By FCF Staff

Bellator has confirmed that its middleweight champion, Alexander Shlemenko, will defend the title against Brennan Ward on March 28th. The bout will be hosted by Utah’s Maverik Center.

Shlemenko (49-7) is coming off an impressive title defense in November, when the highlight reel striker stopped Doug Marshall in the first round with a liver shot. The 29 year-old Russian fighter is currently riding a 12 fight win streak.

“I saw Brennan Ward in the last tournament, he was impressive,” Shlemenko was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. “But he is a young fighter, while I have experience on my side.  My experience will be my strongest weapon in this fight.”

Ward (9-1), meanwhile, stopped Mikkel Parlo in November to win Bellator’s latest middleweight tourney. The former, collegiate wrestler has won four straight bouts.

“Simply put, I’m looking forward to bringing the heat and taking the belt away, Cold War style,” Ward said.

Bellator has also announced that featherweight Rad Martinez (14-3) will fight  veteran Edson Berto (17-11-1) at the March 28th event.

The main card will be broadcast on SPIKE.