Vera-Pena Off May 21 Strikeforce Challengers

Loretta HuntApr 26, 2010
Stephen Albanese/Tailstar.com


Kerry Vera has been forced to withdraw from her women’s 135-pound bout against Julianna Pena at Strikeforce Challengers 8 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore., her trainer Eric DelFierro told Sherdog.com on Monday.

MMAfighting.com reported first about Vera’s withdrawal on Monday. DelFierro would not comment on the fighter’s injury. Strikeforce officials confirmed to Sherdog.com that Pena would also be pulled from the card and replaced with a fresh bout.

Vera, a decorated muay Thai fighter who trains with her husband and UFC veteran Brandon at their Alliance gym in Chula Vista, Calif., earned a one-sided, first-round technical knockout over Kim Couture at Strikeforce Challengers 5 last November in Kansas City, Kan. The 27-year-old Vera is 2-0 in MMA.

Strikeforce Challengers 8, which features a welterweight bout between two-time collegiate All-American wrestler Tyron Woodley and Team Quest fighter Nathan Coy, will air live on Showtime.