Brent Primus releases statement about withdrawal from Michael Chandler rematch

Brent Primus’ rematch with Michael Chandler won’t happen at Bellator 197, but in the words of the reigning Bellator lightweight champion, “it’s going to happen sooner than later.”

Primus posted a statement to social media Thursday apologizing for withdrawing from his scheduled April 13 bout against Chandler, which was slated to headline Bellator 197 at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reported Wednesday that a knee injury forced Primus out of the contest.

“This sport is full of ups and downs,” Primus wrote on Instagram. “This past week has been a real low. I’ve trained and fought through injuries multiple times but this time was different. I tried moving around and shadow boxing after taking a week off and it just wasn’t possible. I would really like to apologize to Bellator MMA, all my coaches that put so much work in with me, all my sponsors, all my family and friends that bought airfare and tickets. There’s not a man in this world that I would rather fight than Mike Chandler.”

Primus, 32, has not fought since capturing the belt with an upset over Chandler via first-round TKO due to injury in June 2017 at Bellator 180.

With Primus off Bellator 197, Chandler is instead expected to face Brandon Girtz in the show’s new makeshift main event.

Primus’ complete statement can be read below.