‘Failed Test’ Boots Barnett From Bellator 241

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Josh Barnett’s Bellator MMA debut has been put on hold once again.

That’s because “The Warmaster” has been bounced from the Bellator 241 mixed martial arts (MMA) event, scheduled for Fri., March 13, 2020, after being ruled ineligible to compete by Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulations.

Taking his place will be fellow Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight veteran, Matt Mitrione, who tangles with well-traveled Brazilian bruiser, Ronny Markes, inside Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“Mr. Barnett has failed a medical requirement by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulations and will not be fighting at the March 13 Bellator event,” director Mike Mazzulli told MMA Fighting. “He will not be allowed to fight until he resolves the failed test.”

The nature of the test has not been disclosed.

Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) is looking to rebound from his technical knockout loss to Sergei Kharitonov at Bellator 225 last August. As for Markes (19-7), he’s hoping to build on his second-round finish over Sigi Pesaleli for Professional Fighters League (PFL) back in June 2019.

For much more on Bellator 241 click here.