Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov will attempt the first defense of his belt when he squares off against undefeated Russian countryman Vitaly Minakov in the main event of Bellator’s season nine finale, Bellator 109.
The event is set for November 22, 2013 at the Sands Casino Event Center in Bethlehem, PA. Bellator officials announced the match-up on Friday.
In addition, two season nine tournament finals are expected to take place on the card.
Both Volkov (19-3) and Minakov (12-0) are a perfect 3-0 thus far into their Bellator career.
Volkov, 24, defeated Brett Rogers, Vinicius Queiroz, and Richard Hale in succession last year to seize season seven’s tournament crown as well as the vacant Bellator heavyweight strap.
Likewise Minakov, 28, rode a trio of knockouts to his current standing, first dispatching Vladimir Starcencov to gain entry into Bellator’s 2013 four-man Summer Series tourney, then repeating the favor to Ron Sparks and Ryan Martinez to earn the $100,000 grand prize and along with a title shot.