Promotion officials confirmed the pairing on Wednesday following an initial report from Combate. Bellator 163 takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Nov. 4 and is headlined by a light heavyweight title tilt between Liam McGeary and Phil Davis. The main card will air on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while the prelims stream immediately prior on Bellator.com.
Gracie, a 27-year-old Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu product, has been victorious in two Bellator appearances thus far. After scoring a first-round submission of Bobby Flynn in his debut, the New York resident garnered a decision victory against Roger Carroll in his most recent outing at Bellator 151.
A 30-fight veteran, the 37-year-old Bears hasn’t fought since suffering a first-round knockout loss to Michael Page at Bellator 140 in July 2015. Bears is 3-6 over the course of four separate Bellator stints and owns a 16-14 career mark.