Bellator books Shlemenko vs. Manhoef for Feb. 13
A battle of Middleweight knockout artists will headline Bellator’s event on February 13 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno California.
The main event will see former Bellator Middleweight champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (50-9) back in action for the first time since losing his belt, against Melvin “No Mercy” Manhoef (29-12-1-1nc). Shelmenko and Manhoef combine for 64 stoppage wins with 56 by (T)KO; and 49 1st rounds wins.
Shelmenko has lost 2 in row having been submitted by Tito Ortiz and Brandon Halsey. The loss to Ortiz, which was at Light Heavyweight, ended a 13 win winning streak. The loss to Halsey ended the title reign of the “Storm”, which saw Shelmenko defend his title successfully against Brett Cooper (UD), Doug Marshall (KO), and Brennan Ward (SUB).
Manhoef has won 5 of his last 8 and is 1-1, in Bellator with a knock out win over Doug Marshall and a knock out loss to Joe Schilling.