Gegard Mousasi vs. Alexander Shlemenko set to headline Bellator 185 on Oct. 20

The newly acquired Gegard Mousasi will make his Bellator MMA debut this fall when he takes on former divisional king Alexander Shlemenko at Bellator 185 on Oct. 20 live on Spike TV from inside Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., per a promotional announcement. The 185-pound fight will serve as the main event.

Mousasi, 31, is coming over from UFC after producing a 9-3 record before landing on the door of a title shot. The former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion decided to take his talents elsewhere and here we are. If everything goes as planned, the proven veteran will defeat Shlemenko at Bellator 185 and land a title shot in early 2018.

Shlemenko, 33, is easily one of the best veterans currently occupying the Bellator MMA stable. Since returning from a one-year suspension in 2016, “Storm” has racked off five-straight victories that include two submissions and a knockout over Kendall Grove. Mousasi is certainly a step up in competition from the fighters Shlemenko usually encounters under the Bellator MMA and M-1 Global banners, but the Russian finisher is capable of playing spoiler.

Bellator 185 will also offer a co-main event tilt between light heavyweight contender Muhammed Lawal and former divisional champion Liam McGeary.

Stick with Mania as more Bellator 185 fight card news is revealed.