The matchup between Amanda Ribas and Michelle Waterson has a new date.
Originally scheduled to take place March 26 at UFC on ESPN 33, the bout was scrapped after Waterson was forced to withdraw because of an injury. The bout now has been rescheduled for UFC 274 on May 7 at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the news to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous because the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Ag Fight was first to report the news of Ribas vs. Waterson being scrapped; MMA Fighting later reported news of the rebooking.
This marks the second time that Waterson (18-9 MMA, 6-5 UFC) has withdrawn from a fight against Ribas (11-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC). The pair were scheduled to face off at UFC 257, but Waterson pulled out due to undisclosed reasons. Ribas ended up facing Marina Rodriguez instead and losing by second-round knockout. But the 28-year-old was able to rebound from her first octagon setback by defeating Virna Jandiroba this past October at UFC 267.
Meanwhile, Waterson will look to get back to the win column after falling short to Rodriguez in the UFC on ESPN 24 headliner last May. The former Invicta FC champion has lost three of her past four, with her lone win in that stretch coming in a “Fight of the Night” win over Angela Hill in the UFC Fight Night 177 main event.
The latest UFC 274 lineup now includes:
- Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje – for lightweight title
- Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont
- Ariane Carnelossi vs. Loopy Godinez
- Blagoy Ivanov vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
- Kleydson Rodrigues vs. CJ Vergara
- Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon
- Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell
- Amanda Ribas vs. Michelle Waterson
