The line-up has been announced for Bellator 158 – the promotion’s first UK event in their seven-year history.
Kimbo Slice will headline the July 16 event when he takes on the Bristol-born James Thompson in a heavyweight clash at London’s O2 Arena.
London native Paul Daley will take on UFC defector Josh Koscheck in a welterweight bout which will serve as the co-main event on the night.
The event will be broadcast live on Spike UK and Channel 5, with the organisers saying the first two fights will be shown on Spike UK, with the main card being shown on Channel 5 after 10pm.
The main event will be Slice’s first appearance since his controversial KO of Dada 5000 at Bellator 149.
Slice – real name Kevin Ferguson – tested positive for the steroid nandrolone and also had an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio after the event, but he will be allowed to fight at the London match.
“Here’s the situation,” Bellator president Scott Coker said. “Kimbo is clear to fight. Texas suspended him for 90 days and we’re going to abide by that.”
Daley and Koscheck will face off for the first time since their 2010 fight which saw Daley expelled from UFC after hitting his opponent after the bell.
British fighters Linton Vassell and Michael Page will also be competing on the night, although opponents have not been announced yet for either fighter.
