Could the flyweight bout between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez end up being cancelled soon?
According to a report from Combate, Figueiredo has tested positive for the coronavirus. The contender for the UFC Flyweight title is expected to get another test done soon, and Figueiredo has yet to board a plane for his bout next week.
The championship match between the two fighters isn't scrapped just yet, though should Figueiredo fail his upcoming test then he will be pulled from the bout and Alexandre Pantoja will reportedly step in and replace the Brazilian. Thus far, the UFC has yet to comment on the situation.
Wallid Ismail, who is Figueiredo’s manager, has waved off the rumors of the 32-year-old having the coronavirus, though Ismail does confirm that Figueiredo had it previously:
“Not true, he was positive for the virus two months ago,” Ismail said to BJPENN.com. “He can not still have the virus activity right now in the body. Something is wrong.”
Since Henry Cejudo vacated the flyweight title in December, the UFC has been looking to get the division back on track with a new champion. Originally, the flyweight bout between Figueiredo and Benavidez was supposed to take place at UFC Fight Night 169; however, Figueiredo missed weight, thus making him ineligible to win the prestigious belt. The Brazilian managed to beat Benavidez thus the 125-pound belt remained vacant.