Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko wasted little time in calling out the recently cleared Tito Ortiz.
In a short video released on Thursday evening, Shlemenko respectfully requested a match-up against Ortiz for the upcoming Bellator PPV card in May, and called upon Bjorn Rebney to make the fight because he is "the best."
"Tito Ortiz, you say you want to fight May 17th on the Bellator PPV. I will fight you. I will beat you. "
He also mentioned that he would be willing to move up to light-heavyweight for the bout.
"Tito, I respect you but I must beat you because I am the champion. I know Tito Ortiz is in a different weight class. I know Tito Ortiz is a light-heavyweight, but it's not a problem for me. I ready to fight at light-heavyweight no problem. Bjorn, make this fight for me because I am the champion. I am the best.
I will make a good fight. Fight of the night."
Shlemenko's video is strategically timed, as Ortiz revealed earlier today that he had officially been cleared to fight.
And now it appears he has taken notice of Shlemenko's request: