Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis will not be part of Bellator’s bantamweight grand prix as originally planned.
An injury has forced Pettis to withdraw from a proposed opening round clash against Raufeon Stots at Bellator 279, and as a result, Juan Archuleta will step in for the reigning 135-pound champion. Promotion officials confirmed the news following an initial report from CBS Sports. An interim title will be on the line when Archuleta and Stots square off on April 23.
The exact nature of Pettis’ injury was not disclosed, but the Roufusport standout did release a statement via social media revealing that his ailment will require surgery and a lengthy recovery process.