Vitaly Minakov (left) battling Cheick Kongo

By FCF Staff

After being stripped of Bellator’s heavyweight title a couple of years ago,  Vitaly Minakov is returning to the promotion after all.

ESPN was the first to report that Bellator President, Scott Coker, has confirmed the 33 year-old fighter has resigned with the organization. Minakov (21-0) will likely fight one time under the Bellator banner, and then challenge whoever wins the promotion’s heavyweight belt, via the ongoing grand-prix.

Minakov hasn’t fought for Bellator since 2014, when he earned a decision win over Cheick Kongo. Since then the Russian fighter has gone 7-0 while competing overseas. Minakov’s decision to fight for the Russian based, Fight Nights Global promotion back in 2015, reportedly led to his hiatus from Bellator.