Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat Curran will defend his title on April 4 in Atlantic City, N.J., against Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
Curran was originally scheduled to face Daniel Straus at Revel Resort and Casino on April 4, but a broken hand forced Straus out of the fight. Shamhalaev replaces Straus in the title fight.
Bellator MMA CEO Bjorn Rebney announced the match-up on Wednesday.
Curran (18-4) won the 2011 Bellator MMA Summer Series Featherweight Tournament, earning a shot at then-titleholder Joe Warren. He defeated Warren at Bellator 60 in March, 2012, to become the champion. He defended that title at Bellator 83 against Patricio Freire in January.
Shamhalaev (12-1-1) is on a six-fight winning streak. He’s gone 3-0 in Bellator MMA, winning all three outings by knockout, including a victory over Rad Martinez at last week’s Bellator 90 to win the Season 7 featherweight tournament and a title shot.
“KO artist vs. KO artist. Don’t blink!” tweeted Rebney about the match-up.
The April 4 event will air live on Spike TV.
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