Joanne Calderwood releases statement following armbar loss, health scare at UFC on ESPN+31
Joanne Calderwood had a rough night on Saturday.
The UFC flyweight contender lost via first-round armbar to Brazil’s Jennifer Maia in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN+ 31 in Las Vegas. On top of losing her No. 1 contender slot, as she was supposed to challenge champion Valentina Shevchenko prior to accepting the Maia bout, Calderwood (14-5 MMA, 6-5 UFC) fainted backstage during her post-fight medical screenings, as UFC president Dana White revealed in the evening’s post-fight press conference at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
“JoJo” was immediately taken to the hospital, where she stayed overnight. She was released Sunday morning and she is now well, resting at home, according to her management team. The cause of her fainting remains unknown at this time.
In an Instagram post, Calderwood addressed the defeat, as well as her health scare:
“Well, that was a rough night at the office,” Calderwood wrote. “Congratulations to Jennifer Maia. I’m so grateful for my family, friends and fans that are here to help pick me back up in this crazy life we all share. It’s a fight, everyday we all fight, but it’s not everyday it goes our way. Thanks to all the @ufc staff, the medics and docs at umc. Oh and my knight in shining armour @bigwoodmma702, sorry for scaring you babe! #nevergiveup”
Calderwood was 3-1 in her four fights prior to the defeat to Maia. The 33-year-old currently sits at No. 9 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s flyweight rankings.
Below is Calderwood’s full statement following defeat at UFC on ESPN+31 (via Instagram):
Joanne Calderwood releases statement following armbar loss, health scare at UFC on ESPN+31
