A heavyweight division attraction, originally set for Bellator 235, has been added to Bellator 241 as Josh Barnett faces Ronny Markes.
MMA Fighting first reported the news and the bout is expected to be a part of the main card.
Barnett (35-8-0) was responsible for the first encounter at Bellator 235 being canceled after the fighter came down with an illness. Barnett is also competing for the first time in over three years, with his last bout coming at UFC Fight Night 93 in September of 2016. Barnett is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, defeating Randy Couture at UFC 36 to capture the gold.
Markes (19-7-0) is also making his Bellator MMA debut in this bout and the fighter does so having won just one of his last three bouts. Markes won just one of three during his time competing in the first season of the PFL, with that lone win coming over Sigi Pesaleli at PFL 3. Markes also won two of four while competing in the UFC, with those wins coming over Andrew Craig and Aaron Simpson.
Bellator 241 takes place on Friday, March 13 from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with Patricio Pitbull and Pedro Carvlaho headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on DAZN.
