SCOTTISH UFC star Joanne Calderwood has admitted she is 'gutted' after being forced to pull out of her Las Vegas headline fight against Paige VanZant.
The Kilmarnock fighter, who trains out of Glasgow’s Griphouse Gym, was in line to take on the American strawweight in the first ever non-title female top-of-the-bill bout on December 10 for the UFC Fight Night.
Following up on Calderwood’s showing at the SSE Hydro back in July, the 28-year-old began her preparations for the contest with a month’s training camp in Thailand.
However, after suffering a knee injury last week, the Scot has confirmed rumours that she has withdrawn.
“Just to let everyone know that I'm okay,” said Calderwood, who will be replaced by Rose Namajunas. “Everything was going great but I hurt my knee during wrestling last week and I haven't been able to train since and we reckon it's going to be another week before I can get back to light training which obviously isn't idea in this stage of my camp.
“As much as I'm gutted I'm just glad that it's nothing too serious and that I'm only going to be out for a few weeks hopefully.
“I wanted the just strap it up and hit her with it idea, but in this sport things like this happen and I want to make sure I can come back from this little hurdle sensibly and with a vengeance.
“Thank you so much for all the messages, well wishes and concerns.”
Earlier this week Calderwood spoke exclusively to HeraldSport about her ambitions for the fight in Las Vegas.
She said: “It’s really, really special and it still doesn’t feel real. Obviously the build up to it will be completely different to what I’m used to.
“I’m just so grateful to be part of it, especially fighting Paige. I think it will be a really good, exciting match and I’m just really glad to be part of it."
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