Phil Davis vs. Linton Vassell set for Bellator 200

Another major fight has been announced for Bellator MMA’s historic 200th event.

The promotion revealed on Monday that former Bellator light heavyweight champion Phil Daviswill fight Linton Vassell on May 25th inside London’s SSE Arena. Paramount Network will have the tape-delayed broadcast for US viewers. No TV deal has been confirmed for the United Kingdom.

Davis (18-4, 1 NC) signed with Bellator in 2015 after several years as a top-10 fighter in the UFC. “Mr. Wonderful” won Bellator’s one-night 205-pound tournament, then bestedMuhammed Lawal by decision to earn a title shot against Liam McGeary. Davis dispatched the Brit by decision to capture Bellator gold, but his reign was short-lived, as Ryan Bader beat him by split decision, just as he did when they were both under the UFC banner. His lone fight since losing the title was a unanimous decision over Leo Leite.

Vassell (18-6, 1 NC) strung together three straight impressive wins over Emanuel Newton,Francis Carmont, and Liam McGeary to earn a title shot against Bader last November. Unfortunately for the Englishman, Bader was far too much for him, as the champion defended his belt by second-round TKO. The 34-year-old will look to bounce back in front of his home fans, where he submitted McGeary by arm-triangle choke in the last Bellator card in London.

Bellator 200 is headlined by a middleweight title bout between current champion Rafael Carvalho and Gegard Mousasi. Also featured is welterweight striker Michael Page, as he faces longtime lightweight veteran David Rickels, who is moving up in weight.