Sergio Pettis can no longer compete in the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix.
Brent Brookhouse of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday that the reigning champion had been forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering an undisclosed injury recently. Pettis was expected to defend his championship against Roufusport teammate Raufeon Stots in the opening round. Filling in for him is Juan Archuleta, the former champion who now fights Stots for an interim title at Bellator 279 on April 23.
Pettis has since confirmed his withdrawal and revealed his injury requires surgery that will take between six to nine months to recover from.