It may have cost him an opportunity to compete, but Matt Mitrione appreciates Bellator looking after his best interests in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mitrione (13-7 MMA, 4-2 BMMA) was one of the fighters who was set to compete at Bellator 241 on March 13 in Uncasville, Conn. The event was held right around the time the coronavirus outbreak got serious in the United States, with the NBA postponing its season then nearly every major sports organization following shortly thereafter.
Bellator 241 was originally moved behind closed doors with no fans, but then on the day of the event, the decision was made by Bellator president Scott Coker to pull the plug entirely. The card was postponed to an undermined date, and while it prevented Mitrione from competing in his scheduled heavyweight bout with Ronny Markes, the fighter did not question the action his promoter took.
“It was unfortunate that happened; it was unfortunate it got canceled,” Mitrione told MMA Junkie. “I understand why. Mr. Coker made the right decision. Say we did get (coronavirus); I don’t know if we would be that drastically affected or not, but after that we have to go home, we have to be with our kids and our family. It just wasn’t the safest of opportunities. I feel like Mr. Coker realized that. I understand it and appreciate it.”
Mitrione’s instinct as a fighter is always to go forward, but much like a referee or cornerman in a competition setting, sometimes the decision has to be made for the athlete. Seeing how the global situation has evolved makes Mitrione even more comfortable. Unlike the UFC, who put on an event in Brazil the day after Bellator 241 was supposed to take place, Mitrione said Bellator put its fighters first.
“It would’ve been great to get out there and perform, but you can’t force a square peg in a round hole,” Mitrione said. “I feel like this could’ve been a more significant black eye. The chances of getting sick weren’t really that good, but the chances of having a lasting impression of a social black eye would’ve been pretty sign.”
Although Mitrione lost out on a chance to throw fists with Markes, he did not lose out on a paycheck. Bellator announced not long after postponing the event that all fighters from the card would be paid their complete purses.
For Mitrione, as well as many others, that gesture was met with gratitude. Mitrione said it’s just another example of how Bellator cares for its athletes, especially in a time of great uncertainty.
“One hundred percent transparency – Bellator was great,” Mitrione said. “They handled it professional, they were cool about it. My family was there so we ended up going out for dinner and just sitting around and hanging out and they came and found me and explained the situation. It was handled extremely well by Bellator. That’s one of the things I’ve always enjoyed about Bellator and Mike Kogan and Scott Coker. They always handle the situations exactly the way you’d hope they do. It was an unfortunate experience for everybody, but they handled it quite literally as well as they possibility could’ve.”
For Mitrione, the loss of an opportunity to fight at Bellator 241 wasn’t at great as others. He was serving as a replacement for Josh Barnett against Markes, and had less than three weeks’ notice in order to prepare, anyway. But after being so close, he’s itching to fight soon.
Bellator recently announced it was also postponing its May event schedule, which means the next card that sits on the calendar is in early June. Assuming the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t claim that event, too, Mitrione said he would enjoy the opportunity to fight close to home in the midwest.
“I’m trying to fight June 6 in Chicago,” Mitrione said. “I would love the opportunity to get on that card. I already told Mr. Coker that’s what I’m looking for.”
Matt Mitrione praises Bellator for postponements: 'You can't force a square peg in a round hole'
