Anthony Johnson (left)(image via Bellator/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It looks like Bellator’s light heavyweight grand prix has lost one of its biggest names, as it’s being reported Anthony Johnson has withdrawn from the competition.

Johnson was scheduled to fight champion Vadim Nemkov, in the semifinals of the tourney, October 16th. But, MMA Junkie is reporting sources have informed the outlet Johnson has withdrawn from fight due to illness.

The former UFC challenger has also reportedly withdrawn from the grand prix as a whole.

The 37-year-old Johnson (23-6) made his Bellator debut this past May, and knocked out José Augusto. The bout was a quarterfinal match-up in the light heavyweight grand prix, and it marked the first time Johnson had fought since 2017.

As this is being written, Bellator has not announced Johnson’s withdrawal. Bellator 266 takes place today in San Jose, and will feature Phil Davis taking on Yoel Romero in the headliner.