Mousasi TKOs Salter to retain Bellator middleweight title

Gegard Mousasi defeated John Salter via TKO (strikes) at the 2:07 mark of the third round in the Bellator 264 main event Friday night to retain the middleweight title at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

"I'm way stronger than people think," Mousasi said after the event, according to Steven Marrocco of MMA Fighting. "Maybe I look skinny, but physically, I was the stronger guy there."

This marked the first time Mousasi defended his Bellator middleweight belt since beating Douglas Lima in October for the vacant title. The 36-year-old has now extended his winning run to three fights and has defeated 11 of his last 12 opponents.

Meanwhile, the loss ended Salter's three-fight winning streak. The 36-year-old American entered the bout as the No. 1-ranked middleweight contender.

Bellator announced after Friday's event that Mousasi will fight Austin Vanderford next.