Midnight Mania! COVID-19 Forces Brown Out Of Barberena Bout

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

11 days out from the event, COVID-19 has disrupted a UFC Vegas 44 bout. Longtime UFC Welterweight Matt Brown revealed earlier today on Twitter that he tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to withdraw from his planned battle vs. Bryan Barberena.

“S—ty day,” Brown tweeted. “Today I tested positive for covid so my fight next weekend is off.

“I was sick af over the weekend but feel better for the most part now,” Brown continued. “Lost smell today. Did a jog outside today and lungs burned some I thought maybe it was just the cold air but maybe I’m still sick. I’ll get over it quickly and go from there.”

A product of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Brown has been a member of the UFC roster since 2008. From 2012-2014, Brown went on the best win streak of his career, culminating in an unsuccessful title eliminator bout vs. Robbie Lawler. As of late, Brown has won three of his last five, most recently stopping Dhiego Lima via second-round knockout.

Barberena, meanwhile, joined the roster in 2014. “Bam Bam” has struggled lately, having lost three of his last four. At the moment, it remains to be seen if UFC finds a new opponent for Barberena or simply delays the Brown bout to a later date.

Insomnia

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Random Land

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Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.