Bellator has
announced all scheduled events set to take place in May have been postponed due
to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The promotion was forced to cancel Bellator 241 on the day of the event earlier this month. It’s president Scott Coker received widespread praise for making the tough call and ensuring all staff received pay for the event.
In a press release last night Bellator announced the postponement of three events set to take place in May, it read.
“Due to the
ongoing safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as current
federal, state and local government mandates, Bellator MMA officials today have
announced that three upcoming live events scheduled for May have been
postponed.
These events
include:
- Bellator 242 – May 9 in San Jose, Calif.
- Bellator European Series London – May 16 in London
- Bellator 243 – May 29 in Temecula, Calif.
The
organization will continue to monitor the situation closely and fully intends
to reschedule the events as soon as possible.
As always, the
health and safety of our athletes, fans, partners and staff remains our top
priority. We appreciate the understanding and patience of everyone involved
during this incredibly difficult time.
Refunds for
ticketholders to these events, as well as Bellator 241 originally scheduled for
March 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena, will be available at their original point of
purchase.”
Bellator 242 was set to take place on May 9 in San Jose California. Light-heavyweight champion Ryan Bader was to defend his title against Vadim Nemkov. In the co-main event, welterweight champion Douglas Lima was due to step up in weight to face Gegard Mousasi for the vacant 185lb title.
Bellator London on May
16 has also been temporarily shelved. Popular bantamweight James Gallager was
supposed to fight Cal Ellenor in the main event. Elsewhere on the card former
Rugby star James Haskell was set to make his MMA debut.
Bellator
243 on May 29 in Temecula, California featured the main event featured new signing
Liz Carmouche vs. Mandy Böhm in a women’s flyweight bout.
Are you disappointed to see Bellator scrap their May
events?