Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Lovato Jr. relinquishes title in wake of brain condition

Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Lovato Jr. has decided to vacate his title.

Lovato (10-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA), recently was diagnosed with a brain condition involving “abnormally formed blood vessels,” typically in the brain or spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bellator announced the news Monday.

Lovato won the title this past June with a win over UFC veteran and former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 223 in London.

“My journey with my team and family to become the Bellator middleweight world champion was incredible and something I will cherish forever,” Lovato stated. “I dreamed of having a long reign as champion, but sometimes life has another plan. Bellator has been very supportive during this difficult process, a situation that has never really happened before in our sport.

“I know the division must move on while I am on the sidelines and I wish everyone great fights on their way to that belt. I will be working to come back if it is possible – and if not, life will continue to be amazing for me and I look forward to working with Bellator in another fashion.”

With the belt currently up for grabs, the promotion is expected to announce the future plans for the 185-pound title in the near future.

Bellator president Scott Coker also weighed in on the unfortunate news.

“This has been an incredibly challenging time for Lovato, his team and his family at home,” Coker stated. “He is a true warrior of the sport and I cannot say enough about him for making such a difficult decision. His health is the priority for us and we will continue to work with him on addressing the next steps in his career.”

Both Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima and former Bellator middleweight champ Mousasi have expressed interest in facing each other for the vacant title after the suggestion came from Lima.