4:35PM EDT UPDATE: Article and title updated to reflect new development.
A middleweight preliminary matchup has been scratched off of UFC 250, as Ian Heinisch has been ruled out of his bout against Gerald Meerschart. The bout being cancelled was first reported by Damon Martin of MMA Fighting,
Per Aaron Bronsteter of TSN, Heinisch was pulled from the card after someone in his corner tested positive for COVID-19.
Reported by Raphael Marinho of Combate, Anthony Ivy will take the short notice fight against Meerschaert.
The fight will be the UFC debut for Ivy, who has attained a 8-2 record since debuting as a pro. Currently on a five-fight winning streak of finishes, Ivy’s last fight was in September, defeating Willis Black in regional MMA promotion WXC.
Heinisch was looking to break a losing streak against Meerschaert, as he lost his two previous bouts.
Meerschaert won his last fight, stopping Deron Winn with a rear naked choke in the second round. He has gone 2-3 in his last five fights, with many of the opponents being ranked middleweights.
With ivy stepping in, the show will stay as a 12-fight program, including five on pay-per-view. In the main event, Amanda Nunes will put her UFC Featherweight Championship on the line against Felicia Spencer.
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