Souza and cornermen test positive for COVID-19

Jacare Souza has tested positive for COVID-19.  In addition, his two cornermen have tested positive per a UFC Statement.  As you might expect, his fight against Uriah Hall is off for Saturday.  But the Florida State Athletic Commission has given the go-ahead for the event to continue. 

Jacare checked in to the fighter hotel in Jacksonville on Wednesday where he was tested for COVID-19.  He told the medical team that he believed that a member of his family tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday.  Another report maintains that he did not know whether or not that family member had COVID-19.  The medical team isolated and monitored Jacare despite the fact he was asymptomatic.  He still appeared at the weigh-ins on Friday morning and the subsequent face offs albeit at a much greater distance than usual.  He also wore a mask and surgical gloves for protection. 

There was some serious social distancing being utilized by @JacareMMA and @UriahHallMMA during their staredown. 😷#UFC249 | Full faceoffs: https://t.co/PjtL0a4fnR pic.twitter.com/JNlBusDy6d

— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) May 8, 2020

One might suspect that he did not know the results of the test until after the public appearance Friday morning.

Although the medical staff stated that Jacare was isolated, this social media post shows he was near other fighters.

This was earlier today from Werdum’s Instagram story.

“Jacare” very close with a group of people all certainly within 6 feet. pic.twitter.com/x1Dcus734G

— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) May 9, 2020

The UFC Statement on the matter is as follows:

In addition, COVID-19 tests for Souza’s two cornermen were also flagged as positive.  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.  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.

From their arrival earlier in the week until their departure today, Souza and his cornermen followed UFC health and safety protocols, including practicing social distancing, wearing personnel protective equipment, and self-isolating whenever possible.

Payout Perspective:

First and foremost, we hope the best for Souza and his family as well as the two cornermen.  While there is a plan in place to deal with an athlete that tests positive, the question of how it is executed from here on out is key.  Everyone that has been around Souza should be quarantined.  But this does not account for the people that were on the flight with Souza and the others he may have indirectly come into contact with at the time he did not know he was COVID-19 positive.  One would hope that he is isolated for at least two weeks in Jacksonville and one might believe his team would have to be quarantined off too.  MPO will continue to monitor.