Vitaly Minakov vs. Cheick Kongo title fight slated for Bellator 115

Bellator MMA heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov (13-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) will return to the cage on April 4 as part of the promotion’s Nevada debut.

The reigning titleholder will meet recent tournament winner and longtime UFC fighter Cheick Kongo (19-9-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) in Bellator 115's main event, officials today announced.

The event takes place April 4 at Nevada’s Reno Events Center. The main card airs on Spike TV following prelims on Spike.com.

“I am now the Bellator heavyweight world champion, and that isn’t going to change,” Minakov stated. “It doesn’t matter who is in my way. They are getting finished. Kongo has been around for a long time and is a great challenger, but the belt is staying with me. I’m not giving my belt to anybody. This is my belt.”

Minakov won the title in November by knocking out Alexander Volkov. It marked the Russian’s seventh consecutive knockout win and his 12th stoppage in 13 career victories. Minakov, a 28-year-old world samba champion and judo black belt, earned his title shot by stopping Ron Sparks and Ryan Martinez during this past year’s “Summer Series” tournament.

Kongo earned his title shot with a recent Season 9 tournament title that included victories over Mark Godbeer and Peter Graham in the four-man field. Those were the 38-year-old Frenchman’s first bouts since his release from the UFC, where he 10-7-1 with wins over the likes of Pat Barry, Matt Mitrione and Shawn Jordan.

Additionally Bellator 115 bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more on Bellator 115, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Vitaly Minakov)