UFC 251 takes another hit courtesy of a positive COVID-19 test.
Marina Rodriguez vs. Carla Esparza is now off of the July 11 show in Abu Dhabi after one of Rodriguez’s corners tested positive for the virus, sources told MMA Fighting. Rodriguez’s test came back negative, but the UFC opted to remove her from Friday night's chartered flight from Sao Paulo to Abu Dhabi.
Given the restriction of flights to United Arab Emirates due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC will likely postpone the match to a later date instead of looking for a new opponent for "The Cookie Monster" at UFC 251.
Khabib teammates Umar Numagomedov and Tagir Ulanbekov have both cancelled their departure to Fight Island following news of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's death.
Unclear if they will now make their UFC debuts.