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Shlemenko
Alexander Shlemenko punches Gegard Mousasi. Credit: Bellator MMA.

After a closely contested Bellator 185 main event between middleweight kingpins Gegard Mousasi and Alexander Shlemenko, which ended in a unanimous decision victory for the Dutchman (29-28 x3), Shlemenko’s team have now revealed they will appeal the decision.

As per MMAJunkie, Shlemenko’s manager Alexey Zhernakov quoted the following:

“In our opinion, this fight is a career turning point. We think he did good enough in this fight to get a win and with a fighter who’s ranked No.4 in the world. He was a UFC contender. (A win) would mean a lot in developing Shlemenko’s career, so this is important – very important to him.”

Social media and in particular, Twitter users, were quick to comment on the night’s action with many believing that Shlemenko did more than enough to be hailed as the victor of the fight. One of the critics included Welterweight star Rory McDonald.

However, an appeal for the decision may not be as plausible as many would believe with Mike Mazzulli, head of the Mohegan Tribe Department Of Athletic Regulations, who regulated Bellator 185, revealed there is no process in place to appeal decisions.

“I stand behind my officials 100% and there is nothing in my rules or regulations that would require or allow the decision to be appealed” explained Mazzulli.

Zhernakov revealed he would speak to Mazzulli in regards as to what steps should be taken next. As for now, a decision appeal looks very unlikely to be granted for the Russian and his team.