Promotional newcomer Jordan Smith (17-2 MMA, 0-0 BFC) has replaced Brian Foster (18-5 MMA, 0-0 BFC) in Bellator Fighting Championships' season-six welterweight tournament.
Bellator officials today announced that Foster has not been medically cleared for a scheduled appearance at next week's Bellator 63 event and has been forced to withdraw.
Smith now faces undefeated prospect David Rickels (8-0 MMA, 3-0 BFC) in an opening-round matchup.
"Brian's a hugely talented fighter who we were hoping to see next Friday, but his Bellator premiere will need to be delayed just a bit," Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney stated in an official release. "But to pick up a rising star in Jordan Smith and place him into the fire of our $100,000 welterweight tournament is what makes great moments. The Mohegan Sun Commission is one of the best in the world and we support their decision."
According to Bellator officials, the Mohegan Sun Commission – which oversees MMA at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., site of Bellator 63 – Foster "will need to be screened for additional testing before he is medically cleared to fight."
A UFC veteran, Foster was released from the promotion after a pre-UFC 129 medical examination revealed a brain hemorrhage. Foster was cleared shortly after, but the UFC didn't re-sign him. Since his UFC release, Foster has picked up a pair of wins outside the organization.
Meanwhile, Smith comes to the promotion on a two-fight win streak, earned with decision wins over Josh McDonald and Karo Parisyan.
"This is the best opportunity I've ever had in my career," Smith stated. "This is the break I've been waiting for. What I like about Bellator is there's a clear line of sight to the title.
"It's such short notice that I haven't had a chance to do much research on Dave. I see that he's undefeated and most of his wins have come by submission. From the clips I've seen it looks like he finds a way to win."
Bellator 63 takes place March 30. The night's main card, which features the four first-round matchups in Bellator's season-six welterweight tournament, airs on MTV2.
Source: Bellator's Brian Foster not medically cleared, replaced by newcomer Jordan Smith
