Blagoy Ivanov-Josh Copeland Heavyweight Title Fight Headlines WSOF 31 in Connecticut

Las Vegas-based MMA promotion World Series of Fighting on Tuesday announced that it is headed back to Connecticut this summer.

WSOF 31 will be held at Foxwoods Resort Casino and is slated to be anchored by a heavyweight title fight between Blagoy Ivanov and Josh Copeland.

Ivanov made a name for himself at the 2008 World Sambo Championships by defeating MMA great Fedor Emelianenko. He parlayed that success into a torrid start to his MMA career, where he dominated in Bellator, winning his first six bouts for the organization before losing for the first time as a pro to Alexander Volkov. The Bulgarian has since bounced back with two wins in the WSOF, both via stoppage.

Denver’s Copeland made good on his WSOF debut after losing two in a row in the Octagon. The Grudge Training Center fighter is 3-3 in his last six bouts.

Also scheduled for the event is a lightweight battle between UFC veterans Jason High and Mike Ricci. Their showdown will grant the winner the promotion’s No. 1 contender status for the title.

NBCSN will televise the action, which will air live starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on June 17.