Michelle Waterson forced out of UFC 257 fight against Amanda Ribas on Jan. 23

We’re not quite done with the slate of fights Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) still has in store for 2020, but the promotion’s scheduled events for 2021 are already taking hits.

According to MMA Fighting, Michelle Waterson has been forced to withdraw from her scheduled Flyweight bout against up-and-coming sensation, Amanda Ribas, which was set to go down at UFC 257 on Jan. 23, 2021, on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The reason for her withdrawal was not immediately available.

“Karate Hottie” was in search for her second straight win after getting back on track in her previous bout against Angela Hill at UFC Vegas 10 a few months ago. Prior to the win, Waterson had dropped back-to-back bouts to Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Carla Esparza.

Ribas, on the other hand, has been on a tear since making her Octagon debut back in mid-2019. The Brazilian bomber has won all four of her fights inside the Octagon, including big victories over Mackenzie Dern and Paige VanZant.

This is now the second canceled opponent for Ribas, who was set to face Carla Esparza this Saturday (Dec. 12, 2020) at UFC 256 before “Cookie Monster” bowed out of the fight for undisclosed reasons. With more than five weeks left until showtime, UFC matchmakers have ample time to find a replacement for the 125-pound standout.

UFC 257 will feature the highly-anticipated return of former UFC “champ-champ,” Conor McGregor, who will face former interim Lightweight king, Dustin Poirier, in a rematch six years in the making.

To see the current UFC 257 fight card click here.