Bellator MMA Lightweight Champion Brent Primus has suffered a knee injury and his title defense against Michael Chandler at Bellator 197 has been called off according to MMA Fighting.
Primus has also issued an apology of his own about pulling out of the fight, which was issued through Instagram:
Brandon Girtz has agreed to step in on short notice and he will now face Chandler in a three round main event fight.
Chandler (17-4-0) was looking to avenge the loss to Primus in their first meeting at Bellator 180, a loss that was suffered due to an ankle injury. Chandler has won his lone fight since losing the title, as the fighter defeated Goiti Yamauchi by unanimous decision at Bellator 192. Chandler is a two time Bellator MMA Lightweight Champion, defeating Eddie Alvarez and Patricky Freire to start both reigns.
Girtz (15-7-0) has won just one of his last four fights under the Bellator MMA banner, with that lone win coming over Luka Jelcic at Bellator 190. Girtz has been with Bellator MMA for over five years now and this is the first time that he has fought a former champion in the promotion. Girtz has fought at both welterweight and lightweight in the promotion, with the majority of his success coming at lightweight.
Bellator 197 takes place on Friday, April 13 from the Family Arena in St. Louis, Missouri with Michael Chandler and Brandon Girtz headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on the Paramount Network.