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Andre Pederneiras tests positive for COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi, won’t corner Ketlen Vieira at UFC 253

Nova Uniao leader Andre Pederneiras won’t be in Ketlen Vieira’s corner for her UFC 253 bout with Sijara Eubanks after testing positive for COVID-19 upon arrival on Fight Island, Vieira revealed during the pre-fight media day in Abu Dhabi.

Pederneiras believed he was infected by the novel coronavirus back in May after a test came back positive in Rio de Janeiro. “Dede,” who was asymptomatic at the time, remained isolated from his family for a couple of weeks before returning to work, and then flew to Abu Dhabi to corner Jose Aldo and other Nova União fighters.