UFC fighter Gilbert Burns has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now out of the main event of UFC 251, according to a report from MMA Junkie. The news has not yet been announced by the UFC.
Burns, who was scheduled to fight welterweight champion Karamu Usman in the July 12 event on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, had traveled from Florida to Las Vegas, where fighters slated for the event are being tested for the virus before heading to the UAE. Burns’ teammate, Aung La Nsang, revealed yesterday that he had also tested positive for the coronavirus. Burns’ brother and cornerman Herbert Burns also tested positive, along with his coach Greg Jones.
The fight between Burns and Usman is likely to be rescheduled for a later date. UFC 251 will feature multiple other title fights, including a featherweight bout between Alexander Volkanovski and former champion Max Holloway and a fight between Jose Aldo and Petr Yan for the currently vacant bantamweight title.
