Bellator is scheduled to return to San Jose for the first time in 2019, and they’re planning to bring the welterweight champion with them.
According to MMAFighting.com, welterweight champion Rory MacDonald (20-5) is slated to defend his title against Jon Fitch (31-7-1, 1 NC) in a five-round bout that will not only determine the welterweight champion, but the bout will also serve as a first round contest part of Bellator’s Welterweight Grand Prix.
The bout is scheduled to take place at a yet-to-be announced event in San Jose, CA on April 27. The event would presumably take place at the SAP Center.
MacDonald would be making his first title defense after winning the title from Douglas Lima via unanimous decision last January, but MacDonald has fought since winning the title. In September, MacDonald unsuccessfully challenged middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, losing the bout via TKO. Before that fight, MacDonald had won this first two Bellator contests.
Fitch will be challenging MacDonald for the title after a successful Bellator debut, defeated Paul Daley via unanimous decision last May. Previous to his arrival in Bellator, Fitch entered the promotion on a four-fight win streak.
The winner of the bout not only becomes welterweight champion, but moves on to the second round of the Welterweight Grand Prix, where they will then defend the welterweight title against Neiman Gracie. Gracie defeated Ed Ruth via submission last December to advance in the tournament.
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