The upcoming Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix has undergone a major shake-up just weeks out from its launch.
Due to a failed drug test, Sidney Outlaw is now out of the tournament, and facing suspension. That left his quarterfinal fight at Bellator 296 in Paris with Mansour Barnaoui in need of a replacement, which the promotion has now found.
Promotion officials announced Wednesday that former 155lb champ Brent Primus would enter the tournament in place of Outlaw. He now faces Barnaoui in the Bellator 296 co-main event.
MMA Junkie was first to report news of Outlaw’s drug test failure. Outlaw tested positive for ostarine, cardarine, and anastrozole per Associate of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports president Mike Mazzulli.
Outlaw is facing a minimum suspension of six months as a result. His sample was submitted during the Bellator 290 fight week earlier this month; Outlaw was not competing on the card.
Primus (11-3) is 3-2 in his last five fights, and most recently was stopped by Alexander Shabliy in June. Prior to that, Primus picked up a decision victory against Benson Henderson. Primus could see both of those opponents again down the line, as each will also compete in the lightweight grand prix.
Bellator 296 takes place at the Accor Arena in Paris, France on May 12, 2023. The following match-ups have been reported for the event:
- Gegard Mousasi vs. Fabian Edwards
- Brent Primus vs. Mansour Barnaoui
- Douglas Lima vs. Costello van Steenis
- Thibault Gouti vs. Kane Mousah
- Davy Gallon vs. Saul Rogers
- Simon Biyong vs. Jose Augusto
