Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko asked to fight again before the end of the year. Now he gets his wish.
The Russian will look to defend his title against season eight tournament winner Doug Marshall on November 15 at Bellator 108 in New Jersey’s Revel Atlantic City. The event is expected to air live on Spike TV.
Bellator officials announced the match-up Wednesday.
Shlemenko (48-7) recently extended his current 11-fight win streak by outpointing season eight finalist Brett Cooper in Bellator 98’s electric main event. Though Cooper rocked Shlemenko several times, the 29-year-old champion gritted his teeth and gutted through it to complete the first successful defense of his Bellator title.
“Fans know exactly what to expect when they see me fight, and I like to entertain,” Shlemenko said in a statement. “And I’m very glad that I’ll have a chance to entertain them again fighting against Doug Marshall. He’s a tough fighter, the type of fighter with whom I’ll be able to show a spectacular bout that everyone will remember.”
Marshall (18-6) was initially slated to challenge Shlemenko on September 7, however a hand injury led to his withdrawal and Cooper’s subsequent replacement.
A former WEC light heavyweight champion, Marshall has rolled thus far through his Bellator career, racking up a perfect 4-0 record with three first-round knockouts.
“I was bummed when I had to watch Brett Cooper take my spot because of my injury, but after watching the fight I was able to see that there is no way Shlemenko can beat me,” Marshall said.
“The only thing Shlemenko has is that he is tough. There is no doubt in my mind that I am the most powerful middleweight in the division. As soon as Shlemenko feels my fist on the side of his face he will be sleeping on the mat.”