Bader to defend Bellator title vs. Vassell in Penn State show closer

Bellator MMA is taking Penn State, and they're booking the card accordingly.

The promotion will hold Bellator 186 on Nov. 3 at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park - Penn State's flagship campus - with light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader defending the title against Linton Vassell in the main event.

Bellator confirmed the long-rumored trip in a Thursday release.

A former D-I wrestler at Arizona State University, Bader makes his first defense of the strap at a college boasting a vaunted wrestling program of its own. "Darth" won the crown in his promotional debut with a split decision over Penn State alum Phil Davis at Bellator 180 in June.

Vassell heads into his second Bellator title bout on a three-fight win streak, the latest a third-round submission of former divisional champ Liam McGeary at Bellator 179.

Davis and fellow Penn State product Ed Ruth will also be competing at their alma mater in November, although their respective opponents have yet to be booked. A 2008 national wrestling champ, "Mr. Wondeful" saw a four-fight win streak snapped in his second loss to Bader, while Ruth - a three-time national champ from 2012-14 - has quietly dispatched all three of his professional dance partners by TKO as a middleweight under the Bellator banner.