The Bellator MMA debut of Fedor Emelianenko is going to have to wait. Just hours before Bellator 172 was scheduled to start, the main event between Emelianenko and Matt Mitrione has been canceled.
Fedor vs. Mitrione is canceled, per sources. I'm told Mitrione fell ill. More coming coming shortly to @MMAFighting.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 18, 2017
The fight was called off due to Mitrione becoming ill. A lightweight fight between Josh Thomson and Patricky “Pitbull” Freire has been promoted to the main event.
Due to illness, @mattmitrione will be unable to compete tonight at #Bellator172. @THEREALPUNK vs @PatrickyPitbull promoted to main event.
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) February 18, 2017
Those who bought tickets to the event as being offered full refunds according to the California State Athletic Commission.
Bellator 172 is taking place Saturday night at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
This was originally going to be Emelianenko’s first fight in the U.S. since he last fought in Strikeforce back in 2011 against Dan Henderson.
Despite losing Emelianenko vs. Mitrione, Bellator 172 will still go on with a few intriguing matchups. Along with the lightweight main event, the card will feature heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo vs. Oli Thomspon, and the Bellator debut of former UFC title challenger Josh Koscheck.
