Bellator 247 was dealt a crushing blow this morning. The promotion is set to host an event from Milan, Italy tomorrow, but due to a weight cutting issue, the main event was said to be cancelled. Paul Daley (41-17-2) missed weight by 2.6 pounds and got sick from the weight cut.
This morning, Daley was said to have been taken to the hospital after his failed weight cut. English MMA reporter Gareth A Davies first tweeted out about Daley not coming back for the ceremonial face offs after the weigh ins. Bellator officials told Ariel Helwani that the fight was cancelled.
However, Daley has since responded to the media claiming that all of the reports are false. Daley posted an Instagram video saying that he was back at the fighter hotel and received no medical treatment. He also said that his opponent, Derek Anderson (16-3), has accepted the fight.
Bellator 247 Main Event
The entire situation is odd. You have Bellator officials who have confirmed that the fight was off, but Daley has come out saying it’s not true. I’m not sure why Daley would post a video like that if the fight was not taking place. However, since posting the video, Bellator officials once again confirmed the cancellation.
The entire situation is very bizarre. If the fight does take place, it’s a very solid welterweight contest for the promotion. Daley and Anderson are both coming into this contest on two-fight winning streaks.
Anderson is a very well rounded fighter who can get it done on the feet, and he can submit you. He’s won four straight fights by decision with one coming against Patricky Pitbull. However, Anderson hasn’t been extremely active only fighting five times over the last five years due to a number of injuries
Daley of course is known for his elite striking skills. Those striking skills were on display in his last fight where he stopped Saad Awad in the second round of their fight back at Bellator 232. Daley has always struggled against guys who try to wrestle him.
Bellator reaffirms the fight is still 100% off.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 30, 2020