Bellator signs middleweight champ Alexander Shlemenko to new deal

Bellator MMA has wrapped up one of its champions with a new deal, the promotion on Monday announced.

Middleweight titleholder Alexander Shlemenko (49-7 MMA, 10-1 BMMA), from Russia, has agreed to a new deal with Bellator ahead of what will be his third title defense next month. Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the promotion.

“Bellator has been my home for many years, and it’s where I want to be,” Shlemenko stated. “(CEO) Bjorn (Rebney) made me a promise and he lived up to that promise to provide me with a new deal. I have made a home here at Bellator, and I will continue to represent Russia in my efforts in the cage. I have gained millions of new fans, both in the U.S. and in Russia, and around the world during my time with Bellator, and I will enjoy being Bellator’s longest running champion. I will continue wearing that belt with honor during my time with Bellator, which will now be at the peak of my career.”

Just 29, but with 56 career fights already under his belt, Shlemenko has a 12-fight winning streak that includes a knockout win at Bellator 88 to win the 185-pound title against Maiquel Falcao. He defended the belt with a decision win over Brett Cooper at Bellator 98 this past September, then knocked out Doug Marshall in the first round to retain the belt at Bellator 109 in November.

Next up, he puts his title on the line against Seaon 9 light middleweight tournament winner Brennan Ward at Bellator 114, which takes place March 28 at Maverik Center in West Valley, Utah. The main card, with Shlemenko-Ward in the main event, airs on Spike TV.

“Alexander Shlemenko has been with this organization since its infancy, and has grown into one of the most dominant champions in MMA,” Rebney stated. “I can say without hesitation, Alexander has been a large part of the success we have enjoyed over the last five years, and as the biggest name in Russian MMA, he’s been the catalyst to the largest TV deal in the history of MMA in Russia. It’s an honor to have him fight in this organization. I look forward to watching his career continue inside the Bellator cage for years to come.”

“Storm” Shlemenko is a two-time Bellator tournament winner, taking the Season 2 and Season 5 crowns. He has 36 of his 49 career wins by stoppage, including 29 knockouts.

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