UFC Fighter Souza Out Of Event After Positive Coronavirus Test

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza has been pulled from the UFC 249 preliminary card Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida, after testing positive for the new coronavirus.

UFC said two of Souza's team members also tested positive for the virus.

"UFC's medical team examined Souza and his two corner men and found them to be currently asymptomatic, or not exhibiting the common symptoms of COVID-19," the UFC said in a statement. "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."

The UFC still plans to move forward with the rest of the pay-per-view event.

Souza informed the UFC on Wednesday about a family member who might have been infected with the coronavirus. Souza was subsequently tested and monitored, but he still participated in a distanced stare down with his opponent, while wearing mask and gloves, before he received his positive result.

Souza was the lone athlete scheduled to compete at UFC 249 to test positive for the coronavirus, according to UFC.

"We administered 1,200 tests this week, on 300 people," UFC president Dana White told reporters. "It's not unexpected one person would test positive. The system works. And what's good about this is now we know Jacare tested positive, he's doing what he needs to do, and we're in a position to help him if he needs it."

The main card for UFC 249 starts at 10 p.m. Eastern on Saturday night.

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