Anthony Johnson will be able to make his Bellator MMA debut at Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021 after all following the news that Yoel Romero has been forced out of the fight due to not passing his pre-fight medical tests. According to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, “Rumble” will now face Jose Augusto in the final match up of the promotion’s Light Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Winner of five straight, Augusto was last seen submitting Jonathan Wilson with two seconds remaining in the first round at Bellator 255 earlier this month, improving his record to 7-2 overall. Julius Anglickas — was pegged as the alternate for the tournament following his win at Bellator 257 a few weeks ago — was unavailable to take the fight on short notice per the report.
The winner of the bout between Johnson and Augusto will face division champion Vadim Nemkov in July and get closer to the $1 million payout which will be awarded to the winner of the Grand Prix.
As for Johnson, this will be his first fight in over four years, last competing at UFC 210 where he came up short against then-Light Heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier. In fact, “Rumble’s” lone two defeats in the last nine years came to “D.C.,” both via rear-naked choke.
Bellator 258 will feature a Bantamweight title fight between division champion, Juan Archuleta, taking on Sergio Pettis. In further main card action, Michael Page returns to face off against Derek Anderson.
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