Rafael Lovato Jr. has relinquished the Bellator middleweight title after revealing he’s suffering from a cavernoma, an issue pertaining to the blood vessels in the brain.<\/p>\n
Lovato opened up on these health concerns on a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, explaining that the issue has put his career on hold.<\/p>\n
Bellator announced that Lovato has parted ways with his title in a Monday press release.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy journey with my team and family to become the Bellator middleweight world champion was incredible and something I will cherish forever,\u201d Lovato said. \u201cI dreamed of having a long reign as champion, but sometimes life has another plan. Bellator has been very supportive during this difficult process, a situation that has never really happened before in our sport. I know the division must move on while I am on the sidelines and I wish everyone great fights on their way to that belt.<\/p>\n
“I will be working to come back if it is possible \u2013 and if not, life will continue to be amazing for me and I look forward to working with Bellator in another fashion,” Lovato added.<\/p>\n
Bellator president Scott Coker also weighed in on the Lovato situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has been an incredibly challenging time for Lovato Jr., his team and his family at home,\u201d Coker said. \u201cHe is a true warrior of the sport and I cannot say enough about him for making such a difficult decision. His health is the priority for us and we will continue to work with him on addressing the next steps in his career.\u201d<\/p>\n
The release from Bellator also promised news on the vacant middleweight title “in the coming days.”<\/p>\n
Rafael Lovato Jr. won the Bellator middleweight title in 2019, when he defeated Gegard Mousasi by decision.<\/p>\n