Alexander Volkov-Vitaly Minakov Heavyweight Title Fight Slated for Bellator 108

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Alexander Volkov will put his Bellator heavyweight title on the line for the first time on Nov. 22, when the lanky Russian battles countryman Vitaly Minakov at Bellator 108.

The contest takes place at the Sands Casino Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa., and will also feature two Season 9 tournament finals. The evening’s main draw airs live on Spike TV and will additionally see UFC vet Matt Riddle come out of his short-lived retirement to face a to-be-named opponent at welterweight.

Volkov, 24, has not lost in nearly three years. “Drago” made his Bellator debut last year, besting Brett Rogers, Vinicius Kappke de Queiroz and Rich Hale to claim both the Season 7 heavyweight tournament crown and the vacant world title.

Four years older than his upcoming opponent, Minakov has yet to stumble as a professional, posting 12 straight wins to begin his MMA career. The Russian capped that stretch with stoppage wins over Ron Sparks and Ryan Martinez to win the 2013 Summer Series tournament and earn his shot at Volkov’s gold.