Leslie Smith vs. Arlene Blencowe set for Bellator 233

The next contender for Bellator’s featherweight title could emerge soon.

On Monday, officials told MMA Fighting that Leslie Smith (11-7-1) and Arlene Blencowe (12-7) will fight on the main card of Bellator 233 on Nov. 8 at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla.

Both women competed at Bellator 224 this past July, with Smith making a successful promotional debut by defeating Sinead Kavanagh via majority decision, and Blencowe needing just 22 seconds to punch out Amanda Bell. Smith has won three straight fights, including her last two in the UFC, while Blencowe has won five of her last six.

The Bellator featherweight title is next expected to be contested on Jan. 25, 2020, when defending champion Julia Budd takes on former UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta FC champion Cris Cyborg.

The winner of Smith-Blencowe will likely produce a No. 1 contender. Smith previously fought Cyborg in a 140-pound catchweight bout at UFC 198, with Cyborg winning by first-round TKO, and Blencowe has already fought once for the Bellator title, losing a split decision to Budd at Bellator 189.