The headliner for the August 1 UFC event has been changed following the postponement of the scheduled fight between Irene Aldana and Holly Holm.
While the reason for the postponement wasn’t initially released, Aldana later revealed on social media that she had tested positive for COVID-19, forcing her to withdraw from the event.
“I deeply thank the fans and all the media for their messages of support and the interest shown in the news of the postponement of my fight [on] 1st August vs. Holly Holm.
We are going through a very complicated world situation and my country is no exception: COVID-19. Despite the fact that we have [done] a camp in total isolation and with the health measures recommended by the authorities, unfortunately I had some symptoms and in the pertinent examination it was positive.
I am still recovering. The fist days were complicated in terms of symptoms, but I am much better.
You know my professionalism and my interest in a commitment of this size. My enthusiasm and preparation is and will be total.
I deeply thank the UFC, its president Dana White, Mick Maynard, and my opponent and her team for the understanding shown. We will be ready for the new date that the company assigns us within the next few months.”
The new main event for August 1 will be a middleweight fight between Edmen Shahbazyan and Derek Brunson: a bout that was already on the card, but was moved up following Aldana’s withdrawal.
