Outlaw out, Primus in for Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix

There has been a change to the lineup for the upcoming Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix, with the arrival of former Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus.

Primus comes in to replace Sidney Outlaw, who tested positive for three banned substances – ostarine, GW-501516, and anastrozole – in an out-of-competitition test administered by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation.

The organization’s department director Mike Mazzulli confirmed the news with ESPN, with the three substances all on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.

The failed test means Outlaw has been suspended for a minimum period of six months by the Mohegan commission, and removed from the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix as a result.

Outlaw’s exit has opened the door for Primus, who held the title back in 2017 when he defeated then-champ Michael Chandler. He also holds a victory over one of the other contenders in the tournament, Benson Henderson, who he could potentially meet in the semi-finals.

Primus directly replaces Outlaw in the tournament, and therefore will face French contender Mansour Barnaoui in the opening round. The fight will take place on May 12 in Paris, France, with the winner taking on the victor from the March 10 clash between reigning champion Usman Nurmagomedov and former UFC and WEC champion Henderson.

Primus vs. Barnaoui is the co-main event in Paris, with the main event featuring a middleweight clash between former champion Gegard Mousasi and English contender Fabian Edwards.