The Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament Final has been announced as Cheick Kongo (19-8-2) faces Vinicius Queiroz (7-3) for a chance to challenge current heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov. The event will take place at the Long Beach Arena in California, on Nov. 2.

Bellator MMA officials announced the matchup earlier today via official press release.

Bellator 106 will feature a headline bout between Tito Ortiz and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who will engage in a light heavyweight battle. The main card will air LIVE on PPV with the prelims expected to air on Spike TV and Spike.com.

Cheick Kongo last fought at Bellator 102 earlier this month, where he scored a second round TKO win over Mark Godbeer in the heavyweight tournament semifinals. Prior to that he dropped a first round KO loss against Roy Nelson at UFC 159 in April, and was subsequently released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Kongo now has the chance to prove that the UFC made a mistake in cutting him by picking up an impressive win over the “Spartan” on November 2nd.

“I want to fight the best in Bellator so I can be the best,” Kongo said. “When I try to do things as a competitor, I want to be the best. I messed up before because I wasn’t focused like I’ve been from the beginning. But, now … I will be the best. It’s my time. I came to Bellator for the opportunity to show the best Cheick Kongo. And that’s it.” - Cheick Kongo.

Vinicius Queiroz also made his most recent appearance at Bellator 102 earlier this month, where he scored a first round KO win over Lavar Johnson. Prior to that he dropped a second round TKO loss against current champ Alexander Volkov in the Bellator Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament semifinal, which took place at Bellator 80 in November 2012. Queiroz will no doubt look to succeed where he failed during season 7 by defeating Kongo and winning this seasons tournament.

“Winning a Bellator tournament today is very difficult and actually achieving victory has tremendous value,” Spartan said. “I prefer it to be difficult and I know Cheick is going to be very tough–that is a motivating factor for me and my team.” - Vinicius Queiroz.

The full Bellator 106 fight card is below:

Pay-Per-View Main Card

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Rampage Jackson (32-11) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-11-1)

Lightweight Title Fight: Michael Chandler (12-0) vs. Eddie Alvarez (24-3)

Light Heavyweight Interim Title Fight: King Mo Lawal (11-2) vs. Emanuel Newton (21-7-1)

Featherweight Title Fight: Pat Curran (19-4) vs. Daniel Straus (21-4)

Heavyweight Tournament Finals: Cheick Kongo (19-8) vs. Vinicius Spartan (7-3)

Spike TV Preliminary Fights

Fight Master Welterweight Finals: Joe Riggs (39-14) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (15-5)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Terry Etim (15-5) vs. Patrick Cenoble (9-2)

Spike.com Preliminary Fights

Welterweight Feature Fight: Joe Williams (10-3) vs. Jesse Juarez (20-8)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Brandon Halsey (4-0) vs. Hector Ramirez (9-5-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Mike Guymon (14-6-1) vs. Aaron Miller (14-8)

Featherweight Feature Fight: Joe Camacho (13-18-3) vs. Cleber Luciano (8-5)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Darren Smith (4-3) vs. Josh Smith (8-5)

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