Yoel Romero fails pre-fight medical, out of Bellator showdown with Anthony Johnson

One of the most anticipated fights on Bellator’s 2021 schedule is no more.

Yoel Romero, a recent signee to the organisation, will now not compete against fellow ex-UFC fighter Anthony Johnson in the first round of the promotion’s light heavyweight grand prix. News of the cancelled fight was confirmed via press release overnight.

Official @BellatorMMA Statement on Yoel Romero pic.twitter.com/8XHF2rK0zZ

— Bellator Public Relations (@BellatorPR) April 30, 2021

No specifics were given as the reason why Romero is unable to compete in much-anticipated fight but say that the Cuban Olympic wrestler will be eligible to compete in the coming months, at which point they will look to rebook the fight with Johnson.

In the meantime, Bellator officials are scrambling to source a replacement fighter to take on ‘Rumble’ on next week’s card.

Bellator’s May 7 card will be topped by a bantamweight title match between champion Juan Archuleta and Sergio Pettis, while also featuring must-watch fights between Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Derek Anderson, as well as SBG’s Peter Queally taking on Bellator veteran Patricky Pitbull.