UFC 249 has been thrown into disarray after Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza tested positive for coronavirus – but the rest of the fight card will still go ahead as planned on Saturday night.
Souza’s middleweight clash with Uriah Hall has been cancelled after it was confirmed the 40-year-old Brazilian has contracted the virus along with two of his cornermen.
However, the other 11 fights on the UFC 249 card will still take place behind closed doors at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Florida.
A UFC statement read: “UFC’s medical team examined Souza and his two cornermen and found them to be currently asymptomatic.
“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.”
It is likely Souza would have been contagious as he took part in Friday’s press conferences and the weigh-in alongside other fighters on the card, although he was wearing a mask and gloves.
His opponent Hall tweeted this message to Souza: “Brother I know it sucks I’m sorry you have to go through this I am beyond devastated for the missed opportunity I wish you nothing but recovery for you and your family.”
UFC 249 is being headlined by Tony Ferguson’s bout with Justin Gaethje – and BT Sport will show all the action from 1am tonight.
UFC contender Tony Ferguson shows off his homemade gym which he uses to sharpen his elbows and knees by hitting steel pipes
