The UFC’s first event of 2021 has lost a bantamweight fight.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed on Friday to MMA Fighting that a positive COVID-19 test has forced Brian Kelleher to withdraw from his scheduled matchup with Ricky Simon at UFC Fight Island 7, which takes place Jan. 16 in Abu Dhabi. Per sources, Kelleher is not experiencing any symptoms of the virus. MyMMANews.com was first to report that the fight is no longer taking place on the card.
As of now, no word on whether the UFC is looking for a replacement for Simon, or if the matchup will be rescheduled.