Title shot the focus for mixed martial artist who trains out of Oakville, St. Catharines

Fighter Aaron Jeffrey, who trains out of Oakville and St. Catharines, is the only Canadian on the main card at Bellator 293.

The Canadian middleweight is looking to advance closer to a title shot at the mixed martial arts event being held Friday night at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temeula, California.

The 30-year-old Tillsonburg native (13-3-0), who trains at Aegis MMA in Oakville and Niagara Top Team in St. Catharines, is ranked seventh and will take on third-ranked American John Salter (18-6) in the 185-pound class at Bellator.

Jeffrey believes a win Friday would give him a chance at a tile shot. The Canadian, who is just as known for his mullet, is looking for his second straight big win after defeating American Austin Vanderford at Bellator 284 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Canadian got to Vanderford, who was ranked second at the time, with a shot to the head just 30 seconds into their fight.

Vanderford got to his feet, but he was soon knocked down again by another Jeffrey right and five shots later the referee stopped the fight with just 85 seconds gone in the fight.

Jeffery’s record is now 2-0 in Bellator.

The six-foot-two fighter made his pro debut in 2014. He has won 11 of his last 13 fights, with the two losses he suffered coming in the Contender Series.

The main event at Bellator 293 features Brazilian heavyweight Marcelo Golm against American Daniel James. Golm (10-3-0) is ranked fifth among the heavyweight contenders while James (14-6-1) enters the ring as No. 7.