Kevin Syler tests positive for COVID-19, out of DWCS 27
Kevin Syler is out of Dana White’s Contender Series 27 after testing positive for COVID-19.
The lightweight was slated to headline the event against Kenny Cross inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 4. A light-heavyweight bout between Ty Flores and Dustin Jacoby will move up to the main event.
The 27-year-old made a statement via Instagram on Monday, Aug. 3.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDXIQOCpRcg/
“I must announce my withdrawal from my fight August 4th,” Syler said in translation on Instagram. “I have tested positive for Covid 19. The symptoms started around the start of this week. Unfortunately, I couldn’t say anything about it until the tests came back. I apologize to Contender Series, my opponent Kenny Cross, and everybody that was excited to see this fight.
“I was prepared and on weight, but God is in charge and I hope we can reschedule this match for a later date. This is the first time I’m forced to withdraw from a match in my amateur and pro career. I have fought sick. I have fought despite having my cheekbone fractured 4 weeks out of the fight. I have fought guys that missed weight. Anyway, this one is out of my hands. We’re in a global pandemic and the safety of everyone comes first. Thank you everybody for the huge support!! I’ll be back @ufc @seanshelby”
Syler is no stranger to DWCS. He competed on Season 3, earning a unanimous decision win against Lance Lawrence in July 2019. After he missed weight by 6.5 pounds, the UFC never offered a contract.
He came back this past December with a second-round submission win against Franco Aranda at Combate Bolivia MMA 3. He remains unbeaten at 10-0.
