Dave Mandel-USA TODAY Sports
The lineup for the card on Thursday night just got shorter.
Bellator 250 is now down two fights as Veta Arteaga and Nick Newell were pulled from the event several hours before its start time.
Arteaga was supposed to meet Desiree Yanez in a flyweight matchup that would have been the opener for the main card. Nolan King of MMA Junkie was the first to report the news, which said that Arteaga was unable to receive medical clearance from the commission without much detail for the reason why.
Yanez eventually came forward with the reason in an Instagram post, revealing that Arteaga tested positive for COVID-19.
“My fight is unfortunately cancelled tonight due to my opponent getting tested positive for COVID,” wrote Yanez. “I really don’t know what to say other than I was more than ready for battle and still am. [Bellator] is going to get this match up back as soon as they possibly can.”
There is currently no word on whether the fight between Arteaga and Yanez will be rescheduled for a later date.
Newell has also tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him out of his fight against Zach Zane on the preliminary portion of the card. Zane took to Instagram to confirm the news regarding Newell.
“Breaks my heart to say this. My opponent unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19,” wrote Zane. “I am devastated. I put so much into this. My heart goes out to Nick. These are some strange times we are in. No matter what I know GOD is good, and always has a divine plan.”
With Arteaga-Yanez and Newell-Zane off the card, it will move forward with 8 fights and has seen a preliminary matchup between Ty Gwerder and Dalton Rosa moved to the main card. The event start time has been pushed back as well with it now beginning at 6 PM ET tonight.
Bellator 250 will be headlined by a middleweight title fight between Gegard Mousasi and welterweight champion Douglas Lima.