Invicta FC 43’s main event has lost one of its participants.
Pearl Gonzalez has withdrawn from the Nov. 20 headliner against Erin Blanchfield due to COVID-19 complications.
Gonzalez (10-5) announced her withdrawal from the vacant flyweight title fight in an emotional Instagram video Monday.
“Hey guys, I hope you guys are doing well,” Gonzalez said. “I just wanted to come out here … and tell you guys I’m really sorry, but I’m not fighting on Nov. 20. I’ve got COVID, and I’ve been really sick these last couple of days. My camp, Shannon (Knapp), and (I) just decided it would be best if I hold out.”
Gonzalez said that she is heartbroken and that her decision to withdraw from the fight was two-fold. First off, she may not be cleared to compete when it comes time to take her COVID-19 test. Secondly, she reiterated, she feels very ill at the moment.
“This (expletive) is brutal and spiking, so just take care of yourself,” Gonzalez said. “Make sure you’re taking your supplements, washing your hands, and wearing your masks. I’ll talk to you guys soon when I’m back feeling better and let you know an update of how I’m doing. I love you guys. Thank you for your support.”
View this post on InstagramPlease take care of yourselves, Chicago this shit is brutal!!
A post shared by PEARL GONZALEZ (@pearlgonzalez) on Nov 2, 2020 at 11:00am PST
Gonzalez indicated the fight with Blanchfield (6-1) has been postponed to a later date. On Instagram, Blanchfield confirmed the fight is off but did not reveal if she will seek another opponent in the meantime.
Invicta FC 43 streams live on UFC Fight Pass on Friday, Nov. 20 at Police Athletic League in Kansas City, Kan.
With the change, the Invicta FC 43 lineup includes:
- Erin Blanchfield vs. TBA
- Emily Ducote vs. Montserrat Ruiz
- Courtney King vs. TBA
- Trisha Cicero vs. Stephanie Geltmacher
- Kendal Holowell vs. Juliana Miller