Bellator 261 adds Tim Johnson vs. Valentin Moldavsky interim title headliner, Jury vs. Outlaw

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The Bellator heavyweight title picture finally has some clarity, and it comes in the form of an interim belt.

Over the past few weeks, Bellator president Scott Coker has teased the implementation of an interim belt with the division’s champion, Ryan Bader, currently competing in the light heavyweight grand prix.

On Friday, promotion officials confirmed to MMA Junkie that Bellator 261 will take place on June 25. Tim Johnson and Valentin Moldavsky will headline the event with the newly-instated interim championship up for grabs at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Johnson (15-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) is currently on a three-fight winning streak but has not competed since October 2020. After his most recent win, Johnson made it clear he felt he was next in line, a sentiment echoed by the undisputed title holder Bader.

As for Moldavsky (10-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA), the Fedor Emelianenko protege has passed every test Bellator has thrown his way. His last three wins have come via unanimous decision against Bellator notables Linton Vassell, Javy Ayala, and most recently, Roy Nelson.

Promotion officials also informed MMA Junkie that a lightweight fight between Bellator-ranked lightweights Myles Jury (19-5 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) and Sidney Outlaw (15-4 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) has been added to the card.

Check out the current Bellator 261 lineup below:

• Tim Johnson vs. Valentin Moladvsky – for the interim heavyweight title
• Myles Jury vs. Sidney Outlaw
• Kyra Batara vs. Lena Ovchynnikova
• Isaiah Hokit vs. Aaron Hughes