The Bellator MMA debut of former UFC champion Benson Henderson will be on April 22nd, and he’ll get an immediate title shot at welterweight vs. Andrey Koreshkov.
One day after former UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson confirmed his signing with Bellator MMA, we now know that his debut with the promotion will be an immediate title shot against the welterweight champion. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reports that Henderson will face Andrey Koreshkov in the main event of Bellator 153 on Friday, April 22nd at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The night’s main card will air live on Spike TV.
Henderson (23-5) has competed at welterweight in his last two bouts, winning by submission against Brandon Thatch on short-notice at UFC Fight Night in Colorado last February, then closing out his UFC career with a split decision win over Jorge Masvidal in South Korea back in November. With this instant title shot in his Bellator debut, Henderson has a chance to become the first ever fighter to win championships in the WEC, UFC, and Bellator.
Koreshkov (18-1) captured Bellator’s 170 lbs belt with a dominating upset win over Douglas Lima at Bellator 140. The 25-year-old Russian had previously contended for the title in 2013, but was TKO’d by Ben Askren in the only professional loss of his career. He’s a two-time welterweight tournament winner who also holds victories over the likes of Nah-Shon Burrell, Lyman Good, and Marius Zaromskis.
For the record, April 22nd is one night before the targeted date for Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones 2, although the UFC’s plans may change now that Madison Square Garden is out of the picture. An official announcement on the date and venue of that fight is expected to be announced this week.