Andrey Koreshkov-Douglas Lima Title Rematch to Headline Bellator 163 in Israel

Andrey Koreshkov will defend the welterweight title against Douglas Lima at Bellator 163 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The promotion announced the main event pairing on Wednesday. Additionally, UFC veteran and former Israeli Special Defenses soldier Noad Lahat will make his first promotional foray against Scott Cleve in a co-featured bout at 145-pounds.

Bellator 163 marks the California-based organization’s debut in Israel and will take place at the Menora Mivtachim Arena on Nov. 10. Bellator has partnered with Ananey Communications, which according to a release, is “an Israeli television conglomerate boasting 14 channels, several of which showcase Viacom content including the EGO and EGO TOTAL channels which have broadcast Bellator in Israel since 2012.” Meanwhile, the event will air in the United States on Nov. 11 on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

Koreshkov captured the welterweight belt with a five-round decision over Lima in their first meeting at Bellator 140. “Spartan” then welcomed ex-UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson to the promotion this past April, taking a dominant unanimous verdict over “Smooth” at Bellator 153. The Russian champion has won six straight in Bellator overall.

Lima was on the sideline for approximately one year after his loss Koreshkov but returned to action at Bellator 158, where he garnered a unanimous decision triumph over fellow contender Paul Daley. “The Phenom” is 9-2 over the course of his Bellator MMA tenure.

Lahat, 32, will make his Bellator debut after posting a 2-2 mark in the Octagon, including a second-round knockout loss to Diego Rivas in his last outing at UFC Fight Night “Hendricks vs. Thompson” in February. Cleve has lost two of three in Bellator, falling to John Teixeira da Conceicao via split decision and to Daniel Weichel via submission.