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Alexander Shlemenko is bringing a "Storm" to Salt Lake City.
Schlemenko he will put his 12-fight win streak and Middleweight World Title on the line against Tournament winner Brennan Ward in Bellator 114 main event at the Maverik Center on Friday.
Bellator is the world's largest tournament-based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Their events are televised to nearly 500 million homes in over 140 countries, according to the organization.
Aside from the main event, Bellator 114 is loaded with several compelling storylines, but none bigger than Utah's own Rad Martinez. The West Jordan resident as will make his MMA career farewell Friday, taking on Edson Berto. The 35 year-old Martinez is 4-1 in his Bellator career.
There will be a great mix of fighter techniques on display at the Maverik Center. Former NCAA wrestling champion Bubba Jenkins (6-1) will face Sean Powers to start off the evening. Ron Keslar will follow, taking on Jordan Smith. Keslar has five victories by first-round finish.
The Bellator Featherweight Tournament also continues with Daniel Weichel battling Matt Bessette and Desmond Green facing Will Martinez in the semifinal rounds.
The evening's main card will be broadcast live on Spike TV, but the prelims will be streamed live on Spike.com starting at 5 p.m.
Bellator 114
O Friday at the Maverik Center, West Valley City
• First bouts begin at 5 p.m. Main card starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.
TV • Spike TV
Friday's main card at the Maverik Center
Bellator Middleweight World Title Fight • Brennan Ward (9-1) vs. Alexander Shlemenko (49-7)
Bellator Featherweight Tournament Semifinal • Desmond Green (10-2) vs. Will Martinez (9-2-1)
Bellator Featherweight Tournament Semifinal • Daniel Weichel (32-8) vs. Matt Bessette (13-4)
Bellator Middleweight Tournament Semifinal • Kendall Grove (19-13) vs. Brett Cooper (19-9)
Preliminary bouts
Featherweight Feature Fight • Rad Martinez (14-3) vs. Edson Berto (17-11-1)
Lightweight Feature Fight • Justin Wilcox (13-6) vs. Jason Fischer (6-2)
Welterweight Feature Fight • Ron Keslar (11-5) vs. Jordan Smith (18-5-1)
Light Heavyweight Feature Fight • Linton Vassell (12-3) vs. Trevor Carlson (7-1)
Welterweight Feature Fight • Gavin Sterritt (5-1) vs. Mike Estus (5-1)
Welterweight Feature Fight • Aaron Wilkinson (11-6) vs. Mike Arrant (13-8)
Lightweight Feature Fight • Bubba Jenkins (6-1) vs. Sean Powers (8-4)