UFC 238 — which is set to go down on June 8, 2019 in Chicago, Ill., — has suffered a a blows a few months out from showtime as Felice Herrig has been forced out of her women’s Strawweight fight against Yan Xiaonan due to a torn ACL.
Herrig took to Instagram post to break the news.
“Hello. Crutches, that’s never a good thing, and it’s not. Unfortunately, Friday I tore my ACL and I do need surgery, which means that I will not be fighting at UFC Chicago. Which is a bummer for sure,” she said.
“I just want to say I’m sorry to the fans, to the UFC and most definitely my opponent. I hope that she gets a replacement. There’s still enough time. As for me, what can you do? All I can do is move forward, stay positive and work on my recovery and come back stronger than ever,” she added.
“In the meantime, I hope everybody sends me warm wishes and hugs and virtual kisses and prayers. And just know that I ll be back.”
It’s a tough blow for “Lil’ Bulldog,” who will now be forced to the sidelines and rehab once she goes under the knife to correct the injury. Felice was looking to get back into the win column against Yan, who hasn’t tasted defeat inside the Octagon.
As Herrig stated in her statement, there is plenty of time for UFC to find a suitable replacement for the Chinese-born fighter.
UFC 238 will feature a Bantamweight title fight that will see Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo battle Marlon Moraes for the vacant title. In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko will defend her women’s Flyweight strap against Jessica Eye.
To see who else is fighting at UFC 238: “Cejudo vs Moraes” click here.