As much as the UFC rolls with the punches throughout the deadly Coronavirus pandemic, there is only so much that the organisation can do when it comes to the impact of the ongoing public health crisis.
The UFC has announced that the scheduled October 3 fight between Brazilian compatriots Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos is off owing to a positive Covid-19 test submitted by Teixeira — and this comes after the previously announced bout between the two, which was due to take place last Saturday, was delayed due to Santos testing positive for the virus.
News of the postponement was first reported by Combate and it is unknown at this time if the UFC will attempt to keep Teixeira on the card and seek a replacement opponent.
The fight was due to be Santos’ return to action since a game performance against Jon Jones a little over a year ago. In that fight, the light heavyweight title challenger injured both of his knees which forced him to take an extended spell on the sidelines after the decision loss.
Interestingly, Santos became the only fighter in UFC history to have a judge score a fight in his favour against Jones — but the other two officials saw the fight for Jones, leading to a split decision victory for the longtime champ.
Santos vs. Teixeira had been slated for the co-main event slot for the UFC’s October 3 event in Abu Dhabi which is to be headlined by Holly Holm vs. Irene Aldana, and had been thought of by many as a bout to establish a number one contender to the light heavyweight title bout between Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz, who will fight at UFc 253 for the title vacated by Jones upon his move to heavyweight.
Teixeira, 40, has been enjoying a purple patch in his career lately, winning four straight fights in the 205-pound fold. Prior to his loss to Jones, Santos had also enjoyed a four-fight undefeated run.
