The main event between Josh Barnett and Ronny Markes for Friday night’s Bellator fight card in Hawaii was cancelled after the Hawaii State Boxing Commission determined Barnette was too ill to compete.
Bellator president Scott Coker announced via Twitter that Barnett had not been cleared to fight due to “severe illness.” Toby Misech and Erik Perez became the new main event on the Salute to the Troops card in Honolulu.
On the advice of the Hawaii State Boxing Commission, tonight’s main event bout between Josh Barnett and Ronny Markes has been cancelled. Barnett has not been cleared tonight due to severe illness.
Toby Misech vs. Erik Perez is the new #BellatorUSO main event.
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) December 21, 2019
According to Coker, Barnett could not stand up in the back and was throwing up.
— Josh Gross (@yay_yee) December 21, 2019
Barnett signed with Bellator this year and was set to make his debut for the promotion, but that has now been put on hold.
Barnett has fought in UFC, Pride, StrikeForce, Dream, K-1, Impact FC and Affliction MMA events. The 42-year-old carries a 35-8 career record.
