Hours before the first major sporting event is set to take place since the coronavirus pandemic began, a top fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship has been ruled out after he and members of his staff tested positive for the disease.
UFC officials announced that Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza will not take part in UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday. Souza was scheduled to fight on the preliminary card before the main card matchup between lightweight fighters Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje.
“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,” said officials in a provided statement. “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.”
Uriah Hall, who Souza was scheduled to fight, wrote that he was “devastated” about the missed opportunity but that he wished Souza and his team a swift recovery.
UFC President Dana White said Souza’s positive test is not reflective of lax measures taken by his promotion to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus among fighters.
“We administered 1,200 tests this week, on 300 people,” White said. “It’s not unexpected one person would test positive. The system works. And what’s good about this is now we know Jacare tested positive, he’s doing what he needs to do, and we’re in a position to help him if he needs it.”
The 249th installment of the fighting series was originally planned for April 18 at the Tachi Palace in California before executives at Disney, ESPN’s parent company, scrapped the bout due to concerns about the coronavirus.
