Toby Misech grateful for fast-tracked shot at ex-champ Dantas at Bellator 215

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – After just one win for the promotion, Toby Misech got fast-tracked to a fight tonight against a former Bellator champion.

Part of it was out of convenience and availability for Misech (11-6 MMA, 1-0 BMMA), who is stepping up to take on former bantamweight titleholder Eduardo Dantas (20-6 MMA, 10-4 BMMA) on short notice at Bellator 215 after Manny Vazquez dropped out. But Misech also knows he got the call for a reason.

“I got right back in the gym after my last fight,” Misech told MMAjunkie. “We just had to kick everything up real fast, get on a strict diet right away – that’s about it. Everything came to pace. They could have chosen anyone else, so I was stoked they chose me.”

Bellator 215 takes place tonight at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMAjunkie.

Toby Misech, left

Bellator chose Misech, from Hawaii, in large part, no doubt, thanks to his highlight-reel knockout against Edward Thommes at Bellator 212 in December, which was the promotion’s first event in Hawaii.

Getting that win, in that way, in front of his home fans was a big one for Misech. Eariler in 2018, he had a shot at the UFC, but lost a decision to Ricky Palacios in a fight on Dana White’s Contender Series.

“That moment was everything for me,” Misech said. “That made my career. I’ve been working a lot. To come off my performance before that fight, I really needed that performance and that win.”

Now Misech gets Dantas, who needs a bounce-back win after consecutive losses. The first of those losses came to Darrion Caldwell in a title fight in 2017, where he surrendered his belt.

Misech said the chance to take on a former champ could fast-track him in the division.

“I was blessed to get this opportunity,” Misech said. “I don’t have to climb a ladder – they put me right to the top. After this fight, if I win, they give me another top fighter and just keep moving up from there.”

For more from Misech, check out the video above.

And for more on Bellator 215, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.