Coronavirus Boots Vanderford From Bellator 246

Photo by Chris Unger/DWTNCS LLC

Bellator MMA welterweight phenom Austin Vanderford, perhaps best known among combat sports fans as the hated husband of former UFC strawweight sensation Paige VanZant, has been stricken with coronavirus (again) and forced to withdraw from Bellator 246.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to compete for Bellator MMA next weekend,” Vanderford wrote on Instagram. “I tested positive for COVID (a second time now). To say it’s a bummer is a serious understatement. But I’m going to rest up and recover now. I’ll be ready to go ASAP. Stay healthy and safe.”

Stepping in for Vanderford is regional mainstay Pat Casey (6-2), according to MMA Junkie. The 29 year-old Team Link standout battles veteran bruiser Daniel Madrid, 36, who racked up a 17-6 record competing in promotions like KOTC and LFA, just to name a few.

Bellator 246: “Archuleta vs. Mix” takes place this Sat. night (Sept. 12) as part of the promotion’s two-night doubleheader from inside Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and airs on both Paramount and DAZN.