Ex-champ Liam McGeary vs. Chris Fields slated for Bellator 173 on Feb. 24

Former Bellator light-heavyweight champion Liam McGeary is slated for his post-title return bout.

Fighting for the first time since losing the belt to Phil Davis in November, McGeary (11-1 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) meets Chris Fields (11-7-1 MMA, at Bellator 173.

Bellator President Scott Coker announced the main event via ESPN.com.

Bellator 173 takes place Feb. 24 at SSE Arena Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The event, which again will be a co-promotion with the U.K. based BAMMA, is expected to air on Spike, though it’s not clear if it’ll be live.

McGeary, a 34-year-old English fighter who’s No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings, won his first 11 pro bouts – 10 via stoppage – before the title loss to Davis (watch the highlights above). Prior to the setback, he won the belt with a decision victory over Emanuel Newton and defended it with a submission victory over Tito Ortiz.

He now meets Fields, a 33-year-old Irishman who appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter 19” but never got an official UFC fight. Instead, he’s competed with organizations such as Cage Warriors and BAMMA. He most recently halted a four-fight winless (0-3-1) streak with a submission victory over Dan Konecke in February 2016.

James Gallagher (5-0), a highly touted 20-year-old Irish prospect, is also slated for the card, though an opponent hasn’t been finalized. The SBG Ireland fighter submitted Anthony Taylor – his fourth submission in five pro fights – at Bellator 169 in his most recent appearance.

The latest Bellator 173 card now includes:

• Chris Fields vs. Liam McGeary
• James Gallagher vs. TBA

For more on Bellator 173, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.