 On November 19, 2018, it was announced that Bellator Middleweight World Champion Gegard Mousasi would be defending the title against Rafael Lovato Jr. in the co main event.However, Mousasi pulled out on December 19 due to back injury and Lovato was eventually pulled from the card.On December 3, 2018, it was announced that Bellator 214 would feature the MMA debut of former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and NCAA Division I All-American Jake Hager.