Joe Warren deemed medically ineligible to fight Sat

Former Bellator featherweight champion Joe Warren has been deemed ineligible to compete by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation. After reviewing the medical documentation submitted by Warren, the now Bellator Bantamweight Semifinalist will have his fight delayed until further notice.

I’ve been fortunate to work with one of the best commissioners in the sport in Mike Mazzulli, and after carefully reviewing Joe’s medical documents, everyone agreed to err on the side of caution with the goal of ensuring our fighters safety,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “It was determined Joe would be unable to compete this Saturday at Mohegan Sun. Joe’s been with us since the beginning and as is the case with every fighter here, it’s incumbent on me to ensure Joe is 100% healthy and medically cleared to fight before he steps into the Bellator cage.

Although no details have been released on the nature of the medical issue, Mazzulli is widely acclaimed and respected for putting fighter safety first, so regardless of the specifics, fans can be assured that Warren is in the very best hands. An unsubstantiated rumor had it that Warren was recently knocked unconscious in training, and that the commission determined it would not be safe to fight so close to KO.

Warren had been scheduled to fight Nick “The Big Hurt” Kirk. Kirk has also been removed from the card.

Bellator lightweights Patricky Pitbull and Derek Anderson will now be featured on the live broadcast of Bellator MMA on Spike.

Main Card

Alexander Storm Shlemenko vs. Brett Cooper (Bellator middleweight championship)

Derek Anderson vs. Patricky Pitbull

Bellator Middleweight Tournament Opening Round:

Justin Torrey vs. Andreas Spang

Jeremy Kimball vs. Perry Filkins

Brian Rogers vs. Mikkel Parlo

Jason Butcher vs. Giva Santana

Prelim Card

Jeff Nader vs. Mike Mucitelli

Dave Vitkay vs. Brennan Ward

Andrew Calandrelli vs. Ryan Quinn

Nick Piedmont vs. Matt Bessette

Glenn Allair vs. Rico Disciullo

Josh Diekman vs. Parker Porter