Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione canceled just hours before Bellator 172

Saturday night’s anticipated Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione fight has been canceled.

According to multiple sources, the heavyweight fight, which was set to headline Bellator 172 at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., was scrapped just hours before the event was scheduled to start after Mitrione fell ill.

Bellator officials tried to find a replacement for Mitrione but were unable to do so on such short notice.

Per California State Athletic Commission executive officer Andy Foster, fans wanting to get a refund due to the cancellation are able to do so as long as they make the request before the event officially starts.

According to multiple sources, Chael Sonnen offered to fight Emelianenko on hours notice. Bellator officials explored the idea, but were unable to make the fight happen. Another name considered was Oli Thompson, who is scheduled to fight Cheick Kongo on the card.

As a result, Bellator 172’s new main event will be Josh Thomson vs. Patricky “Pitbull” Freire.

The fight was set to mark Emelianenko’s promotional debut. According to sources, Bellator is hoping to re-book him in the coming months.