By FCF Staff

After Attila Vegh missed much of 2013 due to injury, Bellator has announced that its light-heavyweight champion will return to action on March 21st, and will battle interim champ Emanuel Newton. The title fight will headline Bellator 113, which will be hosted by the Kansas Star Arena.

Vegh (29-4-2), who defeated Newton by split decision in July, 2012, will be competing for the first time since last February. At Bellator 91, Vegh became the light-heavyweight champ by defeating Christian M’Pumbu via unanimous decision.

“I’m ready to get back into the cage, and defend my belt,” Vegh was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. “Even though I won my last fight with Emanuel, I wasn’t happy with my performance in my last fight against Emanuel Newton. I was ready but things just didn’t go the way I planned. We are both different fighters since then, and it’s going to be a great fight.”

Newton (22-7-1) has won four straight fights since facing Vegh, which includes a knockout and decision win over “King Mo” Lawal.

“I’m ready for redemption,” Newton said. “I really wasn’t ready at the time in my career to be a champion. It wasn’t something physically, mentally, and spiritually I was prepared for. I’m a totally different fighter now, and this is my time.  I’m training hard, continuing to grow, and this is it. Now is the time. I’ve got a new contract with Bellator, Bjorn and I are happy, I’m going to be here for a long time and I couldn’t be happier. This is my home, and I’m going to be Champion.”

Bellator has also announced the opening round match-ups for the promotion’s next lightweight tourney. One of the quarter final bouts will feature former tourney winner David Rickels taking on Patricky “Pitbull” Freire.

Here is the main card that has been announced for Bellator 113, which will be broadcast live on SPIKE.

Light Heavyweight World Title: Attila Vegh (29-4) vs. Emanuel Newton (22-7)
Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round: David Rickels (15-2) vs. Patricky Pitbull (11-5)
Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round: Marcin Held (16-3) vs. Rodrigo Cavalheiro (14-2)
Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round: Terry Etim (16-5) vs. Derek Anderson (10-0)
Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round: Brandon Girtz (10-3) vs. Derek Campos (13-3)