Daniel Cormier contracted COVID-19 prior to his fight with Stipe Miocic. The news comes 45 days after Cormier tested positive as the UFC announces a partnership with Oura Ring Health, the company that helped the former heavyweight champion detect his ailing health.
While the news of the UFC partnership with a detection device was the lead, the obvious takeaway is the Cormier had COVID-19 but no outlet knew about this until today. Oura Health is partnering with the UFC to be the official health tracking device of the promotion. Its Oura Rings detect health of the wearer and while it cannot accurately tell if you have COVID-19 it can monitor your heartrate and respiratory data. Cormier noted that even though he tested positive for COVID-19 on July 1, he continued to train until he noticed an onset of more fatigue than normal. The ring noted this decline and on July 8th Cormier went to a doctor.
In the end, he was able to recover to be ready for his August 15th fight against Miocic but its clear that this news would have made more headlines had it been known that Cormier tested positive prior to the fight. It makes one wonder who knew and when.
Also, did the Nevada Athletic Commission know of this issue, prior to allowing Cormier to fight? Certainly, Cormier had ample time to recover and its clear it didn’t affect him in his fight. However, the news about COVID-19 is on the minds of everyone at this time and while the UFC has been diligent in its protocol, it feels as though the news that DC had COVID-19 but no one knew or reported about this seems like it was hidden from public view.
As for the partnership, the UFC has signed a multi-year deal with Oura Ring Health. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The fighters will receive a ring if they so choose to wear one. The news of the use of the wearable technology reflects the surge in this industry.
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