Coronavirus Forces Bellator to Close Bellator 241 to the Public, Will Still Air Live

I have received confirmation that the #Bellator241 is officially closed to the public tomorrow. The event will go on without any fans in attendance. Looks like the media will always not be allowed in (though I hope this changes)

— Keith Shillan (@KeithShillanMMA) March 12, 2020

Bellator MMA will go on with its Friday event, but fans will no longer be able to attend it.

TSN first reported on Thursday that Bellator 241 will proceed as scheduled, but will not be open to the fans due to concerns of the coronavirus. Refunds will be issued at the fans’ respective point of purchase. The news has since been confirmed by Sherdog.com’s own sources. Additionally, one Bellator official told Sherdog.com that credentialed media members will no longer be able to cover the card live, as only fighters, their corners, and Bellator and venue staff will be in the building.

Bellator joins the Ultimate Fighting Championship in holding an event this weekend without any fans in attendance. Earlier on Thursday, reports came out claiming that UFC Brasilia will go down in an empty arena. The next Bellator card goes down on May 9, so the promotion will have ample time to determine its course of action for that event in San Jose, California.

Bellator 241 will take place on March 13 at the vacant Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The event will be headlined by a featherweight title fight and tournament matchup between Patricio Freire and Pedro Carvalho. In addition, another featherweight grand prix bout takes place on the card, as Daniel Weichel takes on Emmanuel Sanchez.