The highly anticipated rematch between former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas and former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Jessica Andrade won’t be happening at UFC 249 next weekend, as Namajunas is off the card.
Raphael Marinho & Evelyn Rodrigues of Combate first reported the news, but an official reason for Namajunas’ withdrawal isn’t known at this time. Andrade is expected to remain on the UFC 249 card at the moment, as UFC officials are seeking a replacement for her to fight.
Andrade (20-7-0) is competing for the first time since losing the UFC Women’s Strawweight Title to Weili Zhang at UFC Fight Night Shenzhen. Andrade won the first meeting between herself and Namajunas, with that victory coming by second round knockout at UFC 237. Andrade has suffered four losses while competing in the UFC, with three of them coming to those who have held or challenged for UFC gold.
UFC 249 takes place on Saturday, April 18 from the Tachi Palace Resorts Casino in Lemoore, California with Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
