UFC fighter Jacare Souza has tested positive for COVID-19, taking him out of his matchup with Uriah Hall scheduled for UFC 249 tomorrow. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN first reported that a test administered to Souza on Friday returned the next day reading positive.
While a relative to Souza tested positive previously, he was asymptomatic. It is noted that he was isolating himself during fight week.
In a report from ESPN, it is mentioned that the Florida state athletic commission says the event tomorrow can still continue on.
During the fighter faceoffs on Friday, Souza stood a fair distance apart from his opponent, Hall, and UFC President Dana White. Souza and Hall wore facemasks, with Souza wearing gloves as well.
After the cancelled bout, UFC 249 still has 11 matchups planned for Saturday. In the headlining spot is Tony Ferguson facing Justin Gaethje for the vacant UFC Interim Lightweight Championship.
11:50PM EDT UPDATE: Per Ariel Helwani of ESPN, two cornermen for Souza have also tested positive for COVID-19.
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