Simon Yanked From Kelleher Fight After Cornerman Tests For COVID-19

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Bantamweight contender Ricky Simon announced his removal from his featherweight clash with Brian Kelleher at UFC Vegas 9 on Sept. 5 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a positive COVID-19 test from one of his cornerman.

UFC officials have yet to announce a potential replacement to face Kelleher, who is one week out from his fourth trip to the Octagon in 2020.

Simon announced the news in a social media post on Friday, explaining his frustration with the situation and expressing disappointment in not being able to compete next weekend in “Sin City.”

“I just got the call that they are pulling me from the card due to one of my cornermen testing positive for Covid. I put in so much work for this fight and I was really looking forward to putting on a show for you guys. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement,” wrote Simon via Twitter.

Simon, 27, is coming off a split-decision win over the newly-retired Ray Borg back in May. That win helped snap a two-fight losing streak for Simon after dropping a TKO loss to Uriah Faber and a unanimous decision to Rob Font. The former LFA bantamweight champion is currently 4-2 inside of the Octagon and was hoping to score a big win over “Boom” next weekend to climb the 135-pound ladder even more. He’ll have to wait a little longer to get his shot.

UFC Vegas 9 will go down exclusively on ESPN+ and feature a main event clash between heavyweights Alistair Overeem and Augusto Sakai.

For more UFC Vegas 9 fight card news click here.