Initially, on September 7 in мейн ивента the show Bellator 98 "Storm" had to meet Dag Marshall. But the American broke a hand during training therefore matchmeyker were compelled to replace him. For "Rino's" replacement there was his compatriot well familiar to Alexander Brett Cooper.

For Shlemenko it will be only the first protection of a title which he won in the previous fight, having knocked out Maykel Falkao in the 2nd round. The last time the native of Omsk lost in October 2010, having conceded to Hector Lombardu on points in a champion duel. After that Alexander won 10 fights in a row.

Cooper after Shlemenko's defeat in May, 2011 on the show Bellator 44 by the unanimous decision won 6 fights in a row, having stumbled only in April in the tournament ending средневесов the 8th season. Then above-mentioned Marshall was his opponent.