Last week’s UFC 256 event lost several fights due to COVID-19, and now this weekend’s (Sat., Dec. 19, 2020) UFC Vegas 17 event — set to go down in Las Vegas, Nevada — is suffering the same fate.
After losing the Rick Glenn vs Carlton Minus fight, as well as Belal Muhammad vs Dhiego Lima as a result of positive COVID-19 cases, Aiemann Zahabi has tested positive and forced out of his fight against Drako Rodriguez.
It’s heartbreaking for me not to be there fight week in Vegas but thankfully my covid 19 symptoms haven’t been too bad so far. Wishing you all love and safety during this pandemic. pic.twitter.com/g7YSELZYuH
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) December 17, 2020
“It’s heartbreaking for me not to be there fight week in Vegas but thankfully my COVID-19 symptoms haven’t been too bad so far,” explained Zahabi on social media. “Wishing you all love and safety during this pandemic.”
As a result, the event will go on with 13 bouts.
The original main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards was also cancelled after “Rocky” tested positive for COVID-19, which prompted the promotion to elevates the Stephen Thompson vs Geoff Neal Welterweight bout as the headliner. In the co-main event, Jose Aldo will take on Marlon Vera, while Marlon Moraes takes on Rob Font in Bantamweight action.
To see the entire UFC Vegas 17 lineup click here.