According to reports, the featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has tested positive for COVID-19. A protocol has to be followed and therefore the UFC has canceled the UFC 260 co-main featherweight title fight.
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Following the cancelation, ‘The Great’ released a statement on his Twitter. He wrote, “So devasted to share that I’ve tested positive for Covid-19 and my fight is off and will be rescheduled. I tested negative leaving Australia, negative before entering the UFC bubble but my latest test was positive.”
“We have worked so hard getting ready for this fight and I’m absolutely gutted this has happened. We followed every policy and process to remain covid free but it wasn’t meant to be this time.”
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) March 21, 2021
He concluded, “Thanks to everyone here in the States for your support since arriving and to everyone back home and around the world for your positive messages. To my fans, I’m certain I’ll be bouncing back stronger than ever before.”
This is a tough moment for the fighter as he trained very hard for his second title defense. In his first title defense at UFC 251, he claimed a questionable split decision win over Max Holloway and would have been looking to put in a dominant showing against ‘T-City‘.
Meanwhile, Ortega will not remain on the card as the UFC has gone against a short notice interim title fight. Hence, UFC 260 will have a new co-headliner.
UFC has a new co-main event after Alexander Volkanovski is out
Alexander Volkanovski would have loved to display a convincing performance over his opponent, but for now, he will have to wait for that. Hopefully, he will be back inside the octagon very soon.
Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 12: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia celebrates after his split-decision victory over Max Holloway in their UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Now, UFC is moving forward with the PPV and has updated the co-main to Woodley vs Luque. Luckily, the main event which is being billed as ‘The Biggest Baddest Rematch’ is still on and the heavyweight title is on the line. The heavyweight champ, Stipe Miocic, will face the scary knockout artist, Francis Ngannou.
There is no update on a rescheduled date for the featherweight title fight. The next PPV, UFC 261, will see three title fights and UFC 262 will play host to the vacant lightweight title bout.
When do you see the UFC re-booking Volkanovski vs Ortega?
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