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Hardy withdraws from UFC Oklahoma City with training cut, Melisano steps in

Veronica Hardy has been forced out of her July 18 UFC Oklahoma City bout against Dione Barbosa after suffering a cut during a sparring session. Anna Melisano will replace her on the card.

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Hardy withdraws from UFC Oklahoma City with training cut, Melisano steps in
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Veronica Hardy has withdrawn from her scheduled fight against Dione Barbosa at UFC Oklahoma City on July 18, after sustaining a cut during a training camp sparring session. Anna Melisano has been confirmed as her replacement.

Hardy revealed the circumstances of the injury on Instagram, posting video footage of the sparring session that caused the damage, including a slow-motion clip of a clash of heads with her training partner. She also shared images of the cut both before and after it was stitched.

“It pains me to write this. I’ve replayed the day over and over wishing it would have gone differently,” Hardy wrote in the caption. “The headgear wasn’t enough. I was so excited for Oklahoma City and I’m left heartbroken and disappointed. I am very sorry. I hope to return soon. Thank you for your ongoing support and love.”

The withdrawal is a significant blow for Hardy, who had been riding momentum heading into the bout. She returned to winning ways with a decision victory over Brogan Walker in October last year and was targeting a second consecutive win against Barbosa.

Fans responded with an outpouring of support in the comments section of her post, with many wishing her a swift recovery. Melisano now steps into the matchup with Barbosa on relatively short notice.

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