As a result of an injury suffered in training, undefeated rising star Kerry Vera has been forced to withdraw from her upcoming Strikeforce Challengers 8 bout with Julianna “The Venezuelan Vixen” Peña. MMAFighting.com first reported on the fight’s cancellation and Peña will no longer compete.

The nature of Vera’s injury was not disclosed, but it is serious enough to keep her off of the May 21st event. Peña, who was set to make her Strikeforce debut in the 135-pound matchup, will now be forced to wait before stepping into a Strikeforce cage for the first time.

Vera (2-0-0) and Peña (2-0-0) were set to square off in a well-matched battle of rising 135-pound stars on the Oregon card, but the untimely injury to Vera is a setback to both fighters. Vera made her Strikeforce debut last November and demolished Kim Couture inside of one round, while Peña most recently submitted Stephanie Webber in the second round of their December clash for CageSport MMA. A victory for either fighter would have resulted in a significant step towards a shot at Strikeforce champ Sarah Kaufman, but the fight will now be replaced by a men’s bout on the main card.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)