active. I ask that we have three fights this year; this is the goal.

“I just knew my ground game was a lot better than (Wilde’s) and once I got him down I was going to catch him. It went a little faster than I thought it would, but that was good. I feel like my stand-up and court game is better than it’s ever been, so I’m ready and confident.”

Having had such a long layoff since his win over Wilde, Primus has stayed busy in the gym because as he says, it’s an absolute must.

“I have to stay consistent and go to the gym at least once a day, even if I’m not fighting,” Primus said. “I was always in the gym, maybe I wasn’t training, and I was always doing techniques and learning.

“I’m so competitive and I hate the thought of losing. It makes me train hard. I hate to lose no matter what and I always give it my all in everything I do, so in MMA I put everything into it and train every day so I don’t get killed in the cage.”

On Feb. 22 in Dublin, Ireland, Primus (9-1) will look for his second straight win when he takes on Chris Bungard (15-5) in the 155-pound main event of Bellator 240: Dublin.

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“I have to be focused and play my game plan and fight how I fight,” Primus said. “I know (Bungard is) a tough guy. Not the most technical guy, I guess. In stand-up, he can be a little wild and those guys can be dangerous, but I know if I go out there and fight to my full potential, he’s not going to last.”

After holding the Bellator lightweight title a year and a half prior, Primus would like to regain the title and then face some potential contenders.

“I want that (title) fight,” Primus said. “I want that belt. I know I beat Patricio (Pitbull). I know he’s tough, he’s a good champion, but I know I can beat him. I want that belt; anyone who has it is my target.

“Once I get that title shot, I’ll be able to fight Chandler or Benson Henderson or one of those guys, but first is the belt, second I want Benson or Chandler for sure.”