Anthony Johnson will fight at Bellator 258 but it won't be Yoel Romero, Brandon Vera defends his ONE heavyweight title and more news — this is your fight announcement roundup.
Anthony Johnson gets a new opponent after Yoel Romero fails medical
Anthony Johnson will press on in the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix, but it will not be against Yoel Romero.
"Rumble" will fight unbeaten Team Pitbull member Jose Augusto Azevedos Barros at Bellator 258, according to ESPN's Ariel Helwani. Barros (7-2) steps in to fight Johnson (22-6) after Romero failed his pre-fight medical due to an eye issue.
Bellator 258 takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on Friday, May 7. The card is headlined by a Bellator bantamweight title fight pitting champion Juan Archuleta vs. Sergio Pettis.
Rumble Johnson’s opponent next week will now be Team Pitbull’s Jose Augusto Azevedos Barros (7-2), sources say. Unbeaten in his last 6. 1-0 in Bellator.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 30, 2021
Barros replaces Yoel Romero, who didn’t get medically cleared due to an eye issue.
Brandon Vera defends ONE Championship heavyweight title vs. Arjan Bhullar
Brandon Vera (16-8) and Arjan Bhullar (10-1) will finally fight for the ONE Championship heavyweight crown on May 15. The card, dubbed ONE: Dangal, also includes an atomweight bout between Ritu Phogat and Bi Nguyen.
Jonathan Pierce refuses Gabriel Benitez fight one day out
Jonathan Pierce vs. Gabriel Benitez has been scrapped from UFC Vegas 25 the day before the fight.
Pierce rejected the fight after Benitez came in 4.5 pounds overweight. Pearce will receive his show money.
"Unfortunately, my opponent came in almost 5lb overweight and our fight is off," Pearce wrote on Instagram. "I did my part by showing up and making weight and I won’t reward him by accepting a fight and giving away any advantage. I’m trying to be smart about my career, and I hope to be back in the cage soon."
Patchy Mix meets UFC alum Albert Morales
Bellator bantamweight title challenger Patchy Mix has a new opponent for Bellator 258.
Mix (13-1) was scheduled to fight brash Irishman James Gallagher, but he will now meet UFC alum Albert Morales (10-6-1). Gallagher was forced to withdraw in mid-April with an injury. Bellator confirmed the news to MMA Junkie.
Bruno Silva vs. Victor Rodriguez
Bruno Silva is stepping up and saving the day.
Silva has agreed to fight flyweight Victor Rodriguez on short notice after Denys Bondar fell out with an injury. Silva vs. Rodriguez takes place at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt on May 22. The new booking was reported by MMA DNA.
----BREAKING----
— MMA DNA (@MMADNANL) April 29, 2021
Bruno Silva has accepted a short notice fight against Victor Rodriguez on May 22nd. The Brazilian replaces Denys Bondar who is out of the fight due to an injury.
Fight takes place at 125 lbs.https://t.co/e89UnAlwUv pic.twitter.com/Gu1XM4TDjp
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