Raoni Barcelos tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC Fight Night 186 vs. Marcelo Rojo

MMA News

Raoni Barcelos tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC Fight Night 186 vs. Marcelo Rojo

Raoni Barcelos has been forced to withdraw from UFC Fight Night 186.

The Brazilian bantamweight contender announnced on Twitter he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be competing against Marcelo Rojo on Saturday.

Barcelos (16-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) was initially scheduled to face Raphael Assuncao on Saturday’s card, but after Assuncao was forced out, he drew newcomer Rojo (16-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a 140-pound catchweight bout. But this time, it’s Barcelos who has had to withdraw and it is unknown if Rojo will remain on the card.

Unbeaten in the UFC, former RFA featherweight champion Barcelos is currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, including wins over Said Nurmagomedov, Chris Gutierrez and Kurt Holobaugh.

UFC Fight Night 186 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streams on ESPN+. With the withdrawal, the lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Ciryl Gane
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Nikita Krylov
  • Montana De La Rosa vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
  • Pedro Munhoz vs. Jimmie Rivera
  • Angela Hill vs. Ashley Yoder
  • Alex Caceres vs. Kevin Croom

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET)

  • Alexander Hernandez vs. Thiago Moises
  • Alex Oliveira vs. opponent TBA
  • Alexis Davis vs. Sabina Mazo
  • William Knight vs. Alonzo Menifield
  • Marcelo Rojo vs. opponent TBA
  • Vince Cachero vs. Ronnie Lawrence
  • Maxim Grishin vs. Dustin Jacoby

Raoni Barcelos tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC Fight Night 186 vs. Marcelo Rojo