Three more UFC fights delayed due to positive COVID-19 tests

Three UFC fights have been delayed due to positive COVID-19 tests.  The first one postpones the rematch between Ion Cutelaba and Magomed Ankalaev set for Saturday at the UFC Apex.

Cutelaba tested positive for COVID-19 and was removed from the bout against Ankalaev.  A statement from the UFC indicated that it would be rescheduled for a later date.

The fight was postponed from UFC on ESPN+33 earlier this month due to a positive result from Cutelaba.  There’s no word on whether Cutelaba is one of the rare cases of contracting the virus twice or if he never recovered from the initial positive or if it was a false positive.  Cutelaba stated that he was asymptomatic and trained as usual for the fight. 

In addition, Ricky Simon indicated that due to a cornerman testing positive for COVID-19.

I just got the call that they are pulling me from the card due to one of my cornermen testing positive for Covid. I put in so much work for this fight and I was really looking forward to putting on a show for you guys. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. pic.twitter.com/bHg43523T2

— Ricky Simón (@RickySimonUFC) August 29, 2020

Also, Nicco Montano tested positive for COVID-19 and her rematch with Juli Avilia has been moved to October 3^rd. The fight was originally slated for August 18^th but was moved to September 5^th after Montano’s coach tested positive for the virus in July.  Montano now appears to have contracted the coronavirus although there are no reports of her experiencing symptoms.  The fight will be on the undercard with a main event of Holly Holm and Irene Aldana.

Payout Perspective:

The COVID-19 postponements reflect that the testing protocol is working and keeping fighters safe.  However, it still shows that many are being exposed to it through training with their coaches.  It will be interesting to follow Cutelaba’s story since he could have contracted the virus twice.  It might seem though that he just never fully recovered since the fight was rescheduled in such a short time from the original time he tested positive.