Jessica-Rose Clark is on the mend after an injury to her foot caused her to withdraw from a scheduled UFC 237 matchup with Talita Bernardo.
A little over a month from the event, Clark (9-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) was forced to pull out of the matchup with Bernardo (6-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC), which was meant to be her UFC debut at women’s bantamweight after some struggles making the limit at flyweight.
That debut will have to wait a little longer, though, because Clark said enough damage has been done to the ligaments in her right foot that surgery is required (via Instagram):
News is out. I’m out of #UFC237 officially. An accident in sparring resulted in the ligaments in my right foot snapping. So my next steps are ~ sexy boot ~ surgery ~ sexy boot ~ recovery ~ fight.
My sincerest apologies to @talitabernardomma ~ I really hope we get to run this later in the year. Apologies to @mickmaynard2 and @ufc , I’m going to do everything I can to rehab and recover as quick as possible.
I’ve had a few days to accept it and all I can do now is get on my grind as best as possible.
Big thank you to @heatherlinden for helping me organize medicals.
Thank you @chelsearaemma for holding down the fort.
Thank you to @bo.sandoval for coming up with a dope program whilst I can’t put weight on my right foot.
And biggest thank you of all to @ty_gwerder for taking care of me 24/7 and making sure my days are filled with love instead of allowing me to spiral into devastation. I love you.
I’ll be back and kicking soon!
Clark did not reveal exactly when her surgery will take place, but did mention fighting this year as a realistic timeline for her return to the octagon.
With Clark unavailable to compete, UFC newcomer Melissa Gatto (6-0-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will now fight Bernardo at UFC 237, which takes place May 11 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass.
For more on UFC 237, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
