Anchored at the Red Devil Sports Club, Oleinik has not competed since November 2009, when he succumbed to first-round strikes from Michal Kita under the International Absolute Fighting Council banner in Russia. It was just the fifth defeat of his 33-fight career. A judo black belt, the 33-year-old Ukrainian has delivered 23 of his 27 wins by submission.
Hayes will carry a four-fight winning streak into the match. Spawned by the Ring Demon Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Tukwila, Wash., the Strikeforce veteran notched a unanimous decision against Steven Banks in his promotional debut at Bellator 21 in June. Hayes, who owns a 2009 knockout victory over UFC veteran Fabiano Scherner, has never been finished in 16 professional appearances.
Bellator Fighting Championships 26
Thursday, Aug. 26
Kansas City Power and Light District
Kansas City, Mo.
Mike Hayes (238) vs. Alexey Oleinik (230)
Jose Vega (134.75) vs. Danny Tims (135.5)
Tyler Stinson (173) vs. Steve Carl (174)
Aisling Daly (115) vs. Lisa Ward (114)
Rudy Bears (182) vs. Zak Cummings (181)
Kevin Croom (145) vs. Brian Davidson (145)
Brian Imes (185) vs. John Ott (184.75)
Demetrius Richards (201) vs. Jeb Chiles (203)