Gilbert Burns comments on ‘devastating’ removal from UFC 251 after positive COVID-19 test

Gilbert Burns comments on ‘devastating’ removal from UFC 251 after positive COVID-19 test

Gilbert Burns said he’s “not feeling well” in his first comment since news of his removal from the UFC 251 main event.

Burns (18-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) was pulled from his welterweight title fight with Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) on July 11 after he and his two cornermen tested positive for the coronavirus. Neither fighter took Friday’s charter flight from Las Vegas to Abu Dhabi, where the event is being held, and the bout is expected to be rescheduled.

The health of Burns and his team, which includes his brother Herbert Burns and Greg Jones, is of course the first priority before the fight is back on the table. Burns was naturally distraught over the situation, and he expressed as much in a post on social media.

Devastating news, not feeling well but I’m going to win this battle! Stay safe out there! Much love

That’s freaking Karma not playing This memes no more!

With Burns vs. Usman off the card, the featherweight title rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway is expected to headline UFC 251, which takes place on Yas Island and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.