Out of UFC 243 due to injury, Holly Holm sends message to fans and opponent: 'I'm devastated'

H. Holm (photo) sends message after being removed from the UFC 243 due to injury. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook ufc

The former UFC bantamweight champion (up to 62,7kg), Holly holm, is off this weekend's card. The North American, who would face Rachel Pennington this Saturday (5) in one of the fights of UFC 243, in Australia, had to be removed from the card due to a hamstring injury. In a statement, the fighter made a point of justifying her absence from the show and apologizing to the fans and her opponent. The publication was made on his official Instagram account.

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“I just wanted it for all the love. Everyone sent positive thoughts for my injury. If you don't know, I got injured and won't be able to fight in Australia (UFC 243). It's something that brings a lot of sadness and makes me very upset. Going through a whole period of training and not being able to get to the fight”, said the former champion.

Holm did not forget to talk about Rachel Pennington, against whom the American would share the octagon. The fighter made a point of apologizing and showing respect towards her compatriot.

“This was also a training period for Rachel Pennington, my opponent for whom I have a lot of respect. I don't know the scientific terms, but I tore 30% of my hamstring last week while training. The good news is that I don't need surgery, but a week is not enough time for me to be ready to fight,” said Holly.

“The 'Pastor's Daughter', however, said that she will soon be ready to resume her activities. I'm going to rehabilitate myself and I'll be back soon. I will let you know when the fight is rescheduled. Thanks again for all the love,” concluded Holm.

Holly gained worldwide notoriety when she shocked the world by dethroning the, until then, unquestionable Ronda Rousey, in 2015, ending a hegemony of seven title defenses by the North American. Holm, as champion, did not achieve the same success as her former rival. The athlete was defeated in her first title defense and, after that, her career declined.

In her last seven commitments, the fighter was defeated on five occasions. The 'Pastor's Daughter', today, is 37 years old and has 17 fights in MMA, with 12 triumphs and five setbacks.