Shamhalaev Out, Replaced by Wilcox in Season 9 Featherweight Tournament
Shahbulat Shamhalaev has withdrawn himself from the season 9 Bellator Featherweight tournament. Replacing the season 7 tournament winner, against Akop Stepanyan (13-5) a 2 time tournament vet will be Strikeforce vet Justin Wilcox (11-5).
Wilcox in his last two bouts has suffered defeat to Caros Fodor and Jorge Masvidal, after a no contest with Gesias Cavalcante; due to an eye poke.
Stepanyan after back to back tournament quarterfinal losses defeated Chris Saunders by TKO at Bellator 92.
Shamhalaev with winning the season 7 tournament earned a shot at champion Pat Curran, that saw Shamhalaev submitted in the first round.
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