Markham Out, Stinson In at Bellator 26

Rory Markham (16-6) will not fight at Bellator 26 because he has not been medically cleared, Bellator announced today.

Bellator also announced that Tyler Stinson (18-6) will replace Markham and face Steve Carl (10-2) at a catchweight of of 175 pounds.

Stinson's last loss came against Dan Hornbuckle in Bellator's season-two welterweight tournament. Since then, he has won two straight fights, both by stoppage.

Carl also competed in the season-two welterweight tournament, and was also defeated by Hornbuckle. He had been on an eight-fight win streak before that loss.

The winner of this bout will earn a spot in Bellator's season-four welterweight tournament.