Bellator really got the wind pulled from its sails when it was announced that Matt Mitrione was unable to compete and was pulled from his main event fight with Fedor Emelianenko just hours before Bellator 172.
The promotion is now saying the fight will take place at a later date, but Fedor definitely was offered some options if he was willing to face a different opponent on a few hours notice.
Chael Sonnen, who actually just fought last month, was willing to step in and fight Emelianenko but it couldn’t get put together.
Chael Sonnen offered to fight Fedor on just hours notice, I'm told. He was ready to go. Bellator was interested but it didn't come together.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 18, 2017
Sonnen actually called Bellator officials and pushed hard for this upon hearing initial rumblings hours ago.
There's only one … https://t.co/eqdLWteVoJ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 18, 2017
Tito Ortiz, who defeated Sonnen in his retirement fight last month, was also ready and willing to fight Fedor.
#Bellator172 looks like I need to step up for the company! @BellatorMMA
— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) February 19, 2017
And another fighter in attendance who was willing to fight Emelianenko on just a few hours notice was American Top Team’s Muhammad “King Mo” Lawal. Of course, Fedor opted to not face any of them and will look to face Matt Mitrione later this year.
