The biggest fear surrounding UFC 249 has become a reality. A fighter on the card has tested positive for coronavirus.
Ronaldo Souza, who was scheduled to fight Uriah Hall in a middleweight bout, is the fighter to test positive for COVID-19. While that bout has been pulled, UFC 249 will proceed as planned.
MMA Junkie confirmed the news with a UFC official following an initial report from ESPN.com on Friday night. Hunter Campbell, executive vice president and chief business officer of UFC, told ESPN that the promotion received clearance from the Florida State Athletic Commission to move forward with the event.
The UFC later issued a statement announcing that two of Souza’s cornermen also tested positive for coronavirus. No other fighters have tested positive.
“UFC’s medical team examined Souza and his two cornermen and found them to be currently asymptomatic, or not exhibiting the common symptoms of COVID-19,” the statement read. “As per UFC’s health and safety protocols, all three men have left the host hotel and will be self-isolating off premises, where UFC’s medical team will monitor their conditions remotely and will provide assistance with any necessary treatment.”
