Anna Melisano replaces Veronica Hardy at UFC Oklahoma on July 18
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 11:00 PM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Anna Melisano will step in for Veronica Hardy against Dione Barbosa at UFC Oklahoma on July 18, following Hardy's withdrawal due to a cut suffered in training. The event, taking place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, is headlined by a middleweight clash between former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. Melisano, who holds a professional record of 6-1, was a first-round pick of coach Michael Bisping on The Ultimate Fighter 34 but lost her debut fight on the show. Barbosa, currently at 9-4, looks to build on a recent decision victory over Melissa Gatto. Both fighters confirmed the matchup on social media.
- •Veronica Hardy is unable to compete due to a training injury.
- •UFC Oklahoma is scheduled for July 18 at the Paycom Center.
- •Dricus Du Plessis faces Kamaru Usman in the main event.
- •Melisano previously competed on The Ultimate Fighter 34.
- •Barbosa seeks to continue his winning momentum.
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Bisping’s No. 1 TUF 34 pick steps in to save fight at UFC Oklahoma City
- 11:00 PMMMA Fighting — Michael Bisping’s No. 1 TUF 34 pick steps in to save fight at UFC Oklahoma City
"Anna Melisano will replace Veronica Hardy against Dione Barbosa at UFC Oklahoma on July 18, both fighters confirmed on social media following a report from Marcel Dorff. Hardy was forced off the card after suffering a cut in training, she revealed on Monday. UFC Oklahoma will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and feature a clash of former UFC champions Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman in a five-round middleweight main event. Melisano is 6-1 as a professional and was recently featured on The Ultimate Fighter 34. The 29-year-old was coach Michael Bisping’s strawweight first pick, but lost her first bout via first-round submission to Melissa Amaya. Barbosa (9-4) won three of five under the UFC banner and hopes to keep the momentum going after a decision win over Melissa Gatto in April. “The Witch” has bounced between wins and losses since joining the UFC.
"Anna Melisano fought recently on The Ultimate 34
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 11:00 PMMichael Bisping’s No. 1 TUF 34 pick steps in to save fight at UFC Oklahoma City
Anna Melisano fought recently on The Ultimate 34
- MMA FightingJul 6, 2026, 11:00 PMMichael Bisping’s No. 1 TUF 34 pick steps in to save fight at UFC Oklahoma City
Anna Melisano will replace Veronica Hardy against Dione Barbosa at UFC Oklahoma on July 18, both fighters confirmed on social media following a report from Marcel Dorff. Hardy was forced off the card after suffering a cut in training, she revealed on Monday. UFC Oklahoma will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and feature a clash of former UFC champions Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman in a five-round middleweight main event. Melisano is 6-1 as a professional and was recently featured on The Ultimate Fighter 34. The 29-year-old was coach Michael Bisping’s strawweight first pick, but lost her first bout via first-round submission to Melissa Amaya. Barbosa (9-4) won three of five under the UFC banner and hopes to keep the momentum going after a decision win over Melissa Gatto in April. “The Witch” has bounced between wins and losses since joining the UFC.
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