Alex Polizzi Replaces Melvin Manhoef, Meets Yoel Romero at Bellator 280

Alex Polizzi will replace Melvin Manhoef and face Yoel Romero at Bellator 280.

Dutch outlet Redactie Telesport was first to report the new booking, and Sherdog.com subsequently confirmed the bout with a promotion official. Manhoef was forced to withdraw due to an injury incurred in the recent apprehension of three burglars at his home. During that incident, Manhoef reportedly smashed a car window with his bare hand, which resulted in the Dutch striker needing stitches.

Bellator 280 takes place at Accor Arena in Paris on May 6 and is headlined by a heavyweight title tilt between Ryan Bader and Cheick Kongo. Romero vs. Polizzi is currently scheduled to be the card’s co-main event.

Polizzi has been victorious in four of his five promotional appearances, with his lone defeat coming to light heavyweight grand prix competitor Julius Anglickas at Bellator 251. The Madison, Wisc., native is currently in the midst of a three-bout winning streak that includes a third-round submission of Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros in his most recent bout at Bellator 276.

Romero, meanwhile, is looking to halt a four-bout skid in his sophomore Bellator outing. In his promotional debut, “The Soldier of God” dropped a split decision to fellow UFC veteran Phil Davis at Bellator 266 last September.