Kevin Syler tests positive for COVID-19, out of DWCS 27

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. 

View this post on Instagram

Con muchas tristeza debo anunciar que estoy fuera de mi pelea este 4 de Agosto. He dado positivo al Covid 19, los síntomas empezaron al comienzo de esta semana y lastimosamente no podía decir nada hasta que salieran los resultados oficiales. Pido disculpas a la organización, a mi oponente Kenny Cross y a todos los que estaban expectantes. Estaba preparado y en peso, pero Dios está al comando y espero que podamos re agendar este compromiso para una fecha no muy lejana. Esta es primera vez en mi carrera profesional o amateur que me veo obligado a retirarme de un combate… He peleado enfermo, he peleado a pesar de romperme un hueso facial 4 semanas antes, he peleado contra oponentes que no dieron el peso, en fin… Esta vez sale de mis manos, estamos en una pandemia mundial y la seguridad de todos es mas importante. Gracias a todos por el inmenso apoyo!!! Estaré de vuelta🇧🇴🇧🇴🇧🇴 I must announce my withdrawal from my fight August 4th. 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

A post shared by Kevin Syler (@kevinsylermma) on

 

“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.

author avatar
Connor Northrup
Connor Northrup once covered municipal meetings and promised himself never again. He is now combining his passion for Mixed Martial Arts and reporting all into one.