Twenty-four-year-old Russian knockout artist Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (21-3) has been added to the Elite XC: “Heat” undercard in a middleweight bout against Robert “Bubba” McDaniel (11-4).

In his last fight McDaniel defeated Icon Sport Middleweight Champion Kala Kolohe Hose on the undercard of Elite XC: “Return of the King” in Hawaii. The first round submission victory was impressive, but unfortunately for “Bubba” the title was not on the line.

When offered a championship rematch McDaniel respectfully declined, saying the belt belonged around the waist of a Hawaiian.

He’s a King of the Cage veteran who brings a talented submission attack to the cage. In fact, nine of his 11 professional wins have been submissions.

His opponent, however, likes to finish guys with his knockout power. Shlemenko has ended 14 fights with strikes, including four of his last six.

He’s a young guy with real natural knockout power and a load of potential. Consider that his only three losses have been to last night’s DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix runner-up “Jacare” Souza (submission) and Pele Land-Jones (twice by decision.)

All three of those losses came during a 10 month span from late 2005 through most of 2006. Since then he’s put together six straight wins and appears to be at the top of his game.

This should be a great fight with some interesting contrast in styles. Shlemenko could be a future star for Elite XC, but Bubba McDaniel cannot be taken lightly.

Elite XC: “Heat” takes place at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on October 4, featuring two heavyweight clashes between Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock and Andrei Arlovski taking on Roy Nelson, as well as a welterweight title bout between division champion Jake Sheilds and Paul “Semtex” Daley. The event will air on the CBS network, beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday night.