A 135-pound fight with potential title implications is in the works for Bellator 263 this summer.
Bantamweight contenders Magomed Magomedov and Raufeon Stots are expected to square off July 31 at a location and venue that has not yet been announced. Los Angeles is the current frontrunner to hold the event.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Magomedov (18-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) has won both of his promotional appearances in dominant fashion. After he defeated fellow ACA alumnus Matheus Mattos in December, Magomedov submitted C.J. Hamilton in the second round of their April fight.
Stots (16-1 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) has quickly ascended up the divisional ladder with four straight wins in his 17 months with the promotion. After wins over Cheyden Leialoha, Cass Bell, and Keith Lee, Stots defeated Josh Hill via unanimous decision at Bellator 258 in May.
The Bellator bantamweight division is currently headed by titleholder Sergio Pettis and also includes other top contenders Juan Archuleta, Patchy Mix, and Leandro Higo among others. Magomedov and Stots are currently the only Bellator-ranked bantamweights with a scheduled fight.
With the addition, the Bellator 263 lineup includes:
- Kiefer Crosbie vs. Georgi Karakhanyan
- Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots
