The UFC’s women’s divisions are still relatively new, and there is still only two of them, but that may change very soon. The company have booked it’s first ever women’s flyweight bout for UFC Fight Night 89 as Joanne Calderwood and Valerie Letourneau meet. Don’t get too carried away, though, as this is not the launch of the newest women’s division, but instead, a “special flyweight attraction.”
Letourneau (8-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC) made her promotional debut at UFC 174 and took home a split decision victory over Elizabeth Phillips before outpointing Jessica Rakoczy at UFC 186. The Canadian then fought in her home country against Maryna Moroz, and took home a decision victory which eventually earned her a title shot against reigning champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Letourneau fought Jędrzejczyk in the co-main event of UFC 193 but lost a decision after a back and forth fight.
Calderwood (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) was a contender on The Ultimate Fighter 20 and although she was eliminated by Rose Namajunas in the quarter final round, got her shot in the UFC. Calderwood debuted at the season 20 Finale and walked away with a decision victory over Seohee Ham. In her second octagon outing, Calderwood was upset by Maryna Moroz, who submitted her in just 90-seconds. Most recently, The 29-year-old fought in her home country for the first time since her third professional bout at UFC Glasgow, and defeated Cortney Casey via decision.
UFC Fight Night 89 takes place live from the TD Place Arena in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on June 18 and is expected to be headlined by a pivotal welterweight scrap between Rory MacDonald and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
