Bellator champ Lovato out indefinitely due to brain condition

Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Lovato Jr. announced Wednesday that he's "indefinitely on the sidelines" because of a brain condition.

Lovato said on "The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show" that he's been diagnosed with a cavernoma. The hereditary condition involves "abnormally formed blood vessels" that are usually found in the brain or spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"I'm not officially retiring," Lovato said. "I am, I guess, indefinitely on the sidelines right now. I am actively seeing more doctors and working toward learning more about this. Obviously, I want to keep fighting."

The champion said his condition was discovered during a brain scan prior to his win against former titleholder Gegard Mousasi in June. Lovato said it was the first time he'd undergone a brain scan, as he'd previously fought exclusively in locations where the sanctioning body didn't require them.

Lovato said doctors were split before the Mousasi bout on whether he should compete, but that he was ultimately given the green light. One doctor told him after the fight - which he won by decision - that he never should've been in the cage.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace expected to defend his title at Bellator 238 in a rematch with Mousasi last Saturday, but the California State Athletic Commission didn't clear him for the event.

With his future now in question, Lovato said he would understand if Bellator needs to strip him of the middleweight title.

"I don't want to hold up the division," Lovato said. "Bellator is being very kind with time as we're going through all this. But I understand there's guys out there that deserve to fight for the title. And if they need to set up a fight to determine the new champion, I understand. I'm gonna be over here doing everything I can to hopefully get approved to come back."

Bellator officials later released a statement to MMA Junkie on Lovato's future with the promotion.

"We are working with Rafael Lovato Jr. and his team to assess potential next steps following the medical issues that he discussed on the 'JRE MMA Show' podcast with Joe Rogan today," the statement read.

"At this time, Lovato Jr. remains the Bellator middleweight champion, and no decision has been made regarding the title or the future of the 185-pound division until more details about this situation can be gathered."