Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko  (49-7 MMA, 10-1 BMMA) flashed some improved wrestling skills, but it was ultimately his vaunted striking that earned him a win over hard-hitting challenger Doug Marshall  (18-7 MMA, 4-1 BMMA). The bout served as the headlining contest of Friday’s Bellator 109 event, which took place Shlemenko took the fight immediately to the floor, but Marhsall crawled back up and looked to return to the standup game.