Rafael Lovato Jr. releases Bellator middleweight title due to ongoing medical condition

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Jacob Castro
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https://cagepages.com/2017/03/03/interview-rafael-lovato-bellator/
Photo: Bellator MMA
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Rafael Lovato Jr. (10-0 MMA, 6-0 Bellator) officially released his Bellator middleweight title on Monday Feb. 10, due to an ongoing medical condition known as cavernoma, a condition where blood clots are formed in the brain.

The promotion first broke the news, followed up by an Instagram post by Lovato Jr. further explaining his thoughts on the situation.

View this post on Instagram

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do…Fortunately, my life of martial arts has taught me how to have an unbreakable spirit. I will never stop moving forward with a positive mindset. Thank you all so much for the love, prayers, & support, it means so much 🙏🏼 This isn’t the end, just a new beginning ☝🏼 • Posted @withregram • @bellatormma It has been an honor to call you the Middleweight Champion, @LovatoJrBJJ. 🔄 @therealscottcoker @lovatojrbjj on relinquishing the title: "My journey with my team and family to become the Bellator middleweight world champion was incredible and something I will cherish forever," said Lovato Jr. "I 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. I will be working to come back if it is possible – and if not, life will continue to be amazing for me and I look forward to working with Bellator in another fashion." We wish you a speedy recovery Rafael 🙏

A post shared by Rafael Lovato Jr (@lovatojrbjj) on

Lovato Jr. broke the news of his ongoing condition two weeks ago on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he talked about it in detail, describing how he found out about it, training and fighting for the title with it, and his struggles over the past year.

Rafael Lovato Jr. on Joe Rogan’s MMA Show discussing his medical condition

The former champion has not fought since he won the title last June against former champ, Gegard Mousasi.

Lovato Jr. was diagnosed with cavernoma in the beginning of the training camp for Mousasi, when he went in for a routine check to complete his medicals. Despite the diagnosis, he was still able to get clearance to fight for the title, after seeing multiple doctors to get someone to sign off on it.

Lovato Jr. has still been active in grappling competitions as of late and is set to compete against 2020 Kasai Grappling World Heavyweight Champion, Robert “Cyborg” Abreau on Feb. 21 at SubStars. The event will be held at The Fillmore in Miami Beach.

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