UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns and team test positive for COVID-19

Mixed martial arts welterweight contender Gilbert Burns has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of his world title showdown against reigning UFC welterweight world champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 251.

The now scrapped title fight between the pair was scheduled for UFC’s first pay-per-view event at “Fight Island” in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on July 11, 2020.

Usman was originally tasked to defend the belt against Jorge Masvidal, but the fight did not come to fruition after the latter had a dispute with the UFC with his prize money. Burns, meanwhile, earned the slot after he defeated ex-champion Tyron Woodley last May.

In addition to Burns, his brother Herbert and coach Greg Jones also tested positive for the virus. One of his key training partners, ONE middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Aung La N Sang, also tested positive earlier this week. — BM, GMA News