Julianna Peña sidelined for combat in opposition to Amanda Nunes because of fractured rib, Dana White says

UFC champion Amanda Nunes will face challenger Irene Aldana at UFC 289 subsequent month. 

Julianna Peña was initially scheduled to face Nunes, however she might be unable to compete because of a rib damage. UFC President Dana White confirmed that Peña wouldn’t take part within the bout.

The new 135-pound matchup in Vancouver is ready to headline the pay-per-view occasion.

Julianna Peña battles Amanda Nunes of their Women Bantamweight bout in the course of the UFC 277 occasion at American Airlines Center on July 30, 2022, in Dallas, Texas, United States.  (Alejandro Salazar/PxImages/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)

“Unfortunately, [Peña] broke her ribs and he or she cannot compete,” White mentioned in an Instagram put up. 

“We have Irene Aldana coming in, who has gained 4 of her final 5 and three of these had been finishes. We might have one other Mexican world champion.”

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Aldana presently holds an 8-4 document within the UFC. She has gained six of her previous eight, together with her most notable victory coming in 2019 by way of a first-round knockout of Ketlen Vieira.

Julianna Peña battles Amanda Nunes of their Women Bantamweight bout in the course of the UFC 277 occasion at American Airlines Center on July 30, 2022, in Dallas, Texas, United States.  (Photo by Alejandro Salazar/PxImages/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)

On the dropping finish, Nunes suffered her most up-to-date defeat to former champion Holly Holm in October 2020.

If Aldana is victorious, she would grow to be the fourth energetic Mexican-born MMA champion. Flyweight Brandon Moreno, interim featherweight champ Yair Rodriguez, and flyweight Alexa Grasso make up the present group.

Aldana and Grasso are teammates at Lobo Gym.

Julianna Peña prepares to combat Amanda Nunes of their Women Bantamweight bout in the course of the UFC 277 occasion at American Airlines Center on July 30, 2022, in Dallas, Texas, United States.  (Photo by Alejandro Salazar/PxImages/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)

Nunes is broadly thought of the world’s top-ranked pound-for-pound feminine fighter. However, Peña was in a position to pull off an upset victory in December 2021.

In July 2022, Nunes dominated Peña of their second bout.

Lightweights Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush are additionally set to go head-to-head in in the course of the UFC 289 card. The occasion was initially scheduled for the primary weekend in May however was postponed after Oliveira suffered an damage.