Halsey’s first title defense will be against an experienced foe. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Brandon Halsey will put his Bellator MMA middleweight title on the line for the first time when he faces Kendall Grove in the main event of Bellator 137.
Halsey, 28, defeated Alexander Shlemenko at Bellator 126 via technical submission to claim the title. The undefeated fighter has competed six times under the Bellator banner, finishing four of his opponents. In addition to Shlemenko, “Bull” also owns victories over Shonie Carter, Joe Pacheco and Brett Cooper.
Grove, 32, has been fighting professionally since 2003. The Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran made his Bellator debut in 2013, defeating Joe Vedepo via unanimous decision. “Da Spyder” most recently finished Christian M’Pumbu with a rear-naked choke at Bellator 127.