UFC 251: Gilbert Burns tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC Fight Island

UFC Welterweight title contender Gilbert Burns has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ruled out of his title fight with Kamaru Usman which was scheduled to happen at UFC 251 in UFC Fight Island.

As a result, Burns and his corner did not board the flight to Abu Dhabi. Interestingly, UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman also did not board the flight. After the news broke, Burns noted the following on his Twitter account.

“Devastating news, not feeling well but I’m going to win this battle! Stay safe out there! Much love,” he wrote.

Last day, Burns’ teammate at Sanford MMA and ONE Championship star Aung La N Sang was also tested positive for the virus.

With Burns out of the title fight, Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington expressed their openness to step in on short notice and fight Usman for the Welterweight Title. Apart from the Welterweight title fight, UFC 251 also has two major title fights on the card with Alexander Volkonovski defending his Featherweight title against Max Holloway while Jose Aldo will be locking horns with Petr Yan for the Bantamweight title.

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