Bellator postpones next three events due to COVID-19 pandemic

Bellator is pumping the brakes on its early summer schedule as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The promotion is postponing its next three events, scheduled for May 9, May 16 and May 29, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bellator President Scott Coker confirmed to MMA Fighting following an initial report from ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.

The May 9 event, Bellator 242, was slated to feature a pair of title fights – at light heavyweight and middleweight – and take place at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The May 16 event was to take place at The SSE Arena in London, while the May 29 event was set for Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Two of the three events were to be hosted in California, which is expected to extend its current moratorium on combat sports events held in the state until the end of May, according to a person with knowledge of the commission’s plans.

Coker initially planned to reassess Bellator’s upcoming schedule within 30 days after the last-minute postponement of Bellator 241. The event was scratched shortly after Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issued a statewide order to limit gatherings. Fighters and officials were paid despite the cancelation.

As for potential future dates, Coker said Bellator is taking a cautious approach because it’s unknown how long current “shelter in place” restrictions for much of the country will remain in effect.

“I would tell our fans to be patient,” the Bellator executive said on Monday. “Once our country gets back into operation, we’ll get right back to business.”