Established Scandinavian competitor Patrik Pietila will step in to replace England’s Gavin Hughes at Bellator Dublin at the 3 Arena on Sept. 27, and is set to face returning Irish competitor Ryan Roddy.
Bellator confirmed the preliminary lightweight bout to MMA Fighting on Friday.
Finland’s Pietila (11-7-0) is coming off a big win over Superior Challenge welterweight champion David Bielkheden in a non title bout, which acted as the co-main event for Superior Challenge 19 in May. Pietila’s unanimous decision win snapped a nine-fight win streak for Bielkheden. Although the bout was contested at welterweight, Pietila is returning to his preferred lightweight category for his Bellator debut.