Karakhanyan out with knee injury, Pitbull VS. Weichel confirmed

Featherweight contender Georgi Karakhanyan has suffered a torn ACL that has forced him out of his title fight against Patricio Freire at Bellator 138, a source confirmed Tuesday.

Through a Bellator spokesman, Karakhanyan said he injured his knee after throwing a kick while sparring.

“I’m so frustrated. This is the worst feeling. I don’t wish this on anybody,” Karakhanyan said.

Bellator confirmed Daniel “The Weasel” Weichel (35-8) will take Karakhanyan’s place in the co-main event.

Karakhanyan (24-4-1) was looking to avenge a third-round knockout loss to Freire (23-2) at Bellator 37 in 2011.

Karakhanyan, 29, is the former WSOF featherweight champion and had won 10 of his past 11 fights. The Riverside fighter, who trains at Millennia MMA in Rancho Cucamonga, last fought Jan. 16 at Bellator 132, defeating Bubba Jenkins with a first-round technical submission via guillotine choke.

Bellator 138, which takes place June 19 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., is headlined by a heavyweight bout between Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice.