After COVID-19 protocols force Jared Scoggins off Bellator 263, Brian Moore faces Jordan Winski

COVID-19 protocols have resulted in the removal of one fighter from Saturday’s Bellator card in Los Angeles.

Former CFFC bantamweight champion Jared Scoggins was scheduled to make his promotional debut against Brian Moore at Bellator 263. However, due to a positive test, Scoggins (10-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) has been replaced by promotional newcomer Jordan Winski.

Two people with knowledge of the change informed MMA Junkie of the withdrawal and new matchup, but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Moore (13-7 MMA, 4-3 BMMA) rides a two-fight winning streak into Bellator 263. His most recent victory came in October 2020 when he knocked out Simon D’Anna with a right hook at Bellator 247.

Winski (11-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) signs with Bellator after back-to-back wins over Flavio Carvalho and UFC alum Terrion Ware. Although he hasn’t competed since May 2019, Winski has won seven of his most recent eight outings.

Bellator 263 takes place Saturday at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

MAIN CARD (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET)

• Champion Patricio Freire vs. A.J. McKee – for the featherweight title
• Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Mads Burnell
• Manny Muro vs. Usman Nurmagomedov
• Islam Mamedov vs. Brent Primus
• Chris Gonzalez vs. Goiti Yamauchi

PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, 7 p.m. ET)

• Ilara Joanne vs. Vanessa Porto
• Daniel Carey vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov
• Kiefer Crosbie vs. Georgi Karakanyan
• Brian Moore vs. Jordan Winski
• Khasan Magomedsharipov vs. TBA
• Johnny Cisneros vs. Joshua Jones