Bellator 69's Karl Amoussou plans to attack David Rickels' mind

It's the stark raving mad psychos who get all the press. The quiet ones always fly under the radar – until they snap.

Former cop and current Bellator welterweight Karl Amoussou (14-4-2 MMA, 2-1 BFC) isn't certifiable, of course, but he uses mind games with his opponents.

His next one, David Rickels (10-0 MMA, 2-0 BFC), better be ready to play.

"I really like to penetrate the mind of my opponent, and to make them feel a lot of doubt," Amoussou told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).

Amoussou and Rickels meet in the semifinals of Bellator's season-six welterweight tournament, and their bout takes place tonight at Bellator 69. L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort in Lake Charles, La., host the bout. Preliminary-card bouts stream on Spike.com and serve as the lead-in to the MTV2-televised main card, including Amoussou vs. Rickels.

Amoussou's strategy was evident in the tournament's opening round. A pre-fight war of words rattled Chris Lozano, and the Frenchman's intimidating presence took him out of his game. In a little more than two minutes, he submitted to a rear-naked choke.

One might think Amoussou's former job gave him the skills to mentally break his opponents, but he said that's not it.

"I think I'm sensitive to the personalities of people, and I like to act on it," said Amoussou, who would meet Bryan Baker (18-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in this summer's tourney finale if victorious. "I have different behavior with every opponent. It's one of my big strengths to be mentally strong, and to be able to talk on the mental weaknesses of my opponent."

What strategy Amoussou has in store for Rickels is unknown. But a part of it might be to make light of the challenges specific to the semifinalist.

Rickels is an impressive 10-0 and earned his current spot in the contest with a 22-second knockout of Jordan Smith in the opening round.

"Honestly, I didn't look too much at him," Amoussou said. "I don't really care. I just focus on myself and what I can do, and what I'm able to do. I know I'm better than him, and I'm going to show it tomorrow."

A statement like that might not mean anything. Or it might. You never know.

If Rickels is wondering what Amoussou is going to say or do next, Amoussou's already playing.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/28772/bellator-69s-karl-amoussou-plans-to-attack-david-rickels-mind.mma

Rickels is a bit unconventional, I'm wondering if this might not be an easy bout for Amoussou.

it might be tough for Amoussou but who knows we will just have to see