An emotional Josh Barnett explained what happened that led to the cancellation of his planned main event fight with Ronny Markes.
Barnett, a former UFC heavyweight champion, was declared unfit to compete due to illness. He was scheduled to headline the Bellator Salute to the Troops card Friday night from Hawaii.
“It’s like some sort of a weird nightmare.”@JoshLBarnett shares his regrets as he is unable to fight tonight at The #BellatorUSO?? Show. pic.twitter.com/BFaWcf8Ryj
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 21, 2019
This just in. pic.twitter.com/4rT3UJovQB
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 21, 2019
Despite the loss of the bout, the card went on, as Toby Misech finished Erik Perez in the first round of the new main event.
The main event of the evening is coming up next.@Toby2Quick135 takes on @Goyito_Perez to close out the evening LIVE on @ParamountNet.#BellatorHawaii #BellatorUSO?? pic.twitter.com/DDtVmPLWg1
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 21, 2019
Misech improved to 12-7 with the victory, which came in just 54 seconds of the bout. Perez fell to 19-7 in his career.
Alejandra Lara topped Veta Artega via decision, with Tywan Claxton also scoring a decision victory over Braydon Akeo.
Who you got? @alejazulara or @MS_VETA? #BELLATORUSO pic.twitter.com/UheajDD6Io
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 21, 2019
Joey Davis remained unbeaten in his career, improving to 7-0 with a first round TKO over Chris Cisernos.
.@JoeyBlackIce with the takedown early in round one!#BellatorHawaii #BellatorUSO?? pic.twitter.com/CSRBd8uRo6
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 21, 2019
Hunter Ewald, Joseph Creer and Cass Bell were all prelim winners.
Bellator will hold another event, Bellator 236, Saturday night from Hawaii. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane defends her title against Kate Jackson in the main event.
The champ @ilimanator gives her thoughts on two of her recent title challengers @MS_VETA & @alejazulara. #BellatorUSO
They fight each other next on @paramountnet! pic.twitter.com/d6T4IthaO6
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 21, 2019
Bellator Salute To The Troops
Aloha, Hawaii! Tonight, we are partnering with @the_USO to salute our brave men and women in uniform. @BellatorMMA is coming to you live at 10/9c on #ParamountNetwork. #BellatorSalutes #Bellator235 #USOHolidays pic.twitter.com/AIKuafeRq4
— Paramount Network (@paramountnet) December 20, 2019
Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7) was cancelled by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission deeming Barnett unable to compete tonight due to severe illness
Toby Misech (12-7) defeated Erik Perez (19-7) via KO (punches) at 0:54 of round one
Alejandra Lara (9-3) defeated Veta Artega (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Tywan Claxton (6-1) defeated Braydon Akeo (3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Joey Davis (7-0) defeated Chris Cisneros (19-11) via TKO (punches) at 3:55 of round one
Hunter Ewald (1-0) defeated Brysen Bolohao (0-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:42 of round one
Joseph Creer (7-1-1) defeated Ty Gwerder (4-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-26)
Cass Bell (5-0) defeated Pierre Daguzan (5-4, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)