Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Sam Sicilia to co-headline Bellator 198

Emmanuel Sanchez will try to continue his hot streak against a hard-hitting UFC veteran.

The Bellator featherweight contender takes on Sam Sicilia in the co-main event of Bellator 198 on April 28 in the Chicago area, the promotion announced Monday on Twitter.

Sanchez (16-3) has won three straight and six of his last seven. The Roufusport product most recently defeated former champion Daniel Straus by third-round submission at Bellator 184 in October. Sanchez, 27, would likely earn a title shot against champion Patricio Freire if he wins.

Sicilia (16-8) won is Bellator debut, defeating Marcos Galvao by unanimous decision at Bellator 189 in December. The Sikjitsu fighter dropped three in a row prior to that and was released by the UFC. Sicilia, 32, is a former The Ultimate Fighter Live castmate known for his heavy hands and exciting fighting style.

Bellator 198 is headlined by a Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix tournament first-round matchup between Fedor Emelianenko and Frank Mir. The card will take place at AllState Arena in Rosemont, Ill.