Once he's cleared out his division, Phil Davis could be facing bigger challenges in the future.
The Bellator light heavyweight champion fights Ryan Bader this Saturday in the main event of Bellator 180 at Madison Square Garden, a rematch of their January 2015 encounter that Bader won by split decision.
Davis left the UFC the following April and has since compiled a 4-0 record in Bellator, including a win over Liam McGeary that earned him his championship belt. There are still plenty of worthy opponents at 205 pounds waiting for Davis, but with so many fighters entertaining bouts in other divisions these days, "Mr. Wonderful" hasn't ruled out taking a heavyweight bout if it makes sense.
"It's something that I'm willing to entertain down the road," Davis told theScore. "But for right now I definitely want to concentrate mostly on having the light heavyweight belt and when I feel like I've reached the point where I need to venture out or I want to venture out to fight some bigger names and get some big fights, I'll do that. But you don't want to do it too soon."
For now, Davis has to deal with Bader, British star Linton Vassell, and possibly even a second bout with former foe Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal. There also happen to be two other high-profile fighters competing in a light heavyweight bout on Saturday that bring intrigue to every matchup, if nothing else: Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva.
Both entering their 40s, Sonnen and Silva aren't part of the contenders' stream in any traditional sense, but they have a main-event reputation that would guarantee plenty of attention for Davis should he face either man.
"Both of those guys are fighters that I've been watching for so long," said Davis. "It would be a great opportunity to step in the cage with either one of those guys. I'd definitely fight them.
"Whether I'd necessarily push for those fights, I don't know, but those are not fights that I would ever turn down."
Davis gets closer to calling his own shots with every win, which may explain why Bellator could soon be bringing a card to his alma mater Penn State University later this year. The 2008 NCAA wrestling champion currently trains in California, but he's a natural fit to headline a card in his home state.
"I like to think so. But I'm not the only one leading the charge," said Davis. "We've got Ed Ruth, who's also a super stud. He's coming up, he's an amazing talent, also a Penn Stater, also from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I mean, what more can you say?
"So it's two hometown guys, good wrestlers, and he's going to be right there with me if that event ends up happening."
As for why Davis headed west in the first place, he described the move as a practical one as opposed to there being any issues with his old stomping grounds.
"It's not that it's not supportive," said Davis. "MMA is still very popular in Pennsylvania, there are just more resources available in California. It's like acting. You can act and be anywhere, but if you're just getting going, it would really help if you're in New York or L.A.
"Again, there are people who get discovered from everywhere. But it definitely helps to be in those two places."
