By FCF Staff

Bellator continues to reveal the promotion’s upcoming schedule, and today the promotion confirmed that Douglas Lima will battle Rick Hawn for the vacant title on April 18th. The bout will headline Bellator 117, which will be hosted by Iowa’s Mid-American Center.

Lima (25-5) locked up another shot at the welterweight belt in September, by knocking out Ben Saunders at Bellator 100. The victory was Lima’s fourth straight since he was decisioned by former champ, and now ONE FC fighter, Ben Askren.

“This fight with Hawn is going to be very explosive, I think everyone is aware of that,” Lima said in a press release from the promotion. “I really can’t describe how excited I am for this World Title shot. I’m bringing this belt home, and it’s not leaving me for a long time.”

Hawn (18-2) returned to the welterweight division last fall, and won Bellator’s latest tournament by scoring wins over Herman Terrado, Brent Weedman and Ron Keslar.

“It’s great to be back in title contention and going for that belt,” Hawn said. “There is no question Douglas is an incredibly gifted fighter. In terms of his size and skill, this will probably be the toughest fight of my career, and I’m ready for that. I know how exciting this fight is going to be, and I’m just ready for April 18^th to get here.”

The main card for Bellator 117 will be broadcast live on SPIKE TV.