COVID-19 Takes Andre Ewell Out of February 6th Fight Against Cody Stamann, Replaced By Askar Askar

A positive COVID-19 test has forced Andre Ewell out of his February 6th fight against Cody Stamann. Taking his place on the UFC “Fight Night” card will be promotional newcomer Askar Askar, as first reported by Sergio Piniero of Bloody Canvas.

The new matchup joins an event that is set to happen at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Despite Ewell’s recent COVID-19 tests coming back negative, the UFC protocol would make it logistically impossible to compete on Saturday.

“This [cancelled bout] is due to the UFC health protocols, which mandate a 10-day quarantine following a positive result,” said Michael Fiedel, the public relations manager for Ewell and other talent under Dodge Sports.

Stepping in on short notice, the fight is set to be Askar’s UFC debut. The 26-year-old prospect joins the roster after a 12-fight run on the regional MMA scene.

Askar’s last fight was in October, where he defeated Kevin Wirth via decision in the main event of an LFA card.

Stamann will be attempting to bounce back from a decision loss to Jimmie Rivera that he took in July of 2020.

UFC’s Saturday night event is currently set to have heavyweights Alistair Overeem and Alexander Volkov in the main event. Here is the updated lineup.

Bout 14: Alistair Overeem (47-18) vs. Alexander Volkov (32-8) (Heavyweight)

Bout 13: Molly McCann (10-3) vs. Lara Procopio (6-1) (Flyweight)

Bout 12: Marion Reneau (9-6-1) vs. Macy Chiasson (6-1) (Bantamweight)

Bout 11: Mike Rodriguez (11-5) vs. Danilo Marques (10-2) (Light Heavyweight)

Bout 10: Diego Ferreira (17-2) vs. Beneil Dariush (19-4-1) (Lightweight)

Bout 9: Michael Johnson (19-16) vs. Clay Guida (35-20) (Lightweight)

Bout 8: Cory Sandhagen (13-2) vs. Frankie Edgar (24-8-1) (Bantamweight)

Bout 7: Alexandre Pantoja (22-5) vs. Manel Kape (15-4) (Flyweight)

Bout 6: Ode Osbourne (8-3) vs. Denys Bondar (14-2) (Bantamweight)

Bout 5: Karol Rosa (13-3) vs. Joselyne Edwards (10-2) (Bantamweight)

Bout 4: Youssef Zalal (10-3) vs. Seung Woo Choi (8-3) (Featherweight)

Bout 3: Timur Valiev (16-2) vs. Martin Day (8-5) (Bantamweight)

Bout 2: Cody Stamann (19-3-1) vs. Askar Askar (11-1) (Bantamweight)

Bout 1: Justin Jaynes (16-6) vs. Devonte Smith (10-2) (Catchweight 160 lbs)