Bellator to return July 24; Sergio Pettis, Ricky Bandejas booked to fight

It’s been five months since COVID-19 put a stop to Bellator operations, but that’s about to change soon.

Bellator is set to return in just 10 days with an event on July 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The first known booking features a bantamweight bout between Sergio Pettis and Ricky Bandejas.

Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the fight booking to MMA Junkie but requested anonymity since the promotion has yet to make an announcement. Combate was first to report the news.

Bellator officially has yet to announce its plans for July 24 despite multiple reports of an event taking place. It will mark the promotion’s first event since Bellator 240 on Feb. 22 in Dublin.

Bellator 241 almost took place March 13 until the promotion decided to cancel it on weigh-ins day as the novel coronavirus pandemic started to spread.

Both Pettis (19-5 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) and Bandejas (13-3 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) fought and earned wins once this year prior to the shutdown. Pettis is coming off a submission win over Alfred Khashakyan in his promotional debut Jan. 25 at Bellator 238, while Bandejas defeated Frans Miambo by second-round knockout on Feb. 22 at Bellator 240.