Flyweight champion Nicco Montano has been stripped from her belt following her non-participation in UFC 228, where she had to face Valentina Shevchenko.
The decision come just hours after she was forced out of UFC 228 and after some time hospitalised for a suspect kidney, according to UFC president Dana White to the FOX Sports 1.
But on the other hand, White was uncertain of who Shevchenko would fight for the vacant title, but insisted the fight would take place before the end of this year.
“The belt becomes vacated. So, the title is vacated. Obviously, Shevcenko is dying fight for this title. So we’re in the process right now of trying to make another fight.
The one crowned at the end of season 26 of L’Ultime Combattant was not officially weighed on Friday because she was taken to hospital for health issues.
“She will be fine in a few days. The UFC medical team was called in to evaluate her this morning during the process of her weight cut. They determined that she had to crease cutting weight and be transported to and treated at the local hospital for issues regarding her kidney function.” Montano’s teammate Steve Hanna said.
Montano has been champion since December, the first of this new division, but never defended her title for health reasons. She suffered a foot injury and had her tonsils removed in 2018.
Late Saturday night, Montano posted on her Instagram account that the decision of the organisation was not deserved.
“Several other fighters have done worse without being punished. Unfortunately, I am not a big mouth that brings money back to the company.” Montano wrote.
She added in her publication that she suffered from kidney problems and hypernatremia (a high sodium level that involves dehydration).
Nicco Montano and Valentina Shevchenko fight cancelled. (Source:www.mmacrosfire.com)
After learning that the fight was canceled on Friday, Shevchenko had claimed that Montano had planned everything to avoid confronting her, but Montano promised that she will be back soon to grab her title.
“I never found myself in front of an opponent who has so little heart and respect. I guarantee you that I will come back and take my belt.” Montano said.
Shevchenko is a former title challenger at bantamweight. She won a title shit by knocking out Priscila Cachoeira last February in her UFC debut at 125 pounds.
