Edwards Vs Chimaev Wiped From UFC Vegas 17

First it was “Borz,” now it’s “Rocky.”

Leon Edwards tested positive for COVID-19 and as a result, has been pulled from the UFC Vegas 17 headliner on Dec. 19 at APEX. Instead of scrambling for a new opponent, the promotion has instead opted to yank Khamzat Chimaev and rebook their welterweight showdown for early 2021.

That’s according to a report from ESPN.

“Per sources, Leon Edwards’ case of COVID-19 was pretty severe,” ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto wrote on Twitter. “He couldn’t train at all, and he lost 12 pounds in four days. He’s in the process of recovering at home.”

Another disappointing turn of events after several other high-profile cancelations over the last few weeks (like this one).

No official word yet from UFC on what will happen to the UFC Vegas 17 fight card (see it here). Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal could be promoted to main event or matchmakers could rob UFC 256 of Jacare Souza vs. Kevin Holland.

Stay tuned.