The revelation of the PFL World Tournament’s middleweight lineup marks an exciting chapter for the promotion as it debuts the 185-pound division with an impressive array of global fighters. Among the challengers is none other than Dalton Rosta, a former top-five middleweight in Bellator’s ranks.
Rosta (9-1), who hones his skills at the renowned American Top Team, faced a pivotal career decision this year. With his teammate Johnny Eblen holding the Bellator middleweight title and another teammate, Josh Silveira, competing in the same PFL tournament, the path wasn’t straightforward.
Recently, I sat down with Dalton Rosta to delve into his thought process and get a preview of the thrilling tournament set in Orlando, Florida.
Brett Cagle: How thrilled are you to compete in your first tournament with a possible prize of $500,000?
Dalton Rosta: It’s actually going to be more than that when you count in all my fight bonuses, so I’m really pumped.
BC: You recently secured a significant win against Norbert Novenyi Jr. last June. What insights did you gain from that fight, and how have the past eight months unfolded for you?
DR: Honestly, I didn’t discover anything new about myself. I knew I had the grit to push through challenges. I took an illegal elbow to the back of my head in the final round. Unfortunately, the referee missed it, but I managed to endure and claim victory.
BC: I noticed you’ve been working out with Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison. How’s that experience been for you?
DR: Absolutely! Whenever I’m in Pittsburgh, James and I catch up. We’re good friends, and I make sure to work out with him every time I’m back home.
BC: People rave about his strength in the gym. What’s he lifting these days?
DR: It’s insane, honestly. I consider myself strong, and so do those I lift with, especially given my weight class. But James is something else. I usually walk around at 215-220 pounds, and he’s probably around 260-270. So there’s a forty to fifty-pound difference, which should account for some disparity, but his strength is out of this world. I remember doing military presses behind the neck with 205 for eight reps, feeling pretty good. Then James steps up, and I thought he’d maybe do 275. Nope, he slapped more plates on—this guy was pushing 315 behind the neck. Just outrageous.
BC: This is your inaugural professional tournament, and you just need three wins to come out on top. What do you think about this format?
DR: I love it! It’s a fantastic setup. April isn’t far off, about eight weeks from now, then I’ll fight again in June and August. It’s like every two months, which keeps me engaged. I’m thrilled I’ll be active, with the potential for three or maybe even four fights this year. Three are guaranteed if you keep winning.
BC: So, was the consistent activity of the tournament a big draw for you?
DR: Absolutely, 100%.
BC: You train with an exceptional team at ATT in Florida, including Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen and Josh Silveira. How did you decide on this year’s career moves?
DR: Ultimately, it was my decision. I discussed it with my manager and coaches. I opted for the tournament, and if it comes down to facing Josh, so be it. We go toe-to-toe at the gym all the time, so why not get paid for it? We’re friends, but this is business, and I want the championship. So, if we end up fighting each other, that’s just how it goes.
BC: You were with Bellator. What was it like transitioning last year? Are you sad to see Bellator go?
DR: It’s tough to answer. The Bellator brand has disappeared, but the fighters remain, and they’ve kept a format akin to tournaments. It’s like Bellator’s spirit lives on under a new name. I was, and still am, a big Bellator fan; I believe PFL won’t change that core identity.
BC: Aaron Jeffery is also in this tournament. How eager are you to potentially avenge your past defeat?
DR: Man, I wanted to get him in the first round, but it didn’t happen. Still, there’s a good chance we’ll cross paths in the tournament. I’ve never made excuses for past losses, and I won’t start now, but trust me, if we meet again, people will see it was a fluke. I’m ready to prove something different this time around and leave no doubt.
Catch Dalton Rosta in action along with other elite fighters at the PFL World Tournament kicking off in April 2025. To watch our full conversation with Rosta, check out the video above.
