Jessica Penne vs. Jodie Esquibel removed from UFC Phoenix

Bloodyelbow.com

Oh, you actually thought we’d have a totally normal UFC fight day without a bout getting cancelled at the last minute? You fool!

ESPN+ Has Live Sports CoveredBe sure to catch all the upcoming fights, including ‘Velasquez vs N’Gannou’ Prelims on Sunday, Feb 17, by subscribing to ESPN+…SUBSCRIBE HERE TO WATCH THE FIGHTS ON ESPN+

Former UFC strawweight title challenger Jessica Penne, who missed weight on Saturday for her fight vs. Jodie Esquibel, apparently has an injury that will render her unable to compete on Sunday’s preliminary card.

ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported the news first, and the UFC has since released this statement.

“Due to injury, Jessica Penne has been removed from her Sunday bout against Jodie Esquibel. The UFC Phoenix card, which airs on ESPN and is headlined by the heavyweight bout between Cain Velasquez and Francis N’Gannou, will proceed as scheduled with 12 bouts.”

UFC on ESPN 1 Phoenix – Exclusive Fighter Interviews

Penne hadn’t fought since April 2017 due to serving an 18-month USADA suspension for taking a DHEA supplement. Currently on a three-fight losing streak, she’s not won a contest since a split decision over Randa Markos in 2014.

With Penne vs. Esquibel out of the lineup, the UFC Phoenix prelims will start at 6 PM ET on ESPN+ instead of the originally scheduled 5:30 PM ET. The bout order otherwise remains the same.