Jose Augusto Set to Replace Yoel Romero at Bellator 258

Bellator has found a replacement fighter to take on Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in the opening round of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix after Yoel Romero was forced to bow out.

Anthony Johnson (22-6) will now be fighting Jose Augusto (7-2-1) in the quarterfinal tournament bout at Bellator 258, which takes place on May 7th at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Augusto, a 29 year old Brazilian fighter, has stepped in on short notice in attempt to win the coveted 1 million dollar tournament prize. Augusto is currently riding a 6 fight win streak, which includes a first round submission victory in his Bellator debut over Jonathan Wilson. This most recent appearance took place at Bellator 255 on April 2nd.

Johnson, a two time UFC title contender, signed with Bellator around the same time that Romero did, who has also challenged for a UFC title on several occasions. Romero and Johnson were supposed to compete at Bellator 258 before Romero was unable to receive medical clearance due to an issue with his eye. Luckily, Bellator was able to find a replacement opponent even though Romero’s withdrawal was only 8 days away from fight night.

The current Bellator 258 lineup with this change is now:

Main Card (9PM ET)

Juan Archuleta vs Sergio Pettis for the Bellator Bantamweight Championship

Jose Augusto vs Anthony Johnson in the light heavyweight tournament quarter final

Patricky Freire vs Peter Queally

Derek Anderson vs Michael Page

Prelims (6PM ET)

Lorenz Larkin vs TBD

Josh Hill vs Raufeon Stots

Omar Hussein vs Logan Storley

Weber Almeida vs Johnny Soto

Johnny Campbell vs Henry Corrales

Johnny Eblen vs Daniel Madrid

Erik Perez vs Blaine Shutt

Patchy Mix vs Albert Morales