EX-WORLD champ Rose Namajunas pulled out of her UFC 249 clash with Jessica Andrade after two family members tragically died of coronavirus.
The card had only just been re-arranged, with American world No2 strawweight Namajunas hoping to avenge the Brazilian’s KO win in their first bout.
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But Namajunas, 27, withdrew in another devastating blow caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
UFC president Dana White has so far said the pay-per-view event will still go ahead.
But UFC 249 still needs an official location, despite White confirming he has booked an arena amid reports a private island could be used.
Namajunas follows Khabib Nurmagomedov in pulling out, the Russian superstar returning to his home country rather than take on Tony Ferguson.
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The sport is going to amazing lengths to ensure they stage their next event.
It was initially set for April 18 in Brooklyn, with lightweight king Nurmagomedov meeting Ferguson.
But that showpiece has been completely scrapped.
White then confirmed he had found a venue for a restructured event, to be led by Ferguson taking on Justin Gaeth but in front of no fans.
But it now seems likely Francis Ngannou’s heavyweight clash with Jairzinho Rozenstruik will be moved into the co-main event slot.
UFC will also try to find a replacement opponent for Andrade.
As New York’s athletic commission banned combat sport, and with Nurmagomedov unable to leave Russia, the show WILL go on, but with Gaethje taking on Ferguson for the interim lightweight belt, reportedly set to take place on tribal land in California.
According to the New York Times, Dana White will host the event at the Tachi Palace Casino Resort in order to swerve coronavirus distancing guidelines.
