Bellator MMA bantamweight champion Eduardo Dantas was looking to return to action shortly, but an ankle injury will not allow him to fight before the end of 2013. 
The news of his injury was released by Bellator MMA on Wednesday afternoon and his title defense against Summer Series tournament winner Rafael Silva has been delayed.
Silva won the Summer Series tournament last Friday night at Bellator 102. Rebney stated at the post fight press conference that he was hopeful to have the title fight next month, but that will not take place until 2014.
“Eduardo Dantas is one of the most explosive Champions in MMA, and while this injury is a setback, we all expect Eduardo back, better than ever in 2014,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney.
Dantas (15-3) become the Bellator champion last year after winning the season five tournament. His first title defense came earlier this year as he defeated his former teammate Marcos Galvao.