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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 replaces Veronica Hardy at UFC Oklahoma on July 18

Summary

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.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•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.

Latest Updates

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

What they're saying

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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.
— MMA Fightingby Guilherme Cruz