UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Austin Vanderford has a new opponent for Thursday’s Bellator 251 card at Mohegan Sun Arena. Originally expected to fight Chris Curtis , Vanderford (9-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) now faces former LFA welterweight title challenger and current CES MMA welterweight champion Vinicius De Jesus in a middleweight bout. A promotion official informed MMA Junkie of the booking Monday but did not give a reason for Curtis’ withdrawal. MyMMANews recently reported Curtis withdrew from the fight due to a positive COVID-19 test.