One of the most anticipated fights in Bellator history has been canceled.
The light heavyweight grand prix matchup between Yoel Romero and Anthony Johnson at Bellator 258 has been called off after Romero wasn’t cleared to compete following a medical screening.
Bellator officials announced the news to the ViacomCBS-owned CBSSports.com on Thursday. MMA Junkie subsequently verified the announcement with a Bellator official.
According to the report, a tournament alternate fighter will step in for Romero (13-5 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) to face Johnson (22-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), although it’s unknown if the matchup will take place on the May 7 card at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
Romero was set to make his post-UFC debut in the bout after parting ways with the promotion after a stint that saw him fight for the title three times. It’s unknown exactly why “The Soldier of God” was declined medical clearance.
Johnson, meanwhile, was meant to face Romero in his first bout since retiring from the sport in April 2017. He recently said the matchup was the most anticipated of his career, but will now have to face someone else.
