Austin Vanderford out of Bellator 246; Pat Casey targeted replacement vs. Daniel Madrid

Austin Vanderford won’t compete during Bellator’s upcoming weekend of back-to-back shows.

One of Bellator’s rising middleweights, Vanderford is out of his scheduled Bellator 246 fight against Daniel Madrid. Now Massachusetts-based fighter Pat Casey is being targeted as his replacement to take on Madrid (17-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) on Sept. 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

A promotion official notified MMA Junkie of the targeted booking Friday.

Madrid was supposed to compete against Impa Kasanganay for the LFA middleweight championship on March 20. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Madrid, 36, has won four straight fights – all inside the distance.

Casey (6-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) has won two of his most recent three fights. After defeating Mike DiOrio and Matt Denning, Casey was knocked out by Yu Ji at Premier FC 30 in February. Casey holds three finishes in six victories.

Bellator 246 takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card will simulcast on DAZN and Paramount after prelims on MMA Junkie.

With the addition, the current Bellator 246 lineup includes:

• Juan Archuleta vs. Patchy Mix – for the vacant bantamweight title
• Jon Fitch vs. Neiman Gracie
• DeAnna Bennett vs. Liz Carmouche
• Derek Campos vs. Keoni Diggs
• Daniel Madrid vs. Pat Casey
• Ty Gwerder vs. George Tokkos
• Davion Franklin vs. Ras Hylton