Eric Prindle Sick, Out of “Big Monster” Rematch at Bellator 61; Tournament Final Postponed

---

Eric Prindle has been forced to withdraw from his Bellator 61 main event with Thiago Santos due to illness, Sherdog.com confirmed with a source close to the bout on Thursday.

Prindle, 35, has come down with flu-like symptoms that will prevent him from competing; the extent of his ailment is currently unknown. MMAJunkie.com first reported the news Thursday morning. The bout is expected to be rescheduled for an event later in the season, though the promotion has not yet commented on the matter.

Prindle was set to meet Santos in a rematch of their Bellator 59 clash this past November, which ended in a no contest after Prindle suffered a kick to the groin and was unable to continue. The contest served as the Season 5 heavyweight tournament final, and -- when completed -- will determine the next challenger for Bellator heavyweight king Cole Konrad.

Beaten just once in nine professional outings, Prindle had won seven consecutive fights before his bout with Santos ended in a no contest. Known for his heavy hands and large frame, “The American Soldier” owns three Bellator wins, posting victories over Abe Wagner and Ron Sparks to advance to the Season 5 tournament final.

Ten years younger than his foe, Santos had notched four straight wins prior to his first clash with Prindle. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, the Rio Heroes veteran owns half of his career victories via submission and owns notable triumphs over Geronimo dos Santos, Josh Burns and Neil Grove.