Bantamweight Champion Eduardo Dantas, Paul Daley Out of Bellator 79 Appearances

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Eduardo Dantas will not defend his bantamweight championship against Marcos Galvao as expected at Bellator 79.

Promotion officials removed both Dantas and welterweight Paul Daley from the card on Thursday, and Sherdog.com confirmed the changes with a source close to the organization, who revealed that Dantas’ doctor has barred “Dudu” from contact as a precaution following his August knockout loss to Tyson Nam in Brazil. The champion has been allowed to train but not spar, Sherdog’s source stated. Galvao’s title shot must now be rescheduled, though it is currently unknown when the Season 6 tournament winner will receive that opportunity.

Meanwhile, Daley was pulled from the bill due to visa issues. Stepping up in the Brit’s stead will now be Canadian welterweight Ryan Ford, who kicks off the evening’s MTV2-broadcast against Kyle Baker. Bellator 79 takes place Nov. 2 at Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario.

Three more fights will be featured on the MTV2 telecast, which is now topped by a heavyweight tournament semifinal pitting Thiago Santos against Richard Hale. Also featured will be a featherweight semifinal showcasing Mike Richman and Shahbulat Shamhalaev, as well as an appearance from former welterweight title challenger Douglas Lima, who returns to action for the first time since April to take on Kobe Ortiz.

Prior to the show’s main card, six preliminary fights will stream live on Spike.com: Kevin Asplund vs. Alexei Kudin, Christ Franck vs. Marcus “Lelo” Aurelio, Vladimir Starcencov vs. Vitaly Minakov, Josh Pulsifer vs. Magomedrasul Khasbulaev, Jonny Carson vs. Guillaume DeLorenzi and Ed Carpenter vs. Josh Appelt.