Frevola out of UFC on ESPN 11 event due to cornermen positive COVID-19 test

After fellow teammate and cornerman Billy Quarantillo tested positive for COVID-19, Matt Frevola is out of UFC on ESPN 11 as the fighter posted the news on his social media.  MMA Junkie reports that Frank Camacho is stepping in to fight Justin James on Saturday. 

The UFC has pulled me from my fight due to one of my cornerman testing positive for COVID-19. We did everything possible to make this fight happen. They tested me twice and both results came back negative. I also… https://t.co/M89T1Y5RZq

— SteamRolla_Frevola (@MattFre16) June 18, 2020

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The UFC has pulled me from my fight due to one of my cornerman testing positive for COVID-19. We did everything possible to make this fight happen. They tested me twice and both results came back negative. I also provided proof of my positive antibodies test from April 30th but the UFC did not want any liability or to risk it. Being that there is a lack of knowledge on the incubation period and still so many unknowns regarding covid 19, they decided to pull me bc of the 2 positive test result from my teammate and brother, Billy Q. He’s been a huge help and source of support throughout camp and I have no hard feelings. He is 100% healthy at the moment and feels fine, so he must be asymptomatic. This is a Crazy situation and everything happens for a reason. I am on weight and prepared to the fullest. I was really excited for this fight with Frank and told him if they find him a new opponent for Saturday I will be rooting for him. If not, I’m willing to rebook this fight ASAP or when ever he wants. I’m sorry to everyone who was excited to watch me fight and supports me along this journey, I really felt the love ❤️ ✊🏻. Can’t believe I’m the first fighter to get 2 fights canceled due to this virus (without even having it) but I know it has effected a lot more lives in worse ways 🙏🏻 . Figuring out the next move from here and will keep moving forward, that’s what we do! Should be booked to fight again ASAP and hope the UFC continues to take care of me.

A post shared by Matt Frevola (@steamrollafrevola_mma) on Jun 18, 2020 at 7:03am PDT

Frevola stated on his social media platforms that the UFC pulled him due to one of his cornermen testing positive although he is asymptomatic.  “We did everything possible to make this fight happen.  They tested me twice and both results came back negative,” wrote the fighter.  “I also provided proof of my positive antibodies test from April 30^th but the UFC did not want any liability or to risk it.”  Frevola noted that he has no hard feelings toward fellow UFC fighter Quarantillo.    

Frevola was to have faced Roosevelt Roberts on April 25^th but that event was scrapped.  The 8-1-1 lightweight hopes to return as soon as possible to the Octagon.

Payout Perspective:

The news of Frevola’s removal highlights the uncertainty with COVID-19 at this point.  Although asymptomatic and Frevola negative tests, the UFC did not want to take on the potential liability it may have faced if allowed Frevola to fight.  Its unfortunate for the lightweight since he has not been affected but the problem is that he has been exposed to someone with COVID-19.  Hopefully for Frevola, he can return to the Octagon soon.