UFC 251’s main event has been derailed by the coronavirus, as welterweight challenger [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of his bout with champion [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag].
MMA Junkie verified with multiple people close to the situation that Burns (18-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) has been pulled from the fight with Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) in the July 11 headliner, which takes place in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The people requested anonymity because the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
Burns traveled from Florida, where he trained for UFC 251, to Las Vegas. The promotion is using the city as a hub to send athletes overseas to the event location, testing them for COVID-19 before flying out to the Middle East. Burns’ test result came back positive, alongside his brother and cornerman, Herbert Burns, and coach Greg Jones. This comes on the heels of one of their Sanford MMA teammate, Aung La N Sang revealing he’d recently tested positive for coronavirus.
All three men did not board the charter fight leaving Las Vegas, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
It’s unknown at this time if the UFC will be able to find a replacement opponent for Usman, who did not board the charter plane, either. Many thought Usman would fight Jorge Masvidal at the event, but when contract negotiations went sour with the UFC brass, Burns, who has already picked up UFC wins over Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley this year, accepted the role.
Two other title fights are scheduled for UFC 251: Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch with former champ Max Holloway, and the battle for the vacant bantamweight belt between Jose Aldo and Petr Yan.
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