The UFC just can’t seem to catch a break with the coronavirus situation. The promotion has plowed on with Fight Nights, but has had issues with fighter withdrawals and booking short term replacements or rescheduling fights.
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The latest fight to fall victim is UFC Fight Night 177 main event featuring Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos.
The fight is off the planned fight card as the fourth-ranked Teixeira tested positive for the coronavirus. ‘Marreta’ will not remain on the card and fight a short notice opponent either. Instead, the UFC is looking to re-book the fight on their October 3 card.
At present, the UFC hasn’t announced a new main event for Fight Night 177.
Glover Teixeira tested positive for COVID-19, thus canceling the 9/12 main event against Thiago Santos, per sources. His team says he’s feeling “100%”. Found out this AM. TBD who will main event 9/12 now. First reported by @raphamarinho & @AnaHissa.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 3, 2020
The light heavyweight contenders were primed for battle in a five-round main event. The fight was timed perfectly, as the winner would have been the next #1 contender after Dominick Reyes vs Jan Blachowicz.
Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos will fight for a title shot
Given their position in the UFC rankings, fans expect the winner to be the light heavyweight championship challenger post-UFC 253.
Thiago Santos has spent over a year on the sidelines recovering from injuries sustained in his battle against Jon Jones. He took the former champion to a split decision and will fancy his chances against his 40-year-old countryman.
Meanwhile, Teixeira is probably on the last wave of momentum in his MMA career. He responded to adversity after losing to Corey Anderson in 2018 and is unbeaten in his last four fights.
His previous win against former title challenger Anthony Smith has instilled a self-belief within him. And he could compete for the belt once more.
In the absence of ‘Bones’, light heavyweight contenders will believe that the belt is theirs. Teixeira will hope that the virus doesn’t severely affect him and will look for a fifth win in a row.
However, Santos will be hungrier. The extended wait will give him time to train and feel confident as he tries to maintain the #2 position in the rankings.
