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Jacare Souza is out of UFC 249 after testing positive for coronavirus prior to his fight in the controversial event.
The UFC is the first high-profile sport in America to return, with Tony Ferguson’s fight with Justin Gaethje at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
Souza would face fellow middleweight Uriah Hall on the undercard, but the fight will not take place as the Brazilian fighter and his two cornerbacks have tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement, the mixed martial arts company said: “The UFC medical team examined Souza and his two cornerbacks and found that they are currently asymptomatic or do not show common symptoms of Covid-19.
“According to UFC health and safety protocols, the three men have left the host hotel and will isolate themselves off-site, where the UFC medical team will remotely monitor their conditions and provide assistance with any necessary treatment.
“From their arrival earlier in the week until their departure today, Souza and his men on the corner followed UFC health and safety protocols, including the practice of social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment, and self-isolation at all times. make it possible. ”
Opponent Hall went to Twitter to send his best wishes to Souza, posting, “Brother, I know it sucks. I’m sorry you have to go through this. I’m more than devastated by the missed opportunity. I want nothing more than recovery for you and your family. “.
UFC 249 was supposed to take place in Brooklyn, New York on April 18, only to be scrapped due to the coronavirus crisis.
“No other positive Covid-19 tests have been reported from the remaining athletes participating in UFC 249,” the UFC statement continued.
“The response to this development is indicative of the effectiveness of the health and safety measures that the UFC has implemented for this event.
The UFC 249 card on Saturday, which is streamed live on pay-per-view and is spearheaded by a battle for the interim lightweight title between No. 1 lightweight contender Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje No. 4, will proceed as scheduled with 11 bouts. “
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