Marcos Galvao became the Bellator bantamweight champion in March and his first title defense is slated to take place in October at Bellator 144 against former champion Eduardo Dantas in a rematch of their 2013 bout.
The event and fight booking was announced by Bellator on Wednesday afternoon.
Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas II will come from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut and tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 21.
Galvao (17-6-1) defeated Joe Warren by submission at Bellator 135 to become the bantamweight champion and he is currently on a four fight winning streak. His last defeat came against Dantas, which was a knockout in the second round at Bellator 89. Dantas (17-4) is coming off a decision win over Mike Richman and this was his first fight since losing the Bellator title to Warren. He has won seven of his eight fights in Bellator and four of those wins have come by stoppage.
“I was thoroughly impressed with Galvao’s kneebar at Bellator 135 to capture the belt,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “Seeing how much that title win meant to him, by taking it back home to Brazil and visiting his mother’s grave, is really what mixed martial arts is all about to me. But Dantas showcased his desire to reach the top too by his performance against Mike Richman. I have no idea who is going to come out of Connecticut with the win, but I do know that those in attendance at Mohegan Sun Arena and those tuning in on Spike will be treated to a top-flight world title bout.”
More fight bookings for Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas II will be announced shortly by Bellator.