In a continuing effort to scout and sign the world’s best talent, Bellator Fighting Championships has signed highly-touted Russian striker Vyacheslav Vasilevsky.

Vasilevsky joins Bellator after an incredibly successful career in Russia where “Slava” compiled a dominating 15-1 record. Currently riding a 14-fight win streak, the 23-year-old prodigy will be fighting at middleweight in the Bellator cage. The two-time Sambo World Champion and K-Dojo product has had success at light heavyweight but feels at home at 185 pounds and immediately adds more world-class depth to the Bellator middleweight roster.

The former heavyweight Interim champion underwent successful surgery today (Nov. 16, 2011) to drill some bones in his spinal cord in an effort to keep him from feeling paralyzed when he competes.

"The Engineer" updates his status via The Underground:

"I made it out alive. I am on some heavy meds but I already have my Carwin walk out tee on. I am ready! They found a pretty bad herniated disc while performing the surgery and they repaired that too. My doctor was surprised that I could do what I do with my back in such bad shape. He said I am as good as new now. That mountain top does not look so far away."