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Bantamweight contender Ricky Simon announced his removal from his featherweight clash with Brian Kelleher at UFC Vegas 9 on Sept. 5 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a positive COVID-19 test from one of his cornerman.
UFC officials have yet to announce a potential replacement to face Kelleher, who is one week out from his fourth trip to the Octagon in 2020.
Simon announced the news in a social media post on Friday, explaining his frustration with the situation and expressing disappointment in not being able to compete next weekend in “Sin City.”
I just got the call that they are pulling me from the card due to one of my cornermen testing positive for Covid. I put in so much work for this fight and I was really looking forward to putting on a show for you guys. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. pic.twitter.com/bHg43523T2
— Ricky Simón (@RickySimonUFC) August 29, 2020
“I just got the call that they are pulling me from the card due to one of my cornermen testing positive for Covid. I put in so much work for this fight and I was really looking forward to putting on a show for you guys. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement,” wrote Simon via Twitter.
Simon, 27, is coming off a split-decision win over the newly-retired Ray Borg back in May. That win helped snap a two-fight losing streak for Simon after dropping a TKO loss to Uriah Faber and a unanimous decision to Rob Font. The former LFA bantamweight champion is currently 4-2 inside of the Octagon and was hoping to score a big win over “Boom” next weekend to climb the 135-pound ladder even more. He’ll have to wait a little longer to get his shot.
UFC Vegas 9 will go down exclusively on ESPN+ and feature a main event clash between heavyweights Alistair Overeem and Augusto Sakai.
For more UFC Vegas 9 fight card news click here.