MMA
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega featherweight title fight scrapped from UFC 260
Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title defence against Brian Ortega has been removed from UFC 260 after the Australian tested positive for COVID-19.
The news was made official by the UFC during their broadcast of Fight Night, headlined by Derek Brunson's win over Kevin Holland, and is a blow for both champion and challenger just one week prior to the PPV.
"So devastated to share that I've tested positive and my fight is off and will be rescheduled," Volkanovski wrote in a post on social media.
"I tested negative leaving Australia, negative before entering the UFC bubble but my latest test was positive. We have worked so hard getting ready for this fight and I am absolutely gutted this has happened.
"We followed every policy and process to remain Covid-free but it wasn't meant to be this time. Thanks to everyone here in the States for your support since arriving and to everyone back home and around the world for your positive messages."
UFC 260 will go on without the title fight, and the main event sees heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic taking on Francis Ngannou over five rounds in a rematch of their 2018 encounter, won by the defending titleholder.
