Casey O’Neill is out until 2023 due to an injury, which means Jessica Eye will take on a new opponent for UFC 276.
On her Twitter page, O’Neill cited a severe ACL injury as the reason for her withdrawal from the bout.
“Unfortunately, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from my upcoming fight on July 2 due to snapping my ACL last week in training. I’ve spent the past 7 days trying to continue on but it’s just not possible on a fully torn ACL. I will have surgery, recover and be back better than ever before you know it.
“I’m so sad that I don’t get to perform for you guys, I’m so sad that I don’t get to fight but I am excited to get healthy and rebuild.”
“I am 24 years old and young in this game. I promise you I will be back better than before and the King is still coming for her crown. Love you guys, thank you for the support.”
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) April 28, 2022
Maycee Barber will now face the one-time UFC title challenger at the upcoming show on July 2.
The news was originally reported by BJPenn.com.
In her last fight, Barber defeated Montana De La Rosa by unanimous decision. Following her contract win on Dana White’s Contender Series, Maycee’s move into the UFC has continued to grow.
O’Neill last defeated Roxanne Modafferi at UFC 271 via split decision. In her previous matches, she beat both Antonina Shevchenko and Lara Procopio back-to-back.
Eye is eager to return to winning ways after suffering three straight losses. In March, Eye was supposed to fight Manon Fiorot, however, she was forced to withdraw due to injury. Jessica Eye will now face Barber in July.