07 July 2020

Bantamweight Pedro Munhoz tests positive for coronavirus as second UFC fighter is axed from Fight Island

UFC bantamweight star Pedro Munhoz has been pulled off the show on July 15 after testing positive for coronavirus.

The 33-year-old was scheduled to headline the UFC Fight Night 172 card against Frankie Edgar, but has now been forced to withdraw, according to ESPN.

Munhoz was looking to bounce back from a defeat last time out but will now be unable to do so (SIPA USA/PA Images)

It means he will no longer fly out to Abu Dhabi for Fight Island as he tested positive in Las Vegas prior to jetting out for the fight.

As reported by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani: "The UFC is trying to convince Edgar to take a replacement fight, and the talks are ongoing regarding whether Edgar will remain on the card."

The July 15 show is now set to be headlined by Dan Ige v Calvin Kattar.

It comes just days after Brazilian welterweight Gilbert Burns also tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to miss his bout with Kamaru Usman in the first Fight Island show this weekend.

Burns has been replaced on just six days notice by Jorge Masvidal in what many are calling a better fight than the original bout.

Fight Island will stage four shows over the next two weeks, starting with UFC 251 this Saturday.

UFC 251 will be the MMA company’s ninth show since returning from the coronavirus pandemic on May 9.

Speaking previously about staging Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UFC boss Dana White said: "Abu Dhabi has been an amazing location to hold fights over the past 10 years and it is the perfect place for these events.

"The infrastructure we are building will be such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the fighters that’s never been done before – from the arena, the private training facility, and the octagon on the island.

"It’s going to be an experience that none of us will ever forget. I can’t wait to deliver amazing fights from Yas island."

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