Nikita Mikhailov Replaces Josh Hill, Faces Enrique Barzola in Bellator Bantamweight GP

The Bellator bantamweight grand prix has undergone yet another change, as Nikita Mikhailov will step in for Josh Hill against Enrique Barzola in the wild card round.

The promotion announced the new pairing, which is slated for Bellator 278, on Monday. Reasons for Hill’s withdrawal have not been disclosed. The Mikhailov-Barzola winner will advance to face Magomed Magomedov in the 135-pound semifinals at Bellator 282 on June 24.

Bellator 278 takes place on April 22 at Neil S. Blasdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is headlined by a women’s flyweight championship tilt between Juliana Velasquez and Liz Carmouche.

A 23-year-old Fedorteam export, Mikhailov has been victorious in eight of his nine professional outings thus far. The Fight Nights Global veteran kicked off his promotional tenure with a decision win over Brian Moore at Bellator 269 and a third-round TKO of Blaine Shutt at Bellator 273.

After a 6-3-1 stint in the UFC, Barzola made his debut with the California-based organization at Bellator 273, where he defeated ex-bantamweight champ Darrion Caldwell via third-round TKO.