Image via Bellator
Bellator’s first pay-per-view will happen, but not on Nov.2 like they planned.
Bjorn Rebney, Bellator CEO, announced on a Friday conference call that Tito Ortiz’s injury and scrapping of the planned main event with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will result in the company moving the card to Spike TV.
The card will air entirely for free with the prelims on SpikeTV.com and the main card on the cable television channel.
“While we’re disappointed that Tito’s injured … we’re thrilled that we’re going to be able to present the rest of that card to everybody on free TV, on Spike,” Rebney said.
The co-main event between lightweight champion Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez will move into the main event spot.
Ortiz suffered a fractured neck and was informed by his doctor that competing in the fight will have “dire consequences,” Rebney said. Ortiz wanted to follow through with the bout, but the fighter ultimately listened to his physician and bowed out of the fight.
Jackson will hopefully fight within the next few weeks, Rebney said, and the company chairman thinks they’ll be able to book a fight for him before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Anyone who already ordered the PPV will get a full refund, according to Spike TV executive Kevin Kay.
