Team Lakay’s Jenelyn Olsim. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Jenelyn Olsim is out of ONE Championship’s first all-women’s event after her opponent Grace Cleveland was forced to withdraw due to “really bad dizziness” that has affected her for the past month.
Olsim and Cleveland were supposed to tangle in an Atomweight World Grand Prix alternate fight in ONE: Empower on Friday at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“Got all my medicals done for the fight, but I have been experiencing really bad dizziness for the past month. It got to the point where it effected me for 4 days and I literally just had to sit in a position not to spin,” Cleveland wrote on her Instagram.
“Was waiting for my brain Mri and it gave me some information I need to get myself checked out. Been seeing professional Pt and a doctor and now have a neurologist appointment. I pray it’s good news and has nothing to do with my prior spinal/neck injury.”
The 24-year-old Olsim arranged a date with Cleveland after beating Vietnamese-American Bi Nguyen via unanimous decision in ONE: Battleground III.
“I’m devastated though because I got the call to perform on One Championship. The best promotion in martial art and I could not perform my best due to this,” said the Denver, Colorado native, who was supposed to make her ONE debut.
“My coaches believe it was the best decision and I trust them 💯. In the end I’m reminded that health is important and having a daughter now, I can’t be selfish and put myself in a dangerous position.”
Cleveland, who boasts a 5-0 record, also apologized for having to pull out of the historic card at the last minute.
China’s Xiong Jing Nan will defend her strawweight title against Brazil’s Michelle Nicolini in the main event while unbeaten Filipino rising star Denice Zamboanga battles Seo Hee Ham of South Korea in the Atomweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal in the co-featured fight.