Amanda Nunes’ positive COVID-19 test scraps UFC 265 title defense
Amanda Nunes will not be defending her title against Julianna Pena next week at UFC 265.
Nunes (21-4 MMA, 14-1 UFC) has been forced to withdraw from her scheduled women’s bantamweight title defense against Julianna Pena (10-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) after testing positive for COVID-19. The bout is expected to be rescheduled, possibly for December.
MMA Junkie verified the news with a person close to the situation after UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell broke the news to broadcast partner ESPN.
UFC 265 takes place Aug. 7 at Toyota Center in Houston. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Nunes’ wife Nina told MMA Junkie that all three members of their household – including their infant daughter Raegan – tested positive for COVID-19. She did not reveal whether they are dealing with severe symptoms, but it was enough to keep Nunes from competing in what would’ve been her second fight of 2021 after defending her women’s featherweight belt against Megan Anderson at UFC 259 in March.
When Nunes is healthy and ready, all signs point to “The Ultimate Fighter 28” winner Pena still being next in line to challenge for gold. Pena has been pushing hard for a clash with Nunes, and has stated she’s the “kryptonite” to the dominant champion’s run across two weight classes.
With the cancellation, the UFC 265 lineup now includes:
MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane – for interim heavyweight title
Jose Aldo vs. Pedro Munhoz
Michael Chiesa vs. Vicente Luque
Casey Kenney vs. Song Yadong
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Angela Hill vs. Tecia Torres
Rafael Fiziev vs. Bobby Green
Ed Herman vs. Alonzo Menifield
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Jessica Penne
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Anderson Dos Santos vs. Miles Johns
Manel Kape vs. Ode Osbourne
Melissa Gatto vs. Victoria Leonardo
Vince Morales vs. Drako Rodriguez
Johnny Munoz vs. Jamey Simmons
