Anderson releases statement after UFC exit

Megan Anderson before she fought Amanda Nunes at UFC 259. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Former UFC featherweight title challenger Megan Anderson fought out her UFC contract. This past weekend Megan Anderson unsuccess…


UFC 259: Amanda Nunes v Megan Anderson
Megan Anderson before she fought Amanda Nunes at UFC 259. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Former UFC featherweight title challenger Megan Anderson fought out her UFC contract.

This past weekend Megan Anderson unsuccessfully challenged dual UFC champion Amanda Nunes for the UFC featherweight title. The Aussie was submitted by Nunes just past the two minute mark of the first round.

A few days later Anderson revealed, on her Twitch channel, that she was no longer under contract with the UFC. Anderson also claimed that the UFC will fold their women’s featherweight division. The UFC has since denied this.

Since then Anderson has put out a longer statement addressing, and thanking, her fans.

In light of the news that came out yesterday, I wanted to address my fans, and say thank you for all the love and support you have sent me over the past few days.

Saturday night was fight number 6 of my 6 fight deal with the UFC. I had an amazing run with the promotion, culminating in a UFC world title fight. If you know me and the journey I have been on, just to reach the pinnacle of the sport is something I am incredibly proud of. I want to thank my team and everyone at the UFC for the past 3 years, it’s been amazing to perform for my fans on such a big stage.

I’m looking to rest up and heal from my injuries before I decide what is next for my MMA career. Regardless of what the UFC decides to do with the Women’s 145 division, there are plenty of opportunities for me across the world to continue to do what I love.

Thank you all, and stay tuned!

Anderson joined the UFC in 2017, after vacating her Invicta FC featherweight title.

Initially Anderson was scheduled to face fellow former Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris Cyborg at UFC 214 for the vacant UFC featherweight belt. However, Anderson withdrew from the fight and her slot was given to Tonya Evinger.

Anderson eventually made her UFC debut in June, 2018, in a unanimous decision loss to former UFC bantamweight champ Holly Holm. Six months later Anderson scored her first UFC win, defeating Cat Zingano by TKO.

In 2019 Anderson was submitted by Felicia Spencer and then rebounded to submit Zarah Fairn dos Santos. Last year, Anderson KO’d Norma Dumont Viana at UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo to earn her title shot versus Nunes.

Anderson leaves the UFC with a 3-3 record. Her overall record stands at 11-5.