The full fight card for UFC 249 was only just finally announced earlier this week, but it’s already been dented by the news that co-main event star Rose Namajunas has opted to pull out of her rematch with Jessica Andrade.
There’s no word yet on whether Namajunas’ withdrawal is due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic or some other reason, but it is believed that the UFC are currently working to secure an alternative opponent to keep Andrade on the card.
Namajunas has previously contemplated retiring from the sport after losing the strawweight title to Andrade in May of last year due to a KO slam in the second round, stating that her desire to compete had faded.
however, she later had a change of heart and had been looking to avenge her loss to Andrade, which had ended a three fight winning streak that included defeating long-time champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk twice.
As for Andrade, following her upset win over Namajunas she attempted to defend the title against Weili Zhang, but was promptly TKO’d in just 42 seconds last August and hasnt’ been back in the Octagon since.
While it remains to be seen if Andrade will remain on the UFC 249 line-up, the headliner between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje remains intact for now, with the Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California reportedly being targeted to host the show.
