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Bellator Middleweight Champ Alexander Shlemenko Signs Multi-Fight Contract Extension

Tristen CritchfieldFeb 24, 2014
Bellator has locked down long-reigning middleweight ace Alexander Shlemenko. | Keith Mills/Sherdog.com


Alexander Shlemenko has agreed to a multi-year, multi-fight contract extension with Bellator MMA, according to a Monday release from the promotion.

Exact terms of the middleweight champion’s deal were not disclosed. Shlemenko is scheduled to defend his title against Brennan Ward at Bellator 114 on March 28 at the Maverik Center in West Valley City Utah.

“Bellator has been my home for many years, and it’s where I want to be,” Shlemenko said. “[Bellator 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.”

Shlemenko has won 12 straight fights since a five-round decision defeat to then 185-pound champion Hector Lombard at Bellator 34. “Storm” went 3-0 in 2013, posting victories over Maiquel Jose Falcao Goncalves, Brett Cooper and Doug Marshall.