Death of family members due to coronavirus took R. Namajunas out of UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @suckerpunchent
the news that Rose namajunas is out of UFC 249, which takes place on April 18, took a lot of people by surprise. However, doubts about the reasons that led the former strawweight champion (up to 52,1kg.) to make such a decision were resolved this Thursday afternoon (9). Through her manager, Brian Butler, it was confirmed that the death of two relatives as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) was the reason for the fighter to leave the card.
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"Rose namajunas withdrew from UFC 249 due to two coronavirus-related deaths in the family. His desire is to return to the Octagon as soon as possible, but at this time we ask people to respect his privacy,” Brian wrote on his Instagram account.
On April 18, Rose would make his return to the Octagon for his first appearance since losing the title to Jessica Andrade, in May last year, at UFC 237.
The fight would then mark a rematch between the athletes and, possibly, provide the winner with the chance to challenge the current champion, Weili Zhang, for the division title.
After being defeated by the Brazilian in 2019, Namajunas even considered retiring from the sport at the age of 27. With doubts about whether she still had the motivation to compete, the fighter suggested taking a career break, but changed her mind a few months later.
‘Bate-Estaca’, in turn, would try to get back on track after being defeated by Zhang in her first title defense, which took place in August last year, at UFC Shenzhen. Currently in first place in the ranking, the Paraná native now awaits a new opponent.
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