A
positive COVID-19 test has knocked Pearl Gonzalez out of a matchup
with Erin Blanchfield for the vacant flyweight crown at Invicta FC
43 on Nov. 20.
Gonzalez announced the news in a tearful video on her Instagram
account Monday.
“I’m really sorry, but I’m not fighting on Nov. 20,” Gonzalez said
in a video. “I got COVID and I’m really sick these last couple of
days. My camp, [Invicta FC President] Shannon [Knapp], myself, just
decided it would be best and that if I hold out. One, I might not
be cleared of the COVID test anymore and two, I’m really f—-ing
sick. This is really f—-ing brutal.
“I just wanted to tell you guys that I’m really sorry. I’m
heartbroken. But I’m gonna focus on getting stronger.”
A promotion official confirmed to
MMAFighting.com that Gonzalez vs. Blanchfield will be postponed
until a later event. Meanwhile, a strawweight championship showdown
between Emily Ducote and Montserrat Ruiz will serve as the new
Invicta FC 43 main event.
Invicta FC 43 takes place on Nov. 20 in Kansas City and will stream
on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event takes
place behind closed doors and will utilize open scoring. Additional
bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
A two-time UFC veteran, Gonzalez previously challenged for the
flyweight crown at Invicta FC 34, where she fell to Vanessa
Porto via technical decision. “The Chi-Town Princess” rebounded
to outpoint Brogan
Walker-Sanchez at Invicta FC 37 before dropping a unanimous
verdict to Miranda
Maverick at Invicta FC 39.
Blanchfield has been victorious in six of her first seven
professional outings. Thus far in 2020, the Renzo Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu product has defeated Victoria
Leonardo via second-round head kick at Invicta FC 39 and earned
a three-round verdict over Walker-Sanchez at Invicta FC 41.