Alexander Shlemenko Signs Multi-Fight Contract Extension with Bellator

Alexander Shlemenko Signs Multi-Fight Contract Extension with Bellator

When reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion Alexander Shlemenko steps into the cage on March 28th, the 29-year-old Russian finisher will not only be looking for his incredible 50th win, but will also be fighting with a new contract in hand as Bellator has announced a long term extension for the man known simply as “Storm”.

“Bellator has been my home for many years, and it’s where I want to be,” Shlemenko said. “Bjorn made me a promise and he lived up to that promise to provide me with a new deal. I have made a home here at Bellator, and I will continue to represent Russia in my efforts in the cage. I have gained millions of new fans both in the US and in Russia and around the world during my time with Bellator, and I will enjoy being Bellator’s longest running champion. I will continue wearing that belt with honor during my time with Bellator, which will now be at the peak of my career.”

Currently riding a twelve-fight win streak that includes victories over Brett Cooper, Maiquel Falcao, Doug Marshall and Vitor Vianna, Shlemenko will defend his crown against Season 9 Tournament winner Brennan Ward on March 28th live on Spike. As one of the true Russian ambassadors for the sport, Shlemenko is set to reign over the Bellator Middleweight division for years thanks to his extension.

“Alexander Shlemenko has been with this organization since its infancy, and has grown into one of the most dominant champions in MMA,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “I can say without hesitation Alexander has been a large part of the success we have enjoyed over the last five years and as the biggest name in Russian MMA, he’s been the catalyst to the largest TV deal in the history of MMA in Russia.  It’s an honor to have him fight in this organization. I look forward to watching his career continue inside the Bellator cage for years to come.”

Alexander Shlemenko Defends Title Against Brennan Ward at Bellator 114

Alexander Shlemenko Defends Title Against Brennan Ward at Bellator 114

A “Storm” is coming to Salt Lake as the always dangerous Alexander Shlemenko will put his Middleweight World Title and twelve fight win streak on the line against Tournament winner Brennan Ward live on Spike TV Friday, March 28^th from Utah’s Maverik Center at Bellator 114. The night will also feature the Bellator return of fan favorite and Utah’s own Rad Martinez, who fights Edson Berto in a featherweight battle.


Entering the fight riding a 12-fight win streak including victories over Doug Marshall, Brett Cooper, Maiquel Falcao and Brian Rogers, Shlemenko is looking to move his record to an incredible 50-7 while defending his Bellator crown yet again, this time against the promising Ward.

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

Ward punched his ticket to a title shot with three second round finishes during Bellator’s last Middleweight Tournament, including knockout victories over Justin Torrey and Mikkel Parlo. Known for his brash personality and outspoken nature, “The Irish Bad Boy” is ready to make a statement on March 28^th.

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

The night will also feature a featherweight showdown between Utah native Rad Martinez, who returns to the Bellator cage after suffering defeat in the Featherweight Tournament finals. Now 35, Martinez is aware the time isn’t on his side, and has decided this fight will be the last in his impressive career. After being introduced to the world on ESPN’s “Outside The Lines” for his incredibly moving story of being the primary caretaker for his seriously injured father was told, Martinez made his mark in Bellator, compiling a 4-1 record including victories of Nazareno Malegarie and Wagnney Fabiano. On March 28^th, Martinez will walk away from MMA, but for all the right reasons.

“I like to think I’ve had a pretty good career and as I’m getting older, I’ve got a beautiful wife and a daughter on the way, the time is right to walk away and focus on being a husband and a father,” Martinez said. “The time was right to walk away while I still have my health, and to be a fantastic father and husband. It means so much to me that Bellator would give me my last fight in Utah so I can have a sendoff in front of all my friends and family. Bellator has treated me so well through my career, and I’m incredibly proud to have my last fight in the Bellator cage.”