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UFC veteran Rory Markham has not been medically cleared to fight this Thursday at Bellator 26 from the Kansas City Power & Light District, and season two open tryout winner Tyler Stinson is stepping into his spot against Steve Carl on the card.
The organization announced the change on Tuesday.
Tyler stepped in on late notice for an injured Sean Pierson in season two to take on Dan Hornbuckle. That bout served as a quarterfinal matchup in the season two welterweight tournament, a fight Hornbuckle won.
"Tyler’s skills and development as a fighter have consistently impressed me. He was preparing for a qualifier scheduled a month from now, but Tyler is always in fighting shape and was totally prepared to take this fight,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney in today's release. “Both of these guys have put on great fights for us and I expect nothing different on Thursday night."
Carl also suffered a loss to Hornbuckle during Bellator's second season, losing in the semifinals to snap a seven fight win streak.
The bout will take place at a catchweight of 175 lb., and will be a qualifier for the season four welterweight tournament.
Penick's Analysis: This is a good opportunity for Stinson. Coming in on such short notice isn't beneficial to either fighter, but for Stinson he's got a chance to get back to the tournament in season four, except he'll actually be able to prepare for it this time. MMAJunkie.com reported that Markham was not cleared due to a lung issue. He said after UFC 95 that he fought with a collapsed lung, and it could have been residual effects from that. Hopefully he's alright.
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