[autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] still plans on challenging for the title in her next fight.
Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was scheduled to challenge dual-champion [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] for the women’s bantamweight title in a trilogy bout in the UFC 289 headliner June 10. However, the former champion was forced to withdraw from her bout due to broken ribs and was replaced by [autotag]Irene Aldana[/autotag]. The card takes place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Speaking for the first time since the news broke, a disappointed Peña released a statement on her withdrawal, and how she’s eyeing the winner of Nunes (22-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) vs. Aldana (14-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC).
“Hi. Wanted to give it a few days before I addressed the situation. I am out of my fight in #vancouver for #ufc289. I am absolutely gutted. 💔 you guys only see us preform on one night but I wish you guys could see the other side of what #fighters have to go through on a daily basis. A fighters life is not an easy road but it’s one that lights my soul on fire. It’s my passion and I do it everyday with my whole heart. I give my everything every time I step into that octagon and I wanted nothing more then to make this fight possible. Going into a fight, you’re never 100% but in this case, the doctors intervened and I was forced to withdrawal. I train so hard and As you can see from my pictures I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into this camp to show you guys how obsessed I am at improving myself. Unfortunately it’s going to have to wait. I trust in #Godsplan and have faith everything will work out for the best. I give my sincerest apologies to @ufc and @amanda_leoa. Wishing both @irene.aldana and @amanda_leoa a great fight- looking forward to fighting the winner to regain my belt! Oss.”
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Peña dethroned Nunes in a stunning upset submission at UFC 269. However, Nunes got revenge in their rematch at UFC 277 when she battered Peña en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 289.