Despite the challenge for the UFC featherweight title for women during the UFC 259 event this past weekend, Megan Anderson is no longer under contract with the promotion.
MMA Junkie has confirmed with Anderson’s management team at Paradigm Sports that she participated in UFC 259 in the final fight of her contract and has now fulfilled her obligations with the promotion. MMA Fighting first reported Anderson’s contract status.
While Anderson (11-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC) is free to sign a new deal with the promotion if offered, the former Invicta FC interim featherweight champion plans to take some time before planning her next move .
Paradigm Sports representative Tim Simpson confirmed via text that Anderson is currently suffering from some persistent injuries that he will have healed before planning her next step.
Anderson’s current UFC run ends after a six-fight battle with the promotion that began with a June 2018 decision loss to former UFC women’s fighter Holly Holm. Her last five fights with the organization all ended in the first round, including victories over Cat Zingano, Zarah Fairn and Norma Dumont, as well as losses against Felicia Spencer and Nunes.
The 31-year-old Australian is currently number 5 on the latest USA TODAY Sports / MMA Junkie featherweight rankings for women.
While the future of the UFC Featherweight Division for women is often questioned, as the promotion is not official for the weight class and contains only a handful of female fighters of 145 pounds under contract, UFC officials have both in public and behind the screens insisted that it was currently decided to delete the section.