Bellator 253 lineup encounters three changes, including two cancellations

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Five fighters scheduled for Bellator 253 won’t be competing Thursday after all.

On Monday, a promotion official informed MMA Junkie of three changes to the lineup. Two fights, Lance Gibson Jr. vs. Shane Kruchten and Ricardo Seixas vs. Marcus Surin were canceled. Additionally, Mark Glover has been replaced by Jason Markland, who will fight Sullivan Cauley.

The two cancellations come after Kruchten (12-5 MMA, 0-2 BMMA) and Surin (6-2 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) did not receive clearance to compete from the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation. The change was first reported by MyMMANews.

Bellator 253 marks the second card Gibson Jr. (3-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) vs. Kruchten was scheduled to take place but was canceled. The two fighters were supposed to fight at Bellator 244 but Kruchten tested positive for COVID-19.

Glover (0-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) was not removed by the commission, but it is unclear why Sullivan (0-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) will now be facing Markland (0-1 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) instead.

Bellator 253 takes place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on CBS Sports Network after prelims on MMA Junkie.

With the changes, the Bellator 253 lineup includes:

MAIN CARD (CBS Sports Network/DAZN, 7 p.m. ET)

• Darrion Caldwell vs. A.J. McKee – featherweight tournament semifinal (five rounds)
• Benson Henderson vs. Jason Jackson
• Joey Davis vs. Bobby Lee

PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie)

• Keith Lee vs. Raufeon Stots
• Matt Bessette vs. Jeremy Kennedy
• Mark Lemminger vs. Jaleel Willis
• Sergio DeBari vs. Jay Jay Wilson
• Kevin Ferguson Jr. vs. Kaheem Murray
• Sullivan Cauley vs. Jason Markland