Champ Alexander Shlemenko vs. Doug Marshall slated for Bellator 108 on Nov. 15

After a delay, Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko (48-7 MMA, 10-1 BMMA) will now meet recent tournament winner Doug Marshall (18-6 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) on Bellator 108 on Nov. 15.

Bellator officials today announced the bout.

The events takes place at Revel Atlantic City in New Jersey on Nov. 15. The main card airs on Spike TV following prelims on Spike.com.

Shlemenko and Marshall were initially slated to fight at Bellator 98 this past month, but Marshall was forced off the card with an injury. Shlemenko instead fought replacement Brett Cooper and earned a unanimous-decision victory.

The Russian, who won the vacant title in February with a knockout victory over Maiquel Falcao, has now won 11 consecutive fights. He’s currently ranked No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA middleweight rankings.

“I’m super excited about this fight,” Marshall stated. “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. 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. Winning this fight is a no-brainer for me.”

Marshall earned the title shot by winning the Season 8 tournament with knockout wins over Andreas Spang and Cooper, as well as a split decision over Sultan Aliev. The former WEC champion has now won four consecutive bouts and five of his past six. Five of his six victories have come via knockout.

For the latest on Bellator 108, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Alexander Shlemenko)