Photo by Chris Unger/DWTNCS LLC
Austin Vanderford has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time.
Undefeated welterweight Austin Vanderford (9-0) was scheduled to face Daniel Madrid at this weekend’s Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. Mix event. However, ‘The Gentleman’ has been forced to withdraw from the fight due to a positive test for COVID-19.
Vanderford broke the news himself, with a post on Instagram.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to compete for @bellatormma next weekend. I tested positive for COVID (a second time now). To say it’s a bummer is a serious understatement. But I’m going to rest up and recover now. I’ll be ready to go ASAP . Stay healthy and safe.
In his post Vanderford said this was the second time he has tested positive for coronavirus—a virus that has killed at least 880,000 people worldwide (and around 180,000 people in the US).
Vanderford has been with Bellator MMA since early last year, racking up three wins with the promotion. In his promotional debut, at Bellator 215, he beat Cody Jones by arm triangle. Then, at Bellator 225, he beat Joseph Creer by doctor’s stoppage (cut). His most recent win was a unanimous decision victory against Grachik Bozinyan in November.
Prior to joining Bellator Vanderford made a winning appearance on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. There he beat Angelo Trevino by second round rear naked choke, but that wasn’t enough to earn a UFC contract.
Recently there were rumours that Vanderford would be joined at Bellator by his spouse, former UFC strawweight, Paige VanZant. However, despite being offered a deal by Scott Coker’s outfit—and other MMA orgs—VanZant made the surprising decision to sign with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships instead.