During the UFC 235 press conference, Dana White casually mentioned that the fight between Holly Holm and Aspen Ladd won’t be happening as planned. Dana further said that was the reason why neither fighter was present during the press conference.

This came as a shock to many — including Aspen Ladd herself! Ladd’s team released a statement saying they were unaware of the development. Aspen then took to social media, saying UFC was figuring out a replacement for Holly Holm at UFC 235.

The former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion has been removed from the card, and her manager revealed just why to ESPN. Lenny Fresquez said, “We’re in negotiations on a contract extension right now. She’s very disappointed this fight is not happening, but she understands this is a business. We’re in the middle of those negotiations right now, and everybody thought it would be best to get through that.”

In a post that has since been deleted, Holly commented on the fight falling through. “My heart and my mind, my soul, everything was focused for March 2. I’m really bummed out about it. I didn’t have any idea this was going to be canceled and I don’t really know what’s going to happen. But I’m going to keep training and I’m going to show you guys my hard work is going to pay off, whatever the next fight might be.”