By Shawn Smith

Bellator bantamweight champion Eduardo Dantas returns to the cage on April 14 at Bellator 177 to take on Brazilian prospect Leandro Higo. And while Dantas insists he isn't looking past Higo, the Bellator veteran has his eyes on fighting in New York City at Bellator 180, a pay-per-view event, as well as an eventual move to featherweight.

"I want to fight Darrion Caldwell in New York in June," Dantas told FloCombat.com through a translator. "I think all the champions need to be there on that big show. I think that's a big fight for me and it should happen in New York."

Dantas is a two-time Bellator bantamweight champion, the most dominant bantamweight in the promotion's history. His victories over Zach Makovsky, Wilson Reis, Marcos Galvao and Joe Warren make him one of the most dangerous, well-rounded fighters in the division.

But Darrion Caldwell appears ready for his world title opportunity. The 29-year-old Rahway, New Jersey native is 10-1 in MMA, including a 7-1 record in Bellator. His only loss, a submission defeat at the hands of Joe Taimanglo, was avenged in December. He currently holds victories over Joe Warren, Shawn Bunch and Rafael Silva, a who's who of Bellator's bantamweight division.

Dantas doesn't see his long-term future as being solely based in the bantamweight division. During an interview, he said "I'm thinking one year before I move up and defeat the champion. 

"I think I can fight in both divisions, I think I can be a champion in both divisions," Dantas said. "I want to have both belts and defend both belts. I think my future is to go up, beat the champion at 145 lbs. and defend both belts. It's easy for me to make 135 and I think I can fight at 145  too."

Current Bellator featherweight champion Daniel Straus defends his title against Patricio "Pitbull" Friere at Bellator 178 on April 21.

Dantas versus Higo at Bellator 177 will take place on Spike TV.