Bellator MMA postpones all May events due to COVID-19
There will be no Bellator MMA fights for the month of May.
The promotion postponed all three of its May events due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. The postponements include Bellator 242 in San Jose, California on May 9, Bellator London on May 16 and Bellator 243 in Temecula, California on May 29.
Ariel Helwani of ESPN first reported the news on Monday, March 30. Bellator later confirmed the report via a press release.
“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,” the promotion said in its official press release. “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.”
Bellator 242 was the promotion’s next event, featuring a heavyweight title fight between current champion Ryan Bader and Vadim Nemkov. The card included a vacant middleweight title fight between Douglas Lima and Gegard Mousasi.
The three cancelations are not the first events affected by the coronavirus. The promotion cancelled Bellator 241 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, hours before the scheduled start time.
Bellator’s June events are still on schedule as of now.
With May cleared out, Bellator’s next event would be Bellator 224 in Chicago, Illinois on June 6. Headlining the event is a lightweight matchup between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson.
The Bellator Dublin headliner between Peter Queally and Patricky Pitbull is well out of range, scheduled for Oct. 3.
