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The absence of Mike Brown at UFC 251 is a big blow for Jorge Masvidal.
Jorge Masvidal is deeply upset Mike Brown will not be in his corner at UFC 251 due to testing positive for the coronavirus.
Masvidal stepped up on a week’s notice to accept a fight with Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251 this Saturday. Fighters and coaches participating in the event, which is the first of four to take place on “Fight Island,” have been forced to undergo strict coronavirus testing upon their arrival to Abu Dhabi.
News broke on Wednesday that despite feeling “all good,” Brown had tested positive for COVID-19 and was therefore removed from his cornering duties for the card.
“It sucked emotionally just because I want him there when I get that belt,” Masvidal told ESPN about Brown’s absence. “I needed this individual to be there because he’s a huge part of my career. He’s been there for such a long time. We’ve been friends for such a long time as well. It took the air from all of us.
“Every single one of me and my cornermen were devastated by it. Thank god, Mike doesn’t have any symptoms, nothing, any cold symptoms or sore throat or nothing. So he’s great right now.”
UFC 251 takes place this Saturday, July 11th, on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Usman vs. Masvidal will headline the card.