Mark ‘The Hand of’ Godbeer was today officially dropped from the main card at Bellator 158 at the O2 Arena, London, today, in a move that the fighter labeled a “disgrace”.
Mark Godbeer, the UK’s number one ranked heavyweight fighter has been informed he will no longer feature on the televised live card for Bellator’s first ever London event.
The BAMMA World Heavyweight Champion had been given a special release by his contracted promotion to represent them against the highly ranked James Mulheron. However this match-up has now been demoted in favour of James Gallagher vs Mike Cutting.
The news was broken publicly today via press release and Jim Edwards of MMA Latest News caught up with Godbeer to ask for his perspective. It’s fair to say, he couldn’t be less happy with events:
“It’s a disgrace, the agreement I signed with Atak Promotions was that we took this fight on the main card
“To be dropped is heartbreaking. I understand there are the circumstances like Kimbo dying and injuries but I’m the highest ranked heavyweight here in the UK…
“This fight was about looking after my future. Bellator is second largest MMA organisation in the world and I was told I was going to be on the main card, get mainstream TV coverage, get better promotion for myself and now I have none of that.
“I could be on BAMMA getting better money, better sponsorship deals and in the main event. What is this fight doing for me now on the prelims? Nothing is the answer it’s a disgrace!”
Godbeer also confirmed that current sponsorship arrangements are also under threat because he will no longer be appearing on live UK TV.
If Bellator have reneged on a contractual agreement, it is conceivable that the fight may be pulled altogether in what would be another blow to a card already struck by injury and tragedy.
We will continue to keep you up to date with any further developments on #WHOATV.