The UFC 251 main event has been cancelled, as Gilbert Burns has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of his welterweight title clash with champion Kamaru Usman.
Burns (18-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) has been pulled from his fight with Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC), which takes place next week in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The fight is expected to be rescheduled at a later date.
Burns traveled from Florida, where he trained for UFC 251, to Las Vegas. The promotion is using the city as a hub to send athletes overseas to Abu Dhabi, testing them for COVID-19 before flying out to the Middle East. Burns’ test result came back positive, as well as his brother and cornerman, Herbert Burns, and coach Greg Jones.
All three men did not board the charter flight departing Las Vegas. Usman also did not board the plane.
Burns later commented on the situation with a post on social media.
“Devastating news, not feeling well but I’m going to win this battle! Stay safe out there! Much love.”