Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
“The upcoming weeks I will be secluded with my family and coaches and focused on our health so I can be back soon. Thank you!”
UFC veteran Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza has released a statement following his positive test for COVID-19 and subsequent withdrawal from UFC 249.
Souza, who was pulled from his middleweight bout with Uriah Hall, is obviously disappointed with the situation but looks forward to returning to the UFC after he’s been medically cleared to fight. It’s thought that the former Strikeforce middleweight champion is asymptomatic, as roughly 78 percent of those who test positive for COVID-19 don’t display any symptoms, according to a study from the British Medical Journal.
“I was very sad to not be able to fight at UFC 249, but I want you to know that, as soon as I’m medically cleared, I hope to reschedule my fight with Uriah Hall so that I can put on the show that everyone expects,” Jacare wrote. “I thank my corners for the partnership, my opponent for the words of support and the UFC for all the care. “Thank you all for the kind messages I have received in the last few days,” Jacare added. “The upcoming weeks I will be secluded with my family and coaches and focused on our health so I can be back soon. Thank you!” Souza posted on Wednesday.
Souza, 40, last fought at UFC Fight Night 164, where he dropped a split decision to Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut.