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Earlier today (Weds., July 22, 2020) it was announced that Irene Aldana was forced to withdraw from her a highly-anticipated women’s Bantamweight bout against Holly Holm, which was scheduled to headline the upcoming UFC Fight Night event on Aug. 1, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hours after the initial announcement, Aldana announced that the reason for her withdrawal was a result of testing positive for COVID-19.
“We are going through a very complicated world situation, and my country is not the exception to COVID-19. Despite the fact that our camp was in full isolation and we took proper measures recommend by authorities, I experienced some symptoms and tested positive.
“I’m still in recovery. The first days were complicated in terms of symptoms, but I’m much better. You know my professionalism and my interest in a commitment of this size. My enthusiasm and preparation is and will be total,” she continued.
“I deeply appreciate UFC, its president Dana White, Mick Maynard and my opponent and her team for being so understanding, we will be ready for the new date that the company assign us in the months ahead.”
It’s a tough break for Aldana, who was looking for her coming out party with a win over Holm, which would have likely earned her a title fight against current UFC champ-champ, Amanda Nunes. As for Holm, there are no plans for her to remain on the card according to her manager.
As a result, the Middleweight bout between Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan has been promoted to headliner, though it will only be a three-round fight