Bellator LW champ Primus withdraws from Chandler rematch due to injury

Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus confirmed Wednesday he withdrew from his title defense against Michael Chandler on April 13 at Bellator 197.

Primus is dealing with a knee injury, sources told MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani.

Chandler (17-4), who's coming off a win over Goiti Yamauchi in January, will now face Brandon Girtz in the main event, Bellator announced.

Girtz (15-7) most recently defeated Luka Jelcic in December, snapping a three-fight losing streak.

Chandler, the former champion, lost his lightweight belt to Primus last June, suffering a first-round leg injury that stopped him from continuing the bout. It isn't known how long Primus, who has yet to defend his title, will take to return.