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Mixed martial arts fans were eagerly anticipating the showdown between Kyoji Horiguchi and Ray Borg at Bellator 295, but unfortunately, the highly anticipated bout has been scratched from the lineup, Bellator officials announced Friday.
The news came as a huge disappointment to MMA fans who were looking forward to seeing two of the sport's top prospects compete in what was expected to be an explosive match. Horiguchi, a former Rizin and Bellator champion, was set to take on former UFC standout Ray Borg, who was looking to make a statement in his Bellator debut.
Although the company doesn't have a flyweight division, the main event at Honolulu's Neal S. Blaisdell Arena was slated to start with a fight contested at 125 pounds.
According to a Bellator representative, Borg's weight management concerns were the cause of the scrape. The former UFC championship contender previously struggled to reach the flyweight limit, and his last four fights took place at bantamweight. After winning three straight matches while playing for Eagle FC and UAE Warriors, Borg joined with the promotion.
The slate of events will now include 12 fights after the 165-pound catchweight match featuring Yancy Medeiros and Charlie Leary is moved up to the main card. The bantamweight grand prix final between interim champion Raufeon Stots and Patchy Mix will serve as the main event at Bellator 295.
While it is a shame that Horiguchi vs. Borg will not be taking place, MMA fans know that weight cuts issues are a part of the sport and are hopeful that both fighters will be able to compete at the highest level once again.
See the official Bellator 295 weigh-in results here.
Main Card:
Raufeon Stots (134.2) vs. Patchy Mix (135)
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (126) vs. Kana Watanabe (125.6)
Yancy Medeiros (162.4) vs. Charlie Leary (164.2) — 165-pound catchweight bout
Preliminary Card:
Mads Burnell (144.4) vs. Justin Gonzales (145.6)
Kai Kamaka III (145.4) vs. Adli Edwards (145.6)
Sumiko Inaba (124.4) vs. Veta Arteaga (125.8)
Bobby King (155.4) vs. Aalon Cruz (156)
Davion Franklin (259.2) vs. Kasim Aras (251.8)
Ilara Joanne (125.4) vs. Bruna Ellen (125.6)
Alexey Shurkevich (170.8) vs. Masayuki Kikuiri (169)