Report: Matt Mitrione Replaces Josh Barnett At Bellator 241
Ronny Markes needed a new opponent to face at Bellator 241 after Josh Barnett was pulled from the card for allegedly failing a drug test and now he has one because Matt Mitrione has reportedly agreed to step in on short notice.
MMA Fighting reported the news and the bout is still expected to be a part of the main card.
Markes (19-7-0) is also making his Bellator MMA debut in this bout and the fighter does so having won just one of his last three bouts. Markes won just one of three during his time competing in the first season of the PFL, with that lone win coming over Sigi Pesaleli at PFL 3. Markes also won two of four while competing in the UFC, with those wins coming over Andrew Craig and Aaron Simpson.
Mitrione (13-7-0-1NC) hasn’t picked up a victory in over two years, with that last win coming over Roy Nelson at Bellator 194. Mitrione made it to the semi-finals of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, but lost to two division champion Ryan Bader in that semi-final round bout at Bellator 207. Mitrione has picked up thirteen wins as a professional MMA fighter and eleven of them came by way of KO/TKO.
Bellator 241 takes place on Friday, March 13 from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with Patricio Pitbull and Pedro Carvlaho headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on DAZN.